Spectra X2 Portable DAC Headphone Amplifier | Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter | Hi-Res 32bit/384kHz ESS Sabre | MFi Certified | Lossless Audio for iPhone iPad

I have only had this device for a few days and have yet to take it through it’s paces with my tougher to drive headphones. So far, I’ve logged a lot of time on the Westone W80. These IEMs are really efficient and sound surprising acceptable connected to the basic iPhone DAC cable; they are absolutely stunning running through the X2. The design is simple, smaller than a fountain pen and built rock solid. I’ll spare you the audiophile jargon and simply say if you listen to Hi-Res audio through an iOS device you cannot go wrong with the Maktar Spectra X2. While the X2 is nearly perfect, my only grip is that a device with this form factor and at this price point should really have an app to dial in the EQ. That said, I am extremely pleased with my purchase. EDIT: I tried this device with my HD 650. These headphones are notoriously power hungry. While the sound was clean there just wasn’t enough power to drive them. If you are expecting to use the X2 to push 300Ω, you are going to have a bad time. The description says as much. Not the reason I purchased this. My 5 star rating still applies. EDIT 2: A month in, I love this more than ever. I bought a right angle lightning adapter as I was afraid the attached cable may eventually fray and wear out. There was no evidence that this was the case but it was giving me anxiety. I’ve output the X2 to my primary desktop headphone amp. Pure audible bliss with the HD 650. My greatest fear now is that Apple will replace the lightning port on their phones.

After getting a few notes from audiophiles, I revised this review. The DAC is good for up to 32bit/384KHz, and the Spectra X2 claims to be an amplifier that can power up to 150 Ohm headphones. I'm using these with some 16 and 32 Ohm earphones so there's plenty of juice flowing, the volume on them can get very loud without distorting. Frankly this dongle is overkill for my purposes, there are plenty of cheaper DAC dongles like this that would work just fine. For example, the $10 JSAUX dongle I was using before does just as good a job as this $170 Spectra X2 dongle. Be advised, if your music isn't the greatest quality you should consider using a cheaper dongle anyway, these audiophile gadgets tend to give music more clarity, but also tend to reveal all the little "defects" in the music. Stick with codecs like FLAC, or at least the best MP3 you can get, so you aren't distracted by hisses or random popping and crackling from low-quality audio files. The two sets of earphones I'm using have different sound signatures; the Focal Sphear are clean and neutral while the KZ ZS6 are clean with punchy bass. The Spectra X2 does make my music sound better while leaving the natural sound of the earphones alone for the most part. I use this dongle mainly with a laptop, if using Dolby Atmos for Headphones in Windows the maximum audio bitrate level it can output is 24/96, instead of 32/384. Windows recognizes the dongle when plugged in and can be switched to like any other output source via the sound control panel. You can get the max sound quality by using a device that will actually let you use it (WTF, Windows?). I don't often use the Spectra X2 with my phone or tablet because it's very power hungry, draining my devices way faster than other powered dongles I've used, even if there's no sound being played. (Another reason to stick with cheaper dongles if possible.) I've read some people say theirs doesn't drain power like that, so I don't know what's up with that. Maybe it likes to suck some devices harder than others. [UPDATE] I've been using this daily for a few weeks and now there is a muted static hiss whenever a music track stops playing. It's not an audio quality issue, it does it with anything, from FLAC music to podcasts. On podcasts the hiss happens even between words. It happens with any device, so maybe the connector is messed up now. Also, you may have issues using this dongle with Amazon Music or external USB hubs. If I plug the Spectra X2 into the USB hub connected to my laptop, it causes Amazon music to freak out and freezes Windows. If I plug it into the laptop's USB-C port, it works fine.

Slightest bit of movement and it disconnects and stops the music playing. Sounds good but design is bad for iPhone.

Works as advertised. Allows my iPhone to play at higher resolution than possible with the normal lightning to mini adapters. Sound profile and soundstage are noticeably improved (depending on quality of recorded music). Only downside is the controls on my headphones don’t seem to operate when plugged into this adapter. Not really a big deal for me but thought I should mention it.

First, I received product on time and in new condition. It works as it should - plug in the ends and you hear high quality audio. Part of the cost must surely have gone to the packaging as its high quality. Gives you that premium feeling. Is it worth the price? Not sure. I'm happy with it but I do suggest price shopping if budget is a concern.

Very happy with the sound, better if you use Qobuz or Tidal to enjoy full range

Really nice “looking” and well built. Other than that it absolutely does nothing for sound quality. I did extensive testing via klipsch x20 and klipsch x11 (both audiophile grade EIM) save your money and use the $8 apple dongle.

I would much rather have the power of the Spectra X than the great soundstage of the X2. Disappointed they reduced the power by a lot. Maybe it has to do with apples Mfi program but so not sure. All I know is that i would rather hook the X to a stupid apple camera adapter and then hook it to my iphone than to have this weak sound come out. The spectra X actually feels like a I have a mini amplifier with me. Not as convenient but its also $50 cheaper now. The spectra x is also more versatile since its USB instead of lightning. X2= great soundstage, weaker sound X= more power, versatility, cheaper...

I bought this at the end of 2023, but only started actively using it in April 2024. Absolute garbage. Stopped working this week, starting the 20th of May 2024. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible for me to return the item. Very disappointed. Seriously, do not buy this.

Es evidente como aumenta y define cada instrumento de la Orquesta, la voz del cantante es perfecta

いいものですね。 文句なし、とてもいい表現力です。 買って良かったです。期待してます。

iPodTouch（第７世代）を外付けdacで聴いてみたかったので本機を購入しました。 ipodの再生アプリはラディウスのNeplayerのlite版をダウンロードして課金してして使っています。 音楽ファイルはFLACファイル（16bit,44.1kHz～24bit,96kHz）のみ再生して聴いています。 巷では、iPodやiPhoneは音がのっぺりしてイマイチ、Hi-Fiではない，音質ならソニーのウォークマンの勝ちというレビューばかり見かけますが、iPodの音はフラットで聴いていて疲れません。 私の中では，ウォークマンがCDの音なら，iPodはアナログレコードやカセットテープの音です。 本機 Spectra X2を繋げて聴くと、音はさらにクリアになり、音質に磨きがかかります。 長い間ウォークマンを使っていましたが、もう戻ることはないでしょう。 ちなみに，本機は商品名にヘッドホンアンプと書いてありますが，dacです。音量の調節機能はありませんのでご注意ください（ipod本体で音量を調整）。 また，「携帯」という過酷な環境では，ライトニング接続は不利なようで，頻繁な操作や出し入れをするとipodと本機が接触不良を起こし，プレイが中断します。 そのため，お気に入りのアルバムをじっくり聴くときにだけ接続し，そうでないときは，ipod本体にイヤホン直挿しで聴いています。 最後に，ipodと本機を部屋のリスニングシステムにも接続して聴いてみました。音圧は低めですが，音質はとても素晴らしいものでした。iPodでも十分にメインシステムになります。すごい時代になりましたね。

人気があって品薄状態なのでしょうか。随分と待ちました。