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This compact DAC/amp is still a respected little desktop-and-travel piece, and at US$55 it looks like a strong deal against the recent used market. With 40 comparable listings putting the median at US$89 and the 25th percentile at US$64, this asking price lands below the lower quartile, which is bargain territory.
The appeal is straightforward: clean, lively sound, easy plug-and-play use, and enough drive for many headphones without fuss. It’s a good buy if the unit powers up cleanly and includes the needed USB adapter or cable, since those small extras matter more here than with bigger gear. At this price, a well-kept example is a very easy recommendation.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
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.
