There was a dearth of USB-C audio devices shown off at CES, with wireless connectivity and other ways of dealing with the removal of the audio jack from phones getting far more attention. However, Creative were up to the challenge and showed off their new USB-C to 3.5mm SXFI Amp for headphones as well as the Aurvana SE over the ears headset and Aurvana Trio earbuds.
The amp is quite impressive, with an Asahi Kasei Microdevices AK4377 32-bit DAC that can drive headphones with up to a 600Ω impedance, and provide 120dB SNR from 24 bit/96 kHz input and provide 2.0, 5.1 or 7.1 channel sound. TechPowerUp took a listen to all three products and compiled a review for those who want high quality audio from their phone.
"Creative finally brings to market its Super X-Fi technology built over 20 years of R&D. It aims to be a radical new change to the audio world by not only offering extremely convincing surround sound using stereo headphones, but generally enhancing the audio experience even for mono recordings provided you have a certain set of compatible devices."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Logitech G533 Wireless 7.1 Surround Gaming Headset @ OCC
- The Logitech G Pro Headset Review – Built for Pro Gamers @ BabelTechReviews
- DUNU Falcon-C Hi-Res Earphones Review @ NikKTech
- Asus STRIX Fusion 700 Wireless Headset @ Guru of 3D
- Edifier AirPulse A300 Premium Speakers @ Techspot
With such a device, you now
With such a device, you now have something that will put stress on the USB-C port if in your pocket, in addition to having a bulky device in the same pocket as the phone that will potentially scratch or scuff the smartphone.
Why not just put the audio chipset inside of the phone, e.g., like the LG V20 and the ZTE Axon 7, and then just add a headphone jack, and get the audio quality without the added bulk?
Here’s a crazy idea: put the
Here's a crazy idea: put the audio chipset AND the amp inside the phone, and just let headphones plug directly in with a 3.5 mm port built in to the phone itself! I should patent this.
It would be interesting for
It would be interesting for someone to try and patent it, just to see how other companies react. 🙂
because that would be
because that would be un-courageous
I know they are working to
I know they are working to get this integrated into motherboards and Bluetooth headphones. I’m sure they wouldn’t be opposed to integrating it into a phone but I don’t know if the phone makes want to add that much more bulk. But I personally would love to have it in a phone. I also know that they intend for you to use the dongle on multiple devices not just phones.