The ADL X1 portable DAC has put Furutech’s digital electronics brand on the market for Apple users and now it has a solution for Android devices in the £435 A1. This DAC and headphone amplifier is also DSD-capable when used with either Mac or PC. It has three digital inputs: USB, Android OTG (On-The-Go – an Android USB connection protocol), and 3.5mm optical. Output is via minijack and the A1 supports DSD64, DSD128 and PCM at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz.
It also works as a digital to digital converter with a Toslink output, supports ASIO and synchronous PC audio modes and shows sample rate with LEDs. Onboard power means it doesn’t suck power from the connected device. The A1 is 16.5mm thick and weighs approximately 150 grammes, it claims 7.5 hour playback from a full charge.
With ifi making big claims for its Nano and Micro iDSD and Chord Electronics getting plaudits for the Hugo this sector is clearly hotting up. Good news for anyone who wants to get serious sound on the move.