Short answer: the TANCHJIM Space. It ranks #5 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.2/5, at $89.99. The Rode AI-Micro ranks #13, rated 2.1/5, at $79, $10.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The TANCHJIM Space is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, right at the level where noise and distortion become inaudible, so this dongle is effectively transparent. The tradeoff: It rates below the FiiO KA15 for a similar price, and that rival publishes more than twice the power from its balanced output.
Why pick the Rode AI-Micro: It doubles as a small audio interface, with two 3.5 mm microphone inputs alongside its headphone jack, and weighs just 0 lbs (13 g). The tradeoff: Audio Science Review measured only 80 dB SINAD, a level where noise and distortion can be audible, especially with sensitive in ear monitors.
Buy the TANCHJIM Space. It is rated higher, and the $10.99 saving on the Rode AI-Micro is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| TANCHJIM Space | Rode AI-Micro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89.99 | $79.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #13 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 80 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated) | 125 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C, 2 x 3.5 mm TRS/TRRS microphone |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 | - |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | - |
| Dimensions | - | 1.6” x 1.5” x 0.4” (40 x 38.2 x 11.1 mm) |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (13 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to TANCHJIM Space:
- FiiO KA15 vs TANCHJIM Space
- E1DA 9039S vs TANCHJIM Space
- TRN Black Pearl vs TANCHJIM Space
- Fosi Audio DS3 vs TANCHJIM Space
- TANCHJIM Space 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
TANCHJIM Space: $89.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, right at the level where noise and distortion become inaudible, so this dongle is effectively transparent. A rated 230 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones, and it offers both a 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm balanced output with dual CS43131 DAC chips. Button volume control lets you adjust level on the dongle itself.
Cons: It rates below the FiiO KA15 for a similar price, and that rival publishes more than twice the power from its balanced output. The TRN Black Pearl rates higher and measured cleaner for much less. The 230 mW figure suits most headphones but leaves little headroom for hard to drive planar magnetic models.
Full TANCHJIM Space review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Rode AI-Micro: $79.00 B&H Photo eBay
Pros: It doubles as a small audio interface, with two 3.5 mm microphone inputs alongside its headphone jack, and weighs just 13 g. A rated 125 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones. It rates higher than the Periodic Audio Rhodium.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured only 80 dB SINAD, a level where noise and distortion can be audible, especially with sensitive in ear monitors. There is no balanced output. The FiiO KA11 rates far higher with much cleaner measurements for less.
Full Rode AI-Micro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.6” x 1.5” x 0.4” (40 x 38.2 x 11.1 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, 2 x 3.5 mm TRS/TRRS microphone |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 125 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 80 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons