In this short review, I have tried to test Apple type C to 3.5 mm adapter and check, if it is any good or not. For a couple of years, I have tried many type C DACs ( Adapters). Some of them are 200$, some even as low as 20$ too. At the 20$ price point there are some such 3.5 mm type C DACs performed very well, and were quite satisfactory from an audiophile’s point of view.
So this time I plunged a bit lower and ordered it which cost only 10 $. This adapter has been in the market for quite some time and there are mixed reviews too. So let’s see how far it can go.
Specifications of Apple type C to 3.5 mm Adapter
Apple doesn’t share any info regarding internals or specifications. So I have tried my best to collect whatever data is available outside.
- Model – MU7E2ZM/A,
- Type – Type C to 3.5 mm,
- Output Power – 1.03 Vrms,
- THD – 0.01%,
- SNR – 99dB,
- Output Impedance – 0.9 Ohms,
- Max Decoding – 24 Bit 48kHz,
- Compatibility – iOS, Android, and Windows,
- Length – 8.2 cm,
- Weight – 3 grams.
(Data collected from www.audiosciencereview.com
Purchase Link – Here
Packaging and Build Quality
It is better not to talk much in this part. Packaging is simple and builds quality is not good. This dongle is tiny and very fragile. The connecting cable is weak and may break easily. So 1 star for poor build quality.
Driver, Firmware
This Apple adapter doesn’t have any drive or firmware to play with. In Windows, I have tried to tweak the WASAPI (Push) drivers (Foobar2000) and got only good undistorted music till 24 bit 48 kHz.
Output Power & Noise of Apple type C to 3.5 mm Adapter
The output Power is decent and acceptable for IEMs. Some users noticed lower volume issues which are purely compatibility issues. With all my devices I never had to cross 80% of the total volume for day-to-day use. I suggest better-using apps like Hiby music or USB player pro. No noticeable noise is present too.
Power Consumption and Heating
This adapter could be the most efficient dongle DAC. Consumes very less power and doesn’t heat at all in continuous uses.
Sound Quality of Apple type C to 3.5 mm Adapter
Though the sound is a subjective matter and varies from person to person but this adapter did change my mind. The output it gives for its price is truly amazing.
To me, good DACs should always give us a clean and transparent sound end to end with good resolution. And the Apple type C to 3.5 mm adapter does the same or even better. With all my IEMs it gave me a clean sound with tight bass, natural midrange, and good treble extension.
The added punch in the lower frequency part makes me confused and amazed too. Songs like ‘Somebody’s Watching Me‘ by MJ sound extremely good. The Mids are a bit dry but still don’t feel lifeless. The higher frequency part also has been moderately extended. With a well-tuned IEM, it is quite hard to believe that the DAC is only 10$.
Conclusion
I bought the Apple type C to 3.5 mm adapter out of curiosity but was amazed by its performance. Other than build quality, it could be the best audio accessory one can buy for under 10$. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to start their audiophile journey without spending much.
Graphic Designer by Profession, and Music is my hobby. Can’t recall when I had started digging the Audiophile rabbit hole, but this Website was created in 2019 to showcase my passion for music. I am not an Audiophile, I call myself a Music Enthusiasts and my goal is to pass that enthusiasm to my readers.