Khadas Tea Portable Headphone Amplifier DAC Bluetooth 5.0
Overview
The Khadas Tea Portable Headphone Amplifier DAC Bluetooth 5.0 is a compact yet powerful audio solution designed for mobile users. This portable headphone amplifier offers high-fidelity sound by incorporating the ESS ES9281AC Pro DAC, ensuring clear and precise audio. With its Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities, it allows seamless wireless audio transmission. Its ultra-thin design makes it easy to carry, and the 8-hour battery life ensures uninterrupted listening. Whether for casual use or audiophile-level enjoyment, this amplifier delivers remarkable performance in a small package.
Features & Benefits
This Bluetooth DAC supports a range of high-resolution audio formats, including LDAC, aptX, PCM, DSD, and MQA, offering superior audio quality for audiophiles. The built-in microphone adds convenience for hands-free calls, and the device is MagSafe-compatible, allowing for easy attachment to your phone. Its lightweight aluminum body is durable yet portable, making it an ideal travel companion. With USB DAC support up to 32-bit/384kHz, the Khadas Tea offers versatility and premium sound, transforming your smartphone into a powerful music hub.
Best For
This portable headphone amplifier is best suited for audio enthusiasts looking for high-quality mobile sound. It's perfect for users who want to elevate their smartphone's audio capabilities, especially those streaming from services like Tidal and Qobuz. The device’s long battery life and portability make it an excellent choice for commuters or travelers who need reliable audio on the go. If you’re someone who values both convenience and performance, this amplifier will meet your needs, offering a substantial upgrade to the standard mobile audio experience.
User Feedback
Many users have praised the Khadas Tea for its ability to improve both wired and wireless audio connections, with clear, detailed sound even in noisy environments. The 8-hour battery life is frequently mentioned as a major positive, particularly for those who use it on long commutes or during travel. However, some users have reported occasional issues with Bluetooth stability in certain setups, where the connection can be a bit unreliable in specific conditions. Despite these occasional concerns, the majority of feedback highlights its portability and overall audio performance.
Pros
- This portable headphone amplifier delivers significant sound quality improvements for both wired and wireless connections.
- Supports high-resolution audio formats like LDAC, aptX, PCM, DSD, and MQA, making it ideal for audiophiles.
- Compact design and MagSafe compatibility make it convenient for attaching to smartphones, enhancing portability.
- The 8-hour battery life ensures long listening sessions without frequent recharging.
- Built-in microphone allows for clear hands-free calling, adding versatility to this portable audio solution.
- The lightweight and durable aluminum body provides a premium feel while maintaining portability for travel.
Cons
- Some users report Bluetooth connection instability, especially with certain device setups.
- The 8-hour battery life might not be enough for users who need extended audio playback during long trips.
- The reliance on Bluetooth controls and mobile apps can feel less intuitive compared to physical buttons.
- Older devices may face compatibility issues, limiting its usability for users with legacy hardware.
- While compact, its small size can be a challenge for users who prefer more tactile controls or a larger interface.
- There are occasional complaints about the audio output being too low when connected to some higher-impedance headphones.
Ratings
After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple platforms and languages, the ratings for the Khadas Tea Portable Headphone Amplifier DAC Bluetooth 5.0 reflect both its strengths and potential pain points. Reviews were carefully filtered to exclude spam, bots, or exaggerated feedback, ensuring the results represent authentic customer experiences. Users generally praise the device’s sound quality and portability, though some report occasional Bluetooth connection issues. Below are the key performance categories and their scores based on global feedback.
Sound Quality
Bluetooth Connectivity
Portability
Battery Life
Build Quality
Audio Format Support
Ease of Use
Microphone Quality
Compatibility
MagSafe Compatibility
Value for Money
Suitable for:
The Khadas Tea Portable Headphone Amplifier DAC Bluetooth 5.0 is ideal for audiophiles and mobile music lovers who prioritize high-quality sound on the go. It’s a perfect choice for users who stream high-resolution audio via services like Tidal or Qobuz, as it supports LDAC, aptX, PCM, DSD, and MQA. Travelers and commuters will appreciate its compact design and 8-hour battery life, allowing for continuous playback throughout the day. Additionally, smartphone users seeking to enhance their audio experience, particularly those with Bluetooth-enabled devices, will find this portable amplifier highly beneficial. It’s also suitable for those who need hands-free calling with its built-in microphone, making it versatile for various on-the-go scenarios.
Not suitable for:
This headphone amplifier may not be the best option for users with less patience for occasional Bluetooth connection issues, as some users report instability with specific setups. While it works well with most modern devices, those with older phones or laptops might encounter compatibility challenges. Additionally, individuals looking for a more straightforward, physical control interface may find the device's reliance on Bluetooth controls and mobile apps less intuitive. People seeking a longer battery life for extensive use, such as long-haul travelers or those on lengthy flights, may also be disappointed, as the 8-hour runtime could be limiting in these contexts.
Specifications
- Bluetooth Version: Supports Bluetooth 5.0 for stable wireless connections and improved range.
- DAC Chip: Equipped with the high-performance ESS ES9281AC Pro DAC for clear and detailed audio output.
- Battery Life: Provides up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a full charge, ideal for long listening sessions.
- Audio Formats: Supports high-resolution audio formats such as LDAC, aptX, PCM, DSD, and MQA.
- MagSafe Compatibility: Compatible with MagSafe, allowing for easy attachment to iPhones for portable use.
- Microphone: Includes a built-in microphone for hands-free calls when connected via Bluetooth.
- Construction Material: Constructed from lightweight and durable aluminum, ensuring portability and resilience.
- Output Power: Delivers up to 165mW of output power at 32Ω, suitable for driving a wide range of headphones.
- USB DAC Support: Supports USB DAC functionality, allowing for 32-bit/384kHz audio playback via wired connection.
- Dimensions: Compact design with dimensions of 2 x 1 x 3 inches, making it highly portable.
- Weight: Weighs approximately 1.3 ounces (37 grams), ensuring easy portability for on-the-go use.
- Compatibility: Fully compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices for versatile use.
- Audio Jack: Includes a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphone connections.
- Connectivity: Supports both Bluetooth wireless connections and wired USB DAC inputs for flexible usage.
- Power Supply: Powered by a built-in rechargeable battery, offering 8 hours of playback time.
- Form Factor: Ultra-compact and lightweight design with a thickness of only 7.95mm, easy to carry in a pocket.
- Software Support: Works seamlessly with both mobile and desktop platforms without the need for additional software.
- Audio Enhancements: Improves sound quality for both Bluetooth and wired headphones with enhanced audio clarity and depth.