I've owned the the D1 for for a little over 4 years now. My first unit was fantastic until it started having the same issues Josh is experiencing. Audioengine's customer service was fantastic! I had a new unit within a few days, free of charge, which has been trouble free for over 3 years.
I've had a D1 before and never experienced any of the issues you've experienced. I had it plugged into my PC desktop, and it would recognize the D1 flawless each time right from startup. Plugged into a Mac, I would just need to go under the audio settings and switch the output device to the D1s. No drivers needed in either case. Powered just off my computer, they would drive my HD6xx to comfortably loud listening volumes. Not excessively, concert-level loud, but sufficient for everyday listening in a quiet room. I've since sold the D1 for a Centrance Hifi-M8 for its built in battery and better amp, but miss the D1's for its ability to switch between my headphones and speakers seamlessly.
Same here, I own the D1 and it works just fine out of USB. As you said, dac is good but the amp is lacking. It's ideal for studio monitors and easy to drive headphones. Also, isn't the volumed controlled digitally on this unit? Pretty sure that's why there is no channel imbalance at low volumes
I have this DAC for more than 8 years and used to keep it at work. When I brought it home, I noticed that it was only recognized by using a cheap USB 2.0 hub which was weird.
Consider plugging your DAC and power to your DAC through a powered USB hub having the consistent voltage on the USB ports of the DAC allow for Less communication errors
Hello mate. I just switched to the A5+ , coming from Edifiers Luna Eclipse. I was kinda disappointed because I didn't notice and difference in sound quality etc.. If I buy that thing you have there , the D1, you think I will notice any difference in sound quality?
I have been using the D1 for a number of years with both Windows and Mac usb computer connections and I have suffered no problems at all. It also drives my DT880 (250) pro and ath-900x without any problems. The volume control does not give you good control over the level of volume i.e. it gets very loud with little turning of the dial. It is an old product which I have been looking to upgrade recently but works so well I am not really sure how much I need to spend to get a significant upgrade. Points worth considering: It does not have a button for choosing output (stop all that unplugging) Sound upgrade over computer output is relatively small Reviewer is correct when he asserts that this product is overpriced Thanks for all your reviews Josh keep up the good work!
I'm looking for this answer, just ordered some 6XX's and am trying to figure out if these are sufficient. Did you end up going with the AudioEngine D1 or something else?
@@DogBlessGeesus I went with a Topping DX3 pro. A beautiful piece of kit. has two RCA outputs for connecting to monitors aswell as a 3.5mm output for headphones. has a remote and everything, for switching between the two and also a 9dB boost on the 3.5mm for that little "umpfh."
Zoes must have broke your unit. I have had a D1 for years and it works flawlessly from MacBook Pro, Windows and Chromebook/Chromebox. It also works great with Chromecast Audio via optical. Agreed it’s a good DAC, but headphone amp is lacking. Can’t wait to see your review of new AudioEngine products.
V good review as ever. Thx. I’m not having any issues for the USB-C version of the D1. Running 660s. Love the sound and the simplicity of the unit. I was looking for a sub 200 Dac/amp combo and preferred this to the FiiO Q3 for sure. I’m only a beginner in this space but v happy so far.
Joshua Valour Dacmagic XS looks really promising. However, I don't think it will work on my Samsung S8 as it uses micro usb connection. Btw, do you think it is worth having a 2-3yo dac/amp models in the 2018 gaming laptops specifically Dell G7?
So Josh I know his isn't the best place but I just wanted to let you know that I tried the HD600 and... I was quite mindblown.Mostly by the detail and imaging.Like hearing things behind me was really awesome.I heard other headphones (even more expensive) but the HD600 were the most interesting out of the bunch.
Joshua Valour Yea just watched the podcast like 2 seconds ago *pretty fun stuff* and yeah heard you saying it there. Also can you do a comparison like 600 - 650 - 660s?
Well, as I am getting familiar with the audio systems more and more and at the same time as a new subscriber to this channel, I am getting more sense of what you are trying to transfer, I am taking this product as a NO. Even if this is a good DAC, it definitely doesn't worth $160 price list on the Feb. 2022!
I used to have a D1 and it was great. The USB issues youre having are specific due to either your device or computer. I had none of those issues.
I've owned the the D1 for for a little over 4 years now. My first unit was fantastic until it started having the same issues Josh is experiencing. Audioengine's customer service was fantastic! I had a new unit within a few days, free of charge, which has been trouble free for over 3 years.
Wow!!
I've had a D1 before and never experienced any of the issues you've experienced.
I had it plugged into my PC desktop, and it would recognize the D1 flawless each time right from startup. Plugged into a Mac, I would just need to go under the audio settings and switch the output device to the D1s. No drivers needed in either case. Powered just off my computer, they would drive my HD6xx to comfortably loud listening volumes. Not excessively, concert-level loud, but sufficient for everyday listening in a quiet room.
I've since sold the D1 for a Centrance Hifi-M8 for its built in battery and better amp, but miss the D1's for its ability to switch between my headphones and speakers seamlessly.
Quick tip. Please stop waiving the product through the air for the entire review
Oh man - can't unsee it... Make it stop!!!!
Same here, I own the D1 and it works just fine out of USB. As you said, dac is good but the amp is lacking. It's ideal for studio monitors and easy to drive headphones.
Also, isn't the volumed controlled digitally on this unit? Pretty sure that's why there is no channel imbalance at low volumes
I have this DAC for more than 8 years and used to keep it at work. When I brought it home, I noticed that it was only recognized by using a cheap USB 2.0 hub which was weird.
Consider plugging your DAC and power to your DAC through a powered USB hub having the consistent voltage on the USB ports of the DAC allow for Less communication errors
Hello mate. I just switched to the A5+ , coming from Edifiers Luna Eclipse. I was kinda disappointed because I didn't notice and difference in sound quality etc.. If I buy that thing you have there , the D1, you think I will notice any difference in sound quality?
I'm planning to use this from a cheap Sony DVD player digital output, then to my Sony Z7 headphones. Should this work for that?
I have been using the D1 for a number of years with both Windows and Mac usb computer connections and I have suffered no problems at all.
It also drives my DT880 (250) pro and ath-900x without any problems.
The volume control does not give you good control over the level of volume i.e. it gets very loud with little turning of the dial.
It is an old product which I have been looking to upgrade recently but works so well I am not really sure how much I need to spend to get a significant upgrade.
Points worth considering:
It does not have a button for choosing output (stop all that unplugging)
Sound upgrade over computer output is relatively small
Reviewer is correct when he asserts that this product is overpriced
Thanks for all your reviews Josh keep up the good work!
worth getting rid of this and get a k5 pro now?
I have the older model and I have never had a USB connection problem. Metal body with a plastic front. Plenty loud enough for my B&W P7 headphones.
Which headphone amp would you recommend for hard to drive headphones??
so at 300ohm, this would probably have a hard time driving my Senheiser HD 6XX's?
I'm looking for this answer, just ordered some 6XX's and am trying to figure out if these are sufficient. Did you end up going with the AudioEngine D1 or something else?
@@DogBlessGeesus I went with a Topping DX3 pro. A beautiful piece of kit. has two RCA outputs for connecting to monitors aswell as a 3.5mm output for headphones. has a remote and everything, for switching between the two and also a 9dB boost on the 3.5mm for that little "umpfh."
Zoes must have broke your unit. I have had a D1 for years and it works flawlessly from MacBook Pro, Windows and Chromebook/Chromebox. It also works great with Chromecast Audio via optical.
Agreed it’s a good DAC, but headphone amp is lacking. Can’t wait to see your review of new AudioEngine products.
Errol Brown same here. Mine has worked flawlessly for quite some time.
This or soundblasterx g6 ? Thanks
Sound blaster. I have both and the sound blaster is superior. There's a lot more customization on windows machines
Is the d1 decent enough for the k712 or should i consider a higher end amp/DAC
same question here.
D1 or schiit hel 2?
Same issues here with USB, but once working sounds great
You can't tell the difference between aluminium and plastic?
Steve Guttenberg talked about buying the first open headphone in the world, which was invented by sennheiser in the 70s and was 2k ohms.
V good review as ever. Thx. I’m not having any issues for the USB-C version of the D1. Running 660s. Love the sound and the simplicity of the unit. I was looking for a sub 200 Dac/amp combo and preferred this to the FiiO Q3 for sure. I’m only a beginner in this space but v happy so far.
What dac/amp combo do you recommend for android devices?
Oppo HA-2 if you can find it. Dacmagic XS isn't bad if your phone is compatible.
Joshua Valour Dacmagic XS looks really promising. However, I don't think it will work on my Samsung S8 as it uses micro usb connection.
Btw, do you think it is worth having a 2-3yo dac/amp models in the 2018 gaming laptops specifically Dell G7?
the most serious problem is after several years (mine>5) the front and back surfaces of D1 get sticky...
Clean with isopropyl alcohol. That’s how you clean soft touch plastic.
I bought this product a while back and had the same power issues.
So Josh I know his isn't the best place but I just wanted to let you know that I tried the HD600 and... I was quite mindblown.Mostly by the detail and imaging.Like hearing things behind me was really awesome.I heard other headphones (even more expensive) but the HD600 were the most interesting out of the bunch.
Ya, they really are amazing. I just received the HD660s for review. That will be coming out in a few weeks. They are 600's on a whole new level.
Joshua Valour Yea just watched the podcast like 2 seconds ago *pretty fun stuff* and yeah heard you saying it there.
Also can you do a comparison like 600 - 650 - 660s?
Have you tried audioengines d1 for gaming? how do they perform?
It's not all plastic, that's anodized aluminum.
Very simple way how I fix it for myself - short cable is the answer. The shortest cable you coose between your pc and D1 the more stable it is. 👍
Even though I don't have the same problems as u. I have to say this review is amazing. Underrated channel.
The older sennheiser hd 410, 414 and 424 are 2000 ohms
Maybe your computer's USB drive is not outputting the full 5v that it should
10 kOhm is standard for RCA
Well, as I am getting familiar with the audio systems more and more and at the same time as a new subscriber to this channel, I am getting more sense of what you are trying to transfer, I am taking this product as a NO. Even if this is a good DAC, it definitely doesn't worth $160 price list on the Feb. 2022!
Nice review.
what a sad story
Very nice review