Short answer: the E1DA 9039S. It ranks #2 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.4/5, at $139; the AudioQuest DragonFly Red ranks #12, rated 2.5/5, and costs $149.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The E1DA 9039S is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 125 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, even with sensitive in-ears. Watch for: Its only headphone output is a 2.5 mm balanced jack, so most headphones need an adapter or a new cable.
The case for the AudioQuest DragonFly Red: It is a compact USB stick DAC with a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a high resolution digital volume control set from the phone or computer. The catch: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 88 dB, a real audible weakness with sensitive in-ear monitors.
Buy the E1DA 9039S. It is rated higher than the AudioQuest DragonFly Red and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| E1DA 9039S | AudioQuest DragonFly Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $149.95 |
| Ranked | #2 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #12 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 125 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 88 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 2.5 mm balanced | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (2.5 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-A |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | ES9016 |
| Dimensions | 1.9” x 0.4” x 0.9” (48 x 9 x 22 mm) | 0.7” x 0.5” x 2.4” (19 x 12 x 62 mm) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (10 g) | - |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (64-bit, on DAC chip, set from phone/PC) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for E1DA 9039S:
- FiiO KA15 vs E1DA 9039S
- E1DA 9039S vs TRN Black Pearl
- E1DA 9039S vs Fosi Audio DS3
- E1DA 9039S vs TANCHJIM Space
- E1DA 9039S vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
E1DA 9039S: $139.00 Linsoul eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 125 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, even with sensitive in-ears. E1DA rates it at 400 mW into 32 ohms balanced, enough for most headphones from a 10 g USB-C dongle with dual ES9039Q2M chips.
Cons: Its only headphone output is a 2.5 mm balanced jack, so most headphones need an adapter or a new cable. The FiiO KA15 rates higher with more balanced power for less.
Full E1DA 9039S review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (2.5 mm) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.9” x 0.4” x 0.9” (48 x 9 x 22 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2.5 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 125 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (10 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
AudioQuest DragonFly Red: $149.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: It is a compact USB stick DAC with a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a high resolution digital volume control set from the phone or computer.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 88 dB, a real audible weakness with sensitive in-ear monitors. AudioQuest does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and it plugs into USB-A, so phones need an adapter. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter measures cleaner and rates higher for a fraction of the cost.
Full AudioQuest DragonFly Red review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9016 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 0.7” x 0.5” x 2.4” (19 x 12 x 62 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-A |
| SINAD | 88 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (64-bit, on DAC chip, set from phone/PC) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons