Short answer: the JCALLY JM20MAX. It ranks #8 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 3.8/5, at $39.99; the Periodic Audio Rhodium ranks #14, rated 1.6/5, and costs $49, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The JCALLY JM20MAX is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its ability to drive harder headphones is unknown.
What the Periodic Audio Rhodium does well: It is extremely small and light at 0 lbs (4.4 g), adding a 3.5 mm headphone jack to any USB-C device with volume set from the phone or computer. The tradeoff: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 82 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive in-ear monitors will reveal as hiss or noise.
Buy the JCALLY JM20MAX. It is rated higher than the Periodic Audio Rhodium and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JCALLY JM20MAX | Periodic Audio Rhodium | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.99 | $49.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #14 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 82 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| DAC Chip | CS43131 | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (6.5 g) | 0 lbs (4.4 g) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | - | 31 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Volume Control | - | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Dimensions | - | 0.4” x 0.3” x 4.6” (10.8 x 6.9 x 117 mm) (overall length incl. cable) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How JCALLY JM20MAX compares with other leading options:
- TRN Black Pearl vs JCALLY JM20MAX
- TANCHJIM Space vs JCALLY JM20MAX
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs JCALLY JM20MAX
- Fosi Audio DS2 vs JCALLY JM20MAX
- FiiO KA11 vs JCALLY JM20MAX
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
JCALLY JM20MAX: $39.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. At 6.5 g it is a tiny USB-C dongle that adds a 3.5 mm jack to a phone or laptop for little money.
Cons: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its ability to drive harder headphones is unknown. There is no balanced output, and the Fosi Audio DS2 rates higher with a 4.4 mm balanced jack, while the FiiO KA11 matches its rating for less.
Full JCALLY JM20MAX review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (6.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Periodic Audio Rhodium: $49.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: It is extremely small and light at 4.4 g, adding a 3.5 mm headphone jack to any USB-C device with volume set from the phone or computer.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 82 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive in-ear monitors will reveal as hiss or noise. It is rated for just 31 mW into 32 ohms, which suits in-ear monitors and easy headphones only. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter rates higher and measures cleaner for less.
Full Periodic Audio Rhodium review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 0.4” x 0.3” x 4.6” (10.8 x 6.9 x 117 mm) (overall length incl. cable) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 31 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 82 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (4.4 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons