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 JCALLY JM20MAX ranks #8, rated 3.8/5, and costs $39.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
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. Watch for: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
The case for the JCALLY JM20MAX: 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.
Buy the TRN Black Pearl. It is rated higher than the JCALLY JM20MAX and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| TRN Black Pearl | JCALLY JM20MAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35.00 | $39.99 |
| Ranked | #3 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #8 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| 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) | - |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 g) | 0 lbs (6.5 g) |
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
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