Name: EarStudio HUD100 USB Dac/Amp Combo
Brand: EarStudio
SKU: 4894
Availability: InStock

EarStudio HUD100 USB Dac/Amp Combo

$129

DAC chip: AK4377
Inputs: USB-C
Outputs (3.5 mm): Standard (0.914 Vrms), High Power (2.26 Vrms)
Output Impedance: < 1 Ω
THD + N (Standard): -105 dB (0.00056%)
THD + N (High Power): -102 dB (0.00079%)
Dynamic range (Standard): 118 dB
Dynamic range (High Power): 118 dB
Sample rates: Up to PCM 32-bit 384 kHz, DSD128 (DoP)
Desktop compatibility: Mac OS 10.10 or later, Windows 7 (32/64-bit) or later
Mobile compatibility: iOS 10.3.3, iPhone 6 or later, Android 6.0 or later
Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.3 x 0.3 in (4.5 x 3.2 x 0.8 cm)
Weight: 0.8 oz (21.5 g)

The HUD100 is equipped with two single ended outputs. The one on the left side of the DSP switches is for the less power hungry earphone and headphone. It has an output power of 0.914vrms which turns out at around 114mw and should be plenty for most of the earphone in the market. The one on right with “H.P” (high power) aside is for more demanding earphones and mostly headphones. EarStudio suggests it for over 250ohm head gears but demanding IEMs like Shozy Pola can definitely use the 2.26vrms power. The HUD 100 MK2 can easily drive most of the headphones except those who are power hungry.

Radsone is firmly on-board the shrinking planet. With the ES100, and now the HUD100, they are making a brilliant case for capturing high quality audio in small packages. Looking at ancient, blocky portable amplifiers, 10 years ago I would not have dreamt that such a stellar product is possible, but here we are. A clean-sounding DAC and powerful amplifier rolled into a device smaller than your car keys.

It would be a stretch to say the HUD100 is capable of replacing full desktop systems, but for the casual listener, an audible improvement in sound quality from normal laptops, tablets and smartphones will be enough. The HUD100 made my Galaxy S9 sound cheap and tinny in comparison. The best part is, the small and quite affordable HUD100 won’t dent your pocket physically, and figuratively. The chic shall inherit the earth, surely.