Computer Audio Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Engine D1 DAC Processors by bullethead

Model:	D1
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$169
Description:	USB DAC for Computer Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Engine

Review by bullethead on March 08, 2013 at 19:40:36
IP Address: 173.68.61.124 Add Your Review
for the D1

I have owned the Audioengine D1 for well over a year. It's a nice piece of equipment which translates USB audio from a computer into an analogue output. It uses a AKM4396 chip for the D/A conversion. I am pleased with the results. I have used a variety of music files into this unit, it sounds great with 24/96 material on the Audioengine 5+ speakers which I bought along with this unit. It's a taste of the high end for my home office computer. It's not blow you away amazing but the sound definitely beats a lot of the mass market cheap USB -> D -> A converters I have tried such as the ones from Creative Labs (most recently the X-Fi).

Price is pretty good considering the D/A chip was expensive for awhile. I have no complaints with this unit, and it worked like it should for well over a year, and it continues to please me. Of note is I am a full time Linux user and it worked with that Operating system with no problems.

Product Weakness:	haven't noticed anything wrong with it
Product Strengths:	good price, works with Linux as well

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: built in amp for Audioengine 5+
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Ubuntu Linux, Lossless music files
Speakers: Audioengine 5+
Cables/Interconnects: generic
Music Used (Genre/Selections): various
Time Period/Length of Audition: over a year
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	built in amp for Audioengine 5+
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Ubuntu Linux, Lossless music files
Speakers:	Audioengine 5+
Cables/Interconnects:	generic
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	various
Time Period/Length of Audition:	over a year
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner