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Our Thoughts RADAR AI

Timing doesn’t move the needle much here because this is a mature, current-generation portable DAC, so value comes down mostly to price and condition. At US$200, it lands clearly above the recent used median of US$126 and above the 75th percentile of US$168, so this is ambitious rather than a deal.

That said, the model is well-liked for its clean, punchy sound, tiny footprint, and easy plug-and-play use with phones, laptops, and streams. If it’s genuinely clean, includes the cable/adapters you need, and the battery/USB-C behavior is solid, it can still make sense for someone who wants a premium pocket DAC now; otherwise, wait for a better-priced one closer to the typical used range.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About AudioQuest

Founded in 1980 by Bill Low in Irvine, California, AudioQuest traces its roots to 1978, when Low, a hi-fi store manager and avid enthusiast, began crafting superior audio cables to overcome the signal degradation he observed in existing products. Dissatisfied with subpar materials and construction, he prioritized advanced conductors like 6N copper, innovative insulation, and precise geometries, quickly earning acclaim after demos at events like the 1979 Summer CES. This passion-driven origin propelled AudioQuest from a cable innovator—first U.S. company to advance signal transmission in 1985—to a global force in high-performance audio.

While renowned for its expansive lineup of analog, digital, and AC power cables, including HDMI for video, AudioQuest has broadened into USB DACs and headphone amps, highlighted by the multi-award-winning DragonFly series launched in 2012. The brand also offers Niagara and PowerQuest power conditioners, alongside custom-install solutions, all engineered to maximize system fidelity without venturing into amplifiers, speakers, or turntables.

AudioQuest commands a premium position in the high-end market, supplying thousands of specialist retailers across 60 countries as the dominant cable provider for discerning audiophiles. Its relentless innovation, from conductor purity to dielectric design, delivers tangible performance gains, cementing a reputation for value and musicality that serious hi-fi buyers trust.

See all AudioQuest listings on RADAR.

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