The volume pot is nice to have even if it looks like a gumdrop. I also assume that if you’re in the market for a DAC/headphone amp, you know how to do it. I assume that with Windows you have to do some sort of driver stretch. If you have a Mac, it’s all just plug and play. Second is the RCA pair at the back, which make the D1 really easy to hook up to your favorite amp, HiFi, or TV. First, as long as you can power it from an external source, it works well with optical sources. What the D1 gave up in simplicity it gained in pluggies. It’s got the same basic performance of a D3 plus way better connection options, not to mention a volume pot, and no need for a reach-around. If price explains everything, you probably aren’t expecting much from the D1. But 169$? Isn’t that ridiculous? I’ve had more expensive lunches. Optical input keeps the D1 in the compatibility race. For one, it’s easier than ever to hook up a home HiFi thanks to a dedicated RCA output. Inside is all the goodness of the D3, and a hell of a lot more. As the story goes, modern iPads and iPhones don’t spit the required amperage and can’t get the D1 running. And, thanks to its requiring pretty lax amperage, it works well with most devices capable of spitting USB signals. Thanks to needing a cable the D1 doesn’t, like the D3 ( reviewed here), require a reach-around on my iMac. You can find out more about it here: D1 24-bit DAC. Disclaimer: Audio Engine sent the D1 for the purposes of this review.

Audioengine d1 dac review