What Dongle Should You Use With the Samsung Galaxy S24?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 range of phones are power house phones. Among their many great features is storage space. On the basic models you can get up to 256GB and on the Ultra, you can go all the way up to 1TB. With all that space, you can store a ton of music locally or via streaming apps like Tidal or Qobuz, which is especially helpful because Samsung omitted Bluetooth 5.4 on this model, so there’s no lossless streaming via wireless. 

So with all this high quality music, what’s the best way to actually get the best sound out of your phone? For IEM and headphone users, a DAC/amp dongle is a great option for powering your equipment while keeping things compact. It’s a crowded pack in the dongle world, so we’re here to break down some of the best options at various price ranges. 

Strauss & Wagner Alva 

Strauss & Wagner offers an affordable entry level dongle in the Alva. The Alva is a USB-C DAC adapter that is not only versatile — compatible with both current Android devices including the S24 — but also affordably priced at just $49.95. Its 4.4mm balanced output sets it apart from many competitors, offering a path to high-end audio gear without breaking the bank. The Alva utilizes a 32-bit 31993 chipset, which significantly enhances its audio performance compared to lower quality adapters, positioning it as a serious contender for those looking to elevate their listening experience without spending a fortune.

In terms of sound quality, the Alva excels particularly when paired with balanced IEMs, delivering a spacious soundstage and precise imaging that envelop listeners in an immersive audio environment. The enhanced transparency and a slight emphasis on the upper midrange and treble allow for crisp vocals and vibrant cymbals, while the sub-bass offers a more subtle rise, contributing to an overall tight response. However, it’s worth noting that the Alva may not drive higher-impedance over-ear headphones effectively, limiting its appeal for users seeking versatility across different types of audio gear. Ultimately, for those primarily using IEMs, the Strauss & Wagner Alva is a compelling option that enhances the listening experience without the hefty price tag of higher-end models.

iFi GO link ($59)

The iFi Go Link provides another affordable solution for audiophiles who prefer wired earbuds and IEMs. Priced at just $59, it positions itself as a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. With a compact design reminiscent of a thinner Go Bar, the Go Link is incredibly portable, making it an ideal companion for on-the-go listening. It comes equipped with a Type C connector, along with Lightning and USB Type A adapters, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. 

At the heart of the Go Link lies an ESS Sabre Hyperstream DAC chipset, designed to minimize jitter and maximize dynamic range. This allows for impressive resolution capabilities, including PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz. Sound quality is where the Go Link truly shines; it breathes new life into even the most modest IEMs, enhancing their output and making the overall tone feel more complete. While it doesn’t dramatically alter the timbre, it adds a sense of fullness and spaciousness to the sound. Users can expect plenty of headroom, even with harder-to-drive planar IEMs, which deliver a robust performance without strain. 

MoonDrop MoonRiver 2 Ti

The MoonDrop MoonRiver 2 Ti represents a significant step for the brand, known primarily for its impressive lineup of IEMs. Priced under $200, it delivers a potent combination of high-quality build and advanced audio performance. With its chassis crafted from titanium alloy and a transparent window showcasing the internal design, the device feels premium and looks good while doing it. It features detachable cables, multiple output options (3.5mm and 4.4mm), and an intuitive volume control, making it very user-friendly.

Internally, the MoonRiver 2 Ti is powered by dual flagship Cirrus Logic decoding chips, each with independent dual-channel amplifiers, ensuring a clean and powerful audio signal. This setup allows the device to decode PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD 512, providing a wide dynamic range and exceptional clarity. Upon testing, the MoonRiver 2 Ti impresses with its ability to deliver a substantial output, particularly through its 4.4mm output. The sound quality is notable, with enhanced spatial imaging and frequency clarity that elevates the listening experience. Bass is well-defined and grounded, while the midrange and treble offer increased detail and balance. This dongle’s capability to deliver power without compromising sound quality positions it as a formidable competitor in the portable DAC market, likely to appeal to both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.

Astell & Kern AK HC4 

The Astell & Kern AK HC4 marries high-quality audio performance with robust build and user-friendly features. The HC4 includes a detachable cable and dual headphone outputs — 3.5mm and 4.4mm — making it versatile enough to accommodate a variety of headphones and IEMs. Crafted from aluminum with A&K’s signature edged design, the HC4 feels exceptionally durable and premium in hand. It boasts an AKM AK4493S DAC chipset, enabling it to handle high-resolution audio up to DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz. A unique feature is its Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) function, which up-samples sound sources, further elevating the listening experience.

Sound quality is where the HC4 truly shines, transforming even budget IEMs into impressive audio performers. Users can expect a significant enhancement in clarity and detail, allowing instruments to be more distinct within the mix. At its price point, the HC4 offers exceptional value for those seeking a portable solution that doesn’t compromise on quality. With its impressive features and sound capabilities, the HC4 is poised to become a favorite among audiophiles looking for an ideal DAC dongle for their on-the-go listening needs.

Questyle M15i

The Questyle M15i continues Questyle’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio through portable DAC/Amp solutions. Designed with a sleek chassis that features a plexiglass window showcasing its internal components, the M15i maintains the aesthetic appeal of its predecessor while enhancing its capabilities. The inclusion of a flagship ESS DAC chipset allows for superior audio performance, supporting sample rates up to PCM768 and DSD512. The M15i also incorporates Questyle’s innovative SiP amplification modules, which provide optimal power across various headphone and IEM impedances. With four current modes, the M15i is engineered to reveal intricate details, making it versatile for a wide range of audio equipment.

Sound quality is where the M15i truly excels, building on the strengths of the original model with improved subtleties and dynamics. Users can expect a richer sound experience, characterized by a well-defined spatial imaging that gives each instrument more room to breathe. The forward presentation, especially when using open-back headphones, enhances the sense of space, while the balanced output accentuates the clarity of the soundstage. Warm-timbred headphones and IEMs benefit from the M15i’s organized warmth, which emphasizes texture and minimizes muddiness. While the mids and highs remain natural and slightly reserved, the clarity in the treble ensures a balanced listening experience without overwhelming resonance. At the same price point as the original M15, the M15i stands as a compelling option for anyone looking to elevate their mobile listening experience, solidifying its position as one of the top choices in the DAC dongle market.

iBasso DC- Elite

Marketed as a flagship DAC dongle, the iBasso DC-Elite adopts advanced technology typically seen in iBasso’s high-end players, offering a more significant and robust presentation than most of its competitors. Straight out of the box, the DC-Elite’s build quality impresses with its aerospace-grade titanium alloy chassis, giving it a heft and premium feel that makes it stand out. The included accessories, such as a USB-C to Lightning cable, USB-A converter, and a leather case, add further value. The dual headphone outputs — a 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced — provide flexibility for various headphone types, while the detachable USB-C connector makes it convenient for on-the-go use.

On the technical front, the DC-Elite is powered by the ROHM BD34301EKV chipset, a component typically found in desktop DACs, allowing for ultra-high sample rates up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD512 playback. With its in-house FPGA algorithm and NDK femtosecond oscillator, the DC-Elite excels at reducing jitter and distortion, delivering a pristine sound signature. 

Sonically, the DC-Elite leans toward a neutral and well-balanced profile, with an engaging level of detail and realism. It enhances midrange textures, delivering a precise yet smooth sound with excellent separation and transparency. The DC-Elite offers exceptional performance that rivals desktop amps and sets a new benchmark in the dongle DAC market.

iFi Go Bar Kensei

The iFi Go Bar Kensei brings sturdy design with its Japanese stainless steel construction. Aesthetically, the Kensei draws inspiration from iFi’s limited edition Gold Bar 10th Anniversary DAC, with users having requested a standard release of the design. For outputs, the Kensei offers both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced jacks, and includes features like IEmatch for sensitive IEMs and X-Bass and X-Space for those looking to boost bass or widen the soundstage.

While the power output is similar to the regular Go Bar, the Kensei offers a more detailed and noiseless background, allowing the music to shine. The Kensei displays a warm and engaging sound signature, particularly enhancing the bass and low-mid frequencies. The Kensei’s ability to boost the low end without overwhelming the mix made it a versatile choice for various listening scenarios, especially for those who favor a richer, bass-forward sound. The iFi Go Bar Kensei offers an impressive blend of portability, premium build, and performance that stands strong against its competition, making it a solid option for audiophiles on the move.

Final Thoughts

There are a ton of options at various price ranges when it comes to options for dongles to use with your Samsung Galaxy S24. Whether you’re in a price range of $50-100, $100-300, or $400 plus, we’ve got you covered with some of our favorite options. 

These devices are available at Audio46.