Short answer: the TRN Black Pearl. Both are rated 4.4/5 (#3 and #2 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs), and the TRN Black Pearl costs $35 against $139 for the E1DA 9039S, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it.
The case for the E1DA 9039S: 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.
Why pick the TRN Black Pearl: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
Buy the TRN Black Pearl. Both are rated the same, and it costs $104 less than the E1DA 9039S.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| E1DA 9039S | TRN Black Pearl | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $35.00 |
| Ranked | #2 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #3 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 125 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2.5 mm balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (2.5 mm) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | 2 x CS43131 |
| Dimensions | 1.9” x 0.4” x 0.9” (48 x 9 x 22 mm) | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (10 g) | 0.1 lbs (25 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (8-band, app) |
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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
TRN Black Pearl: $35.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 320 mW into 32 ohms from its 4.4 mm balanced output drives most headphones, and it adds a 3.5 mm output and an 8 band EQ app. It rates higher than the Chord Mojo 2 for a small fraction of the price.
Cons: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth. The FiiO KA15 rates higher and is rated for more balanced power, though it costs more.
Full TRN Black Pearl review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (8-band, app) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons