As more music streaming services add lossless or high-resolution audio to their offerings, interest in DACs (digital-to-analog converters, or “headphone amps”) has gathered momentum – so much so that we’ve created it this guide. What was once reserved for audiophiles is slowly becoming a popular gadget for those who want more than their phone and AirPods can deliver. But they are not without reservations. For one thing, they’re often expensive, and sometimes they’re not much smaller than the phone you’re connecting them to. Enter the Tea DAC by Khadas.
Khadas started out making media friendly single board computers (SBC – think… Raspberry Pi type media specific things) before moving on to desktop DACs. Tea is the company’s first mobile DAC and appears to be primarily aimed at iPhone users – although it’s compatible with Android too. The reason I suggest it’s a better fit for Apple’s phones is because it’s MagSafe compatible. Combine this with the sleek, iPhone-like all-metal design and it solves one of the main problems with mobile DACs: Something heavy is hanging off the back of your phone.
With the Tea it sticks to the back of your phone and the low profile makes it just a little more noticeable than Apple’s own MagSafe wallets. You can, of course, find MagSafe-enabled cases for Android, but your phone and budget will be a factor.
Apart from the elegant form factor, the Tea doesn’t skimp on its codec support. The Tea Audio can handle up to 32-bit/384kHz via USB/Lightning. With most mainstream music services offering nothing above 192kHz, streamers will have more than covered. Likewise, the Tea MQA (Tidal) can decode along with DSD, AAC, FLAC, APE, OGG and all standard formats (WAV/MP3 etc.). If you prefer to go wireless, the Tea also supports LDAC and AptX HD via Bluetooth.
James Trew / Engadget
Here I should mention that for all iPhone-friendliness, Apple doesn’t offer either LDAC or AptX HD support in its flagship phones. You can still use the Bluetooth functionality in Tea, but you won’t be able to enjoy the higher quality formats. However, this at least means you can charge your phone while using the DAC, or you can wander around with the smaller Tee plugged into your headphones rather than your mobile phone. There are many Android phones that support LDAC/AptX HD, but you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s website to confirm (most Pixel, Samsung flagships, and OnePlus phones offer LDAC/AptX HD decoding).
There are a few things you won’t find here, but most of them fall in the higher audio end. For example, there’s only a regular 3.5mm headphone jack – no option for balanced 2.5mm or 4.4mm cans at the moment (although rumor has it a ‘Pro’ version with it could be on the way). There’s also limited feedback on what codec/audio quality you’re currently receiving, with just a simple color-changing LED showing the format, which you can’t see unless the phone is face down. Inputs are limited to USB-C so it will work with your phone and PC, but no line-in.
This puts the tea in an interesting category. It’s perfectly suited for people looking to get the most out of their streaming service, and should even appeal to audiophiles looking for a discreet option that covers most bases. But at $199, it’s a reasonable expense. Perhaps the most obvious competitor is Fiio’s BTR5. This is also a portable DAC with high-resolution Bluetooth support, as well as a similar selection of wired formats (also up to 32-bit/384kHz with MQA support). Oh, and the Fiio also offers a balanced headphone option (2.5mm). When you consider that the BTR5 also typically retails for $159, you must really want that sleek MagSafe design.
But don’t underestimate that. I tested the BTR5 and the Tea side-by-side, and the sheer convenience of the Tea was evident. With the Fiio, your phone feels tethered, almost as if it’s DAC-encumbered. With the Tea, it’s similar to using one of those iPhone cases with a battery inside – a little thicker, but you can still use the phone like you normally would.
The Tea also has a much larger battery capacity – 1,160mAh compared to the Fiio’s 550mAh. This isn’t an audio benefit, obviously, but it will soon become one if you plan to listen for long periods of time or be away from a charging option for more than a couple of hours. Given the mobile nature of these devices, this seems like a reasonable option.
James Trew / Engadget
However, I’m not a big fan of the user interface. The tee has three buttons: one on the left and two on the right. The single button acts as a power button or to summon your virtual assistant. The two buttons on the other side either control the volume or skip tracks. You toggle between volume and skip mode by double-pressing the power button and the top button on the other side. It works…well, but it’s not very elegant. If you leave it in track skip mode and adjust the volume, you’ll be on the next track before you know it. A small but frustrating thing.
In wired mode, the Tea emits a robust, loud and clear sound. It might not be quite as loud as some other DACs. Even the tiny firefly competes with tea there. But the sound you get is clean and full of gain, and that’s the goal here: take a good signal and let it be heard without coloration.
Aside from its primary function as a DAC, it won’t get in the way of taking calls either. A pair of microphones at the base of the Tea allow you to speak without having to resort to your phone’s microphone. Additionally, the Tea’s microphones are several leagues better than the iPhone’s, especially when you’re talking to it while it’s on the desk. You can also set the tea to charge from your phone when you run out of juice, or turn off this feature to avoid draining your handset battery if you prefer.
All in all, the tea is a welcome addition to a growing category. At $199, it’s not the cheapest for the feature set, but its thoughtful design and aesthetics also make it fairly practical and discreet. If all of this appeals to you, unfortunately you will have to wait a little longer. While Khadas is clearly production-ready, the company is choosing to transition Indiegogo track, with the campaign set to go live in the coming weeks.
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