When it comes to the audio production process, it’s easy to get obsessed with things like sound treatments, microphones, processors, mixers, and monitors. While those can all be important components of any session, one thing that’s easy to overlook is the headphone amp.
Audio producers have debated for decades about whether it’s a good idea to mix or master audio over headphones. And while it’d be great to always have a fully furnished mastering suite at your fingertips, for many modern producers, that just isn’t possible. And that’s where having a product like NextDrive’s Spectra 32-bit DAC headphone amp can really come in handy:
The combination of a DAC and amplifier, Spectra’s ESS 9018Q2C DAC chip is best-in-class, delivering an unprecedented dynamic range and ultra low distortion for a true high-end Hi-Fi experience. With ultra-low power consumption, Spectra is then ideal for great mobile listening. And with its studio-grade performance, it’s … perfect for your working sound-card for composing and mastering tracks on-the-go.
And:
Spectra is built to deliver not only portability, but performance. Integrating a DAC, headphone amplifier, and audio switch into one, the ESS 9018Q2C chip performs at a level of -110dB THD+N and +121dB DNR. With patented HyperStream Modulator, Revolver DEM, and patented jitter eliminator, it all adds up to better audio clarity, with improved noise reduction, fewer artifacts, and greater instrument separation.
NextDrive Spectra comes in USB Type A and Micro USB versions. It can be purchased directly from NextDrive for $149.

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