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Small black aluminium DAC amp with micro USB and 3.5 mm jack

SMSL Audio

SMSL IVY USB DAC Headphone Amplifier Black

SKU CH-VR9K-WJNGM

Portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier with 3.5 mm output, 0.5 W power, 95 dB dynamic range and Android OTG support

  • ImpedanceOhms
  • Product typeAccessories
  • High-quality digital-to-analog conversion via built-in DAC chip
  • Aluminium alloy shell shields interference for cleaner sound
  • 5 W output drives both high- and low-impedance headphones
  • Volume adjustable directly on the device
  • Includes protective bag and user manual for immediate use

Pocket DAC for Android Phones

The SMSL IVY is a compact USB digital-to-analogue converter and headphone amplifier designed for native Android 4.0 devices. It draws power from the phone via its Micro USB connector and delivers audio through a 3.5 mm jack. The aluminium alloy shell is finished with sand-blasting, wire-drawing, oxidation and laser engraving for durability. A small carrying bag and user manual are included.

USB Audio Limits

The unit accepts synchronous USB transmission at 32, 44.1 and 48 kHz with 16-bit depth and does not support higher sample rates or bit depths. OTG functionality is restricted to native Android 4.0 and above; other operating systems or custom ROMs are not supported. Output power is rated at 0.5 W, which may not drive high-impedance or low-sensitivity headphones to loud volumes. Total harmonic distortion plus noise is specified at 0.009 %.

Deciding Spec: Android-Only OTG

Buyers must confirm their phone runs stock Android 4.0 or newer, because the IVY will not work with iOS, Windows, macOS or non-native Android builds. If your device meets that requirement the DAC adds a 95 dB dynamic range and 95 dB signal-to-noise ratio to wired headphones. Users needing multi-platform compatibility or higher-resolution playback should consider other solutions.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Earbuds & Over-Ear Headphones, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $22.99
Cheaper than about 55% of the 7,078 comparable items (median $25.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameS.M.S.L
Product typeAccessories
Audio & video
ImpedanceOhms

Questions about this item

Should I pick the 32 kHz or the 384 kHz USB mode for my Android phone?

The IVY only accepts synchronous USB at 32, 44.1 or 48 kHz and 16-bit depth; higher sample rates are not supported on this model.

What does the 0.5 W power rating mean for my headphones?

At 0.5 W the IVY drives most low- to medium-impedance headphones to loud listening levels; very high-impedance models may need more power.

How does the Micro-USB interface limit the DAC in practice?

The synchronous Micro-USB link caps playback at 48 kHz / 16-bit and requires native Android 4.0 or newer with OTG support.

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