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Audioengine D1 24-Bit Digital to Analog Converter

BH #AUD1Q • MFR #D1
41 reviews
Audioengine D1 24-Bit Digital to Analog Converter
Key Features
  • High Quality 24-Bit 192 kHz Audio
  • Digital USB and Optical Inputs
  • Headphone Preamp
  • Mac or Windows Compatible
The D1 by Audioengine is a 24-bit 192 kHz audio interface with a built-in digital-to-analog converter. Offering both USB and optical inputs, the D1 is ideal for upgrading the sound of your computer as well as your TV, Apple TV, DVD/Blu-ray player and more.

The D1 is USB powered and features a built-in headphone amp making it a great solution as a portable headphone preamp as well. It is both Mac and PC compatible and offers simple, plug and play compatibility via USB with no drivers required.
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$169.00
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Audioengine D1 Overview

The D1 by Audioengine is a 24-bit 192 kHz audio interface with a built-in digital-to-analog converter. Offering both USB and optical inputs, the D1 is ideal for upgrading the sound of your computer as well as your TV, Apple TV, DVD/Blu-ray player and more.

The D1 is USB powered and features a built-in headphone amp making it a great solution as a portable headphone preamp as well. It is both Mac and PC compatible and offers simple, plug and play compatibility via USB with no drivers required.

Features a 24-bit 192 kHz digital-to-analog converter for high-quality digital audio output
Built-in headphone amp provides enhanced output for your computer or portable audio device
USB powered, Mac or PC plug and play compatibility with no drivers to install
USB and optical S/PDIF inputs provide versatile digital input options
HD audio with low jitter using the AK4396 digital audio converter
UPC: 819955250039

Audioengine D1 Specs

Converter TypeD/A Converter
Number of Channels2
Converter CircuitryD/A Chipset:
AKM4396
Optical Chipset:
CS8416
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O1 x Stereo RCA Coaxial Output
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O1 x TOSLINK Optical S/PDIF Input
Host Connection ProtocolUSB 1.1
Sync I/ONone
Network I/ONone
MIDI I/ONone
Performance
Frequency Response10 Hz to 25 kHz ±0.5 dB
Maximum Output LevelRCA Outputs:
2 Vrms at 0 dBFS
Headphone Outputs:
2 Vrms at 0 dBFS
ImpedanceRCA Outputs:
47 Ohms
Headphone Outputs:
10 Ohms
SNR> 110 dB
THD+N< 0
Crosstalk< -85 dB
Digital Audio
Sample RatesOptical S/PDIF:
Up to 192 kHz
USB Input:
96 kHz
Bit DepthsUp to 24-Bit
Power
Power RequirementsUSB Bus Power
Current Consumption200 mA
Physical
Operating Humidity5 to 95%
Operating Temperature32 to 95°F / 0 to 35°C
Storage Temperature-4 to 113°F / -20 to 45°C
Dimensions4 x 3.5 x 1" / 10.16 x 8.89 x 2.54 cm
Weight1.0 lb / 0.5 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight1.12 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)10.85 x 7.1 x 2.45"

Audioengine D1 Reviews

Better sound from your laptop

By Keith
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-06-24

My original D1 unit is still working some eight years after buying it from B & H. I recently added another to my collection. Depending on the quality of your computers DAC--and your ears--this unit will make anything between a slight to a major improvement in the sound of music recordings being teproduced from your computer

Such nice sound, heartbroken to be returning it

By Steve
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2021-02-24

I'm heartbroken, because I'm sending it back. It sounds really good when it's making music. Probably the best sound you can get for the money. But I found it unacceptably... hinky, in general operation at best. I had the problem with disconnects, and also had pops and clicks in the background while playing music. I moved it to a USB-3 type A port on a thunderbolt 3 hub attached directly to the mac with nothing else connected to it. That cleared up the pops and clicks mostly, tho I could still detect them sometimes in high sample rate tracks thru Tidal. Notably, that also seems to have cleared up the problem with disconnects, too. But a new problem came up. About every 4th or 5th time I clicked on a track to play what came out of the speakers was very loud static. Didn't seem to matter if a track was playing already. At first I thought it was a problem with Tidal, but then it happened in Roon in non-exclusive mode, and also happened once when my iPhone rang thru my computer too. I looked at everything on the AudioEngineUSA site for info on this without finding anything. There is no human support option on their site either. So back it goes.

Wow!

By Paul
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2019-07-25

I wish I didn’t have to turn it on and off every time I use a different source but the output is so analogue sounding that it’s worth the trouble!

Muffelnd Sound when linked to CD player

By thomas
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2019-07-23

I bridged a Marantz CD player (CD6005) via a Forest optical cable to the audioengine D1 and then via audioquest evergreen RCA cables to a to a Marantz amplifier (PM8005). The sound was muffled and I decided to return the unit and buy a new Marantz CD player (getting a Marantz product repaired is difficult in the Boston area)

Great Little DAC

By Claudio
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2018-08-13

I was surprising with this little DAC, great sound, fast setup, really very good purchase. The sound rivalize with more expensives DACs.

A little pricey, but definitely makes music fun to listen to

By Matt
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2018-05-14

I was intrigued and a little skeptical about this little device but I listen to music a lot during my work day so I thought I'd take the plunge and see what its all about. A couple of things I noticed and tips to enjoy it the most. 1) Be sure to pair this with some solid headphones for best results. I have a v-moda crossfade set and they were good before but they pair nicely with the d1 2) Don't make a judgement by going back and forth between the d1 and your computer. You won't notice the difference that way. Instead, listen to a bunch of music without it first, then plug in the d1...the difference will show more that way. 3) The instruction mention there is a burn in time of 40-50 hours. I have to agree. The longer I listen the more it improves and my ears adjust to the subtleties it brings out. 4) Be sure you have a high quality audio source. I have a Spotify premium subscription and it has a premium setting for higher bitrate streams. 5) Also, be sure to go to your audio/midi setup preference if you have a mac AFTER you plug it in. You can increase the quality to 24bit / 90Hz for the best output. 6) Don't be afraid to listen a little louder to hear the sound separation it offers. At higher volumes, you get all the juicy details hidden in the track. 7) If your volume cuts out when you turn it down, check the program source volume.� I had Spotify up to full and needed to set it in the middle to avoid that. I would definitely consider it a luxury / audiophile device. If you don't do high quality audio work or appreciate hi-fi sound recordings, you likely won't think its worth the price tag. That being said...it is amazing to see how well it brings out things in tracks I hadn't heard before. Super cool.

Great DAC for the price

By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-11

The Audioengine D1 DAC works as it is advertised. Good quality sound from a reasonably priced DAC.

Makes a difference

By Charles
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-16

This DAC does make a difference. The sound is more clear, clean, and present. I have this hooked up to the AudioEngine 2+ speakers, which have their volume control on the back. With this DAC, it's great to have the volume knob on the front. However, I lose onscreen feedback, and cannot use the keyboard. The volume knob has no marks on it, either. One reviewer said that he used a Sharpie to place a mark on it. For now, I don't want to mark it at all, so I'm learning how essentially fly blind. This is not ideal. When I first began using it, I could hardly hear it at all. One reviewer made a good suggestion that I have followed. Turn the volume knob of the speaker almost all the way up, and turn the DAC volume all the way down. This way, just a little movement of the DAC knob gives you better control, and you don't have to move it very far. Of course, it's also nice to have the headphone jack on the front. So nice not having to hunt in the back of my iMac. It's also nice that the speakers automatically turn off when you plug in your headphones. The body of the DAC is very lightweight. You will probably find that it swims around if you have it on a smooth surface. Quirks aside, it definitely works, and it has greatly enhanced my listening experience.

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Can the length of an RCA cable affect sound ...

Can the length of an RCA cable affect sound quality if it is 50 ft long?
Asked by: Eldar
Yes, with an un-balanced audio cable, such as RCA cable, the signal will be affected by two things: 1- signal loss of level, reducing the signal over the length of cable; 10-15 ft is maximum recommended length. 2- Noise and/or interference may be introduced (because of lack of cable shielding) to the audio signal, depending on the environment in which it is being used.
Answered by: james
Date published: 2020-10-14

how does the sound of the Audioengine D1 compare ...

how does the sound of the Audioengine D1 compare to a Marantz CD6006 built-in DAC (reference class CS4398 D/A converter), if the D1 is connected to a CD player via and optical cable - and then via RCA cabers to the amplifier ? Is there a noticeable difference in sound ?
Asked by: thomas
The D1 delivers pristine audio no doubt about it. We have not auditioned the D1 side by side withe Marantz however. There should be a very noticeable upgrade in audio when using the D1.
Answered by: Mark
Date published: 2019-07-17

Can the headphone amp power high-impedance ...

Can the headphone amp power high-impedance headphones.Ike Sennheisers?
Asked by: Christopher
I bought a set of Beyer DT 770 PRO 250 Ohms after owning the D1 for several years and often wonder if I would have been better off with a set of 80 Ohms cans. I find I really have to crank the volume and then watch my meters (in Premiere Pro) a lot more than I anticipated or ever used to.
Answered by: Nathaniel
Date published: 2021-08-03

question

I use a ESI U24-XL, which is the main USB in /out to my Mac Laptop,Would it be possible to run one of the Optical outs from the ESI to the Optical in of the D1, in theroy giving me an extra headphone or speaker outin connjuction with the ESI?
Asked by: Anonymous
The control panel for the ESI U24-XL allows you select between digital or analog outputs, unfortunately both are not available simultaneously.
Answered by: Jeff P.
Date published: 2018-08-28

Does this work with ASIO drivers?

Does this work with ASIO drivers?
Asked by: Quincy
DaVinci Resolve Studio 15 and 16 Beta do have 3D tools. Of course you will need an interface with 4 mic preamps.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2020-03-08

will connecting this to computer via usb port ...

will connecting this to computer via usb port bypass soundcard?
Asked by: Israel
Yes. You will need to select the D1 as your output device. On a Mac, that would be the Audio MIDI Setup preference pane.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2021-06-08

will this bypass soundcard when connected through ...

will this bypass soundcard when connected through usb port?
Asked by: Israel
Yes. If you select this as the output device.
Answered by: James Cruz
Date published: 2021-06-07

question

Do I have it right: no power supply? USB power only? So if you run optical 30 feet to it form a PC, you are supposed to run a 30' USB too?
Asked by: c
This device runs on USB power (cable included). So you hook this device to your computer via USB cable. Think of it as a high end sound card. The inside of a PC is a bad place for sound cards to operate with all the electromagnetic energy going on. Having this outside of the PC environment is a good thing!
Answered by: Trevor W.
Date published: 2019-12-02
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