The Audioengine D3 Premium 24-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) allows you to bypass your computer's headphone output and send music directly through a USB port for noticeably improved fidelity and a higher output. The D3 is a powerful yet portable converter with performance and features usually found in more expensive DACs and is the perfect interface between your computer and headphones or any music system.
- Connect D3 to a USB port on your Mac or PC and send high-quality music to your headphones or any audio system.
- D3 includes a USB DAC and headphone amplifier for incredible audio performance in a portable design.
- Audioengine D3 is the perfect intro to computer audio!
Setup is easy and no special software is needed, making D3 a true plug-and-play solution. The D3 plugs directly into a USB port on your computer so no external power supply or cables are needed. The output of the D3 connects to headphones, Audioengine powered speakers, or any audio system. The D3 also has a sample rate indicator that shows sample rates above 48K so you'll know you’re getting the most out of your HD music.
The quality of most computer headphone outputs isn't generally very inspiring, so the D3 provides a better option by streaming audio from your computer's USB port and directly connecting to your music system or headphones. The D3 DAC is the perfect way to get great-sounding music not only from your computer to headphones but also from your computer to any music system.
D3 will process digital audio at any bit depth up to 24 bits and any native sample rate to 96KHz. With its high signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion, the D3 delivers sound quality generally heard only in more expensive DACs. The high-performance headphone amplifier was designed for a wide range of headphones and will satisfy even the most demanding headphone enthusiast with its high output and revealing sound. The D3's asynchronous data transfer carefully controls USB streaming audio from any computer which greatly improves audio performance.
The heart of the D3 is the AK4396 DAC, well regarded for its low noise and high fidelity. Due to the high signal-to-noise specs of the AK4396 and the added benefit of double redundancy power source conversion and filtering, the D3 presents impressive low noise and low distortion characteristics. The D3 can process digital audio at any bit depth up to 24 bits and any sample rate up to 192kHz. D3 pads (upsamples) all bit depths internally to 24 bits, thus achieving a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
The D3 contains a high-performance headphone amplifier based on the LME49726 low-noise opamp. This amp is able to provide low-impedance, high-fidelity audio and a 2-volt output which easily drives a wide range of headphones, including headphones with impedances as low as 12 ohms. The D3’s relay-controlled stereo outputs can also be connected to any system with an analog audio input, such as Audioengine powered speakers, for example.
The D3 is powered directly from the USB bus and power is passed through two stages of regulation to ensure no USB bus power variations affect the audio quality. This low-noise, low-ripple power supply is located on a separate circuit board for extra isolation and thermal management.
Volume is controlled from the computer’s OS and is implemented in the D3 as a digitally-controlled analog volume control.
Portable USB audio converter for Mac or PC
Stream bit-perfect native 24/96 HD audio
High-performance headphone amp included
Plug-and-play, no drivers or software to install
Connect headphones or any music system
Easily drives low impedance headphones
Computer OS volume control
Asynchronous data transfer with dual master clocks
HD indicator for sample rates above 48K
Metal injection molded (MIM) aluminum case
Any computer, Mac or PC
Headphones
Powered speakers
Any music system with audio inputs (RCA or minijack)
D3 DAC
Carry case
1/4” headphone adapter cable
Setup guide
Product line brochure