D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC — Audioengine Skip to Content

D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC

The Audioengine D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC, our premium 32-Bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and headphone amplifier engineered exclusively for enhancing your desktop audio experience. This device elevates the sound quality from computers, TVs, and other digital sources by directly connecting through USB C or optical. It stands as the ultimate interface between your computer and music system, streamlining your desktop audio experience.
Connection Types:

$169

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30-day audition
3-year warranty
D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC

The D1: A Master of All Trades

  • Universal Compatibility: Seamlessly connects to and is powered by desktop computers, laptops, and other USB-enabled devices.
  • Versatile Connections: Offers USB C and optical inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of digital sources including PCs, TVs, and media players.
  • Powered by Your Devices: Designed to draw power directly from your computer or any USB port, eliminating the need for external power sources and simplifying setup.
D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC

Features

  • High-Performance Amplification: Tailored for desktop use, it provides an amplified audio signal to both headphones and powered speakers.
  • Precise Volume Control: Direct volume adjustment from your computer or device, ensuring accurate sound levels without imbalance.
  • Dedicated Outputs: Features separate outputs for headphones and powered speakers or AV receivers, designed for a comprehensive desktop audio setup.
  • Premium Build Quality: Boasts custom audiophile-grade RCA connectors and a durable aluminum case for a long-lasting desktop audio solution.
  • Superior Sound Quality: Delivers sound quality typically found in more expensive DACs, making it a perfect choice for a wide range of high-end headphones and speakers.
  • D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC

    Designed for Audiophiles

  • Drives High-End Headphones: Engineered to power audiophile-grade headphones, delivering pristine sound quality that meets the expectations of the most discerning listeners.
  • Platform Agnostic: Fully compatible with iOS, MacOS, and Windows, ensuring a broad usability across devices for a unified audio experience.
  • D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC

    Setup That’s as Easy as 1-2

    The D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC offers a plug-and-play solution, requiring no special software, apps, or drivers. Its compatibility with any audio system or powered speakers, like the Audioengine A5+ or A2, along with power directly from the USB bus, facilitates an effortless enhancement of your desktop listening experience.

    D1 DAC/Headphone amp
    D1 DAC/Headphone amp (rear)
    Volume control
    Power indicator
    Headphone output
    Stereo RCA Output
    Optical / TOSLINK input
    USB C input

    Tech Specs

    DAC type
    Dual Mode USB C and Optical (SPDIF)
    Inputs
    USB C/Optical (SPDIF)
    Outputs
    RCA stereo/3.5mm headphone
    D/A converter
    ESS9018

    What's in the box

    1
    D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC
    1
    USB cable
    1
    Microfiber product bag
    1
    Setup guide

    Questions & answers about the D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC

    The Gen 1 24-bit D1 requires a USB 2.0 cable to work properly. If your computer has USB-C inputs, use a 2.0 USB cable with a type C-to-A USB adapter.

    All Optical audio is considered a "fixed" output, meaning volume will not attenuate from the TV remote. If you have an HD5/HD6 you can use the Audioengine remote for this. Fo

    The D1 includes a headphone amplifier based on the ES9601C SABRE low noise opamp.  This headphone amp is able to provide low-impedance, high-fidelity audio to a wide range of headphones.  We've found the sweet spot for the D1 is headphones that measure between 20 and 300ohms.  The resistance of a pair of headphones can tell you a little bit about how much power they need, though other variables do have an impact as well. We have heard from customers with headphones measuring as much as 600ohms who say they're happy with the output of the D1.

    The D1 is essentially a very high-end external sound card. Its components and implementation of those components make it more capable than what might be built into a computer, not to mention the benefit of moving those sensitive components outside and away from the potentially noisy interior of your computer. All of this means the signal your speakers receive will be clearer, with a lower noise-floor, and with a more pronounced dynamic range over your internal sound card.

    You should be able to incorporate the Airport Express with the D1 easily. All you would need to do is run an optical cable from the output of the Airport Express into the optical input of the D1. Then all you would need to do is connect the D1's RCA output into the analog input of your Audioengine Speakers or your AV receiver.

    The D1 will work with any device that can operate as a USB host, can provide enough power via USB, and includes generic drivers for standard USB audio playback.  A device with Android 5.0 or later should have both USB host mode and native plug-and-play functionality for USB audio, so you could connect the two together using a USB OTG cable along with a standard USB cable.

    To get things up and running, you would just need to first connect the included USB cable from your computer's USB port to the D1; then you'll need to connect the RCA outputs to your powered speakers/ AV receiver or your headphones to the headphone output on the front of the D1.

    Next, if using a Mac, you will need to go to System Preferences/Sound, and select "Audioengine D1"; if you're using a PC, no setting changes are needed as the computer will automatically find the USB driver. Finally, you'll just need to play music from iTunes or your favorite media player and that's it! Setup really is that easy!

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    The new D1 is the perfect music “interface” between your computer and speakers or headphones.
    The new D1 is the perfect music “interface” between your computer and speakers or headphones.
    Read Full Review

    I would recommend feeding it anything and everything your music library has to offer.
    I would recommend feeding it anything and everything your music library has to offer.
    Read Full Review

    Sweeter than the sound is the price — only $170. That’s peanuts for a DAC/amp combo of this quality. The compact, attractive design is just gravy.
    Sweeter than the sound is the price — only $170. That’s peanuts for a DAC/amp combo of this quality. The compact, attractive design is just gravy.
    Read Full Review

    Those looking for a portable DAC + amp combo will find the Audioengine D1 an excellent performer with tons of connectivity at a reasonable price.
    Those looking for a portable DAC + amp combo will find the Audioengine D1 an excellent performer with tons of connectivity at a reasonable price.
    Read Full Review

    The D1 is pretty damn awesome. It’s got the same basic performance of a D3 plus way better connection options, not to mention a volume pot…
    The D1 is pretty damn awesome. It’s got the same basic performance of a D3 plus way better connection options, not to mention a volume pot…
    Read Full Review

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    Which Audioengine Headphone Amplifier & DAC is right for you?

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    RCA Output
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    Headphone Amplifier
    Headphone Impedance
    Portability
    Supported Formats
    D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC
    $169
    ESS9018
    32-bit
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    • 10 ohms to 600 ohms
    • Desktop
    • PCM
    • DSD
      DAC3 Mobile Headphone Amplifier & DAC
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      No
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          D1P 32 Bit Portable Headphone Amplifier & DAC
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          ES9219C
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          Yes
          Yes
          Yes
          Yes
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