Short answer: the TRN Black Pearl. It ranks #3 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.4/5, at $35; the FiiO KA11 ranks #9, rated 3.8/5, at $32.99. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The TRN Black Pearl is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
What the FiiO KA11 does well: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: There is only a 3.5 mm output, with no balanced jack.
Buy the TRN Black Pearl. It is rated higher, and the $2.01 you would save on the FiiO KA11 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| TRN Black Pearl | FiiO KA11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35.00 | $32.99 |
| Ranked | #3 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #9 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 200 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 (Lightning version also sold) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 | CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | - |
| Equalizer | Yes (8-band, app) | - |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) | 1.8” x 0.4” x 0.4” (44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 g) | 0 lbs (8.5 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to TRN Black Pearl:
- FiiO KA15 vs TRN Black Pearl
- E1DA 9039S vs TRN Black Pearl
- TRN Black Pearl vs Fosi Audio DS3
- TRN Black Pearl vs TANCHJIM Space
- TRN Black Pearl 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
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
FiiO KA11: $32.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. A rated 200 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones, impressive from an 8.5 g USB-C stick, and a Lightning version is also sold for older iPhones. It costs less than the JCALLY JM20MAX for the same rating.
Cons: There is only a 3.5 mm output, with no balanced jack. Power falls to a rated 22 mW into 300 ohms, too little for high impedance headphones, and the Fosi Audio DS2 rates higher with a balanced output and lower measured distortion for more money.
Full FiiO KA11 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.8” x 0.4” x 0.4” (44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C (Lightning version also sold) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (8.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons