NEW: xDUOO LINK3 PORTABLE DONGLE DAC/Amp
xDuoo Link3 DONGLE DAC/Amp
The xDuoo Link3 is a portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed for phones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, and computers that need stronger headphone output and higher-performance digital conversion than a standard headphone jack or adapter can provide. It combines dual ES9039Q2M DAC chips with an XMOS XU316 USB receiver, dual headphone outputs, expandable Micro SD storage support, and dual USB operating modes inside a compact battery-free design. Support for PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 positions it for users with large local libraries, high-resolution streaming, and portable listening across multiple devices.
Unlike many compact dongle DACs that focus only on playback conversion, Link3 adds expandable storage support, a color display, and separate music and gaming USB modes.
Dual DAC architecture and output flexibility
The Link3 uses two ES9039Q2M DAC chips alongside an XMOS XU316 USB receiver. The XMOS stage handles incoming USB audio data while the DAC section converts that signal into analog output for headphones. xDuoo specifies up to 130dB signal-to-noise ratio and THD+N as low as -112dB, which reduces residual circuit noise and keeps distortion levels low during playback.
The Link3 also includes both a 3.5mm single-ended output and a 4.4mm balanced headphone output. That allows it to work with conventional portable headphones, sensitive in-ear monitors, and balanced full-size headphones without limiting users to one connection type.
Output power designed for broader headphone compatibility
Portable DAC dongles often encounter power limitations when paired with less efficient headphones. Link3 provides up to 700mW into 32 ohms from its balanced output during normal operation and reaches up to 1000mW at 32 ohms when external power is connected in Super Power Mode.
Additional output headroom provides greater voltage and current availability for headphones that demand more drive capability than a phone output can comfortably supply. This can help maintain output margin and electrical control when paired with more demanding portable or full-size designs.
Dual USB modes and expandable library support
The Link3 supports both UAC1.0 and UAC2.0 operating modes. UAC1.0 compatibility targets handheld gaming systems and consoles that often rely on broader USB audio support standards, while UAC2.0 enables high-resolution playback with computers, tablets, and phones.
The Link3 also includes a Micro SD card slot with support for storage capacities up to 2TB. For users with local lossless collections or larger high-resolution libraries, removable storage reduces reliance on available phone or tablet space while keeping music physically attached to the playback chain.
Display, charging support, and everyday portability
The Link3 uses a color TFT display that provides playback information and operating status at a glance. A multi-color LED indicator also communicates playback sample-rate ranges, making it easier to confirm whether the incoming signal is standard PCM, high-resolution PCM, or DSD playback without navigating software menus.
The unit follows a battery-free design and supports independent USB-C power and charge input. This allows a connected phone to continue charging while audio playback remains active, which can be useful during travel, desk use, or longer gaming sessions. xDuoo also includes a detachable 8-core single-crystal copper USB-C cable, making replacement or source-device changes easier than with fixed-cable dongles.
