The Colorfly CDA L1 is a budget-friendly dual DAC/AMP that punches above its weight, delivering surprisingly good sound quality for its price point. This in-depth review examines its performance, features, and overall value proposition, comparing it to similarly priced competitors. We'll delve into the unboxing experience, exploring the included accessories and build quality before dissecting its technical specifications and examining the internal components that contribute to its audio capabilities.We’ll assess the Colorfly CDA L1's sound signature, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses in detail retrieval, soundstage, and tonal balance. The review will also cover its portability and ease of use, considering its compact design and multiple output options. Finally, we'll conclude with a verdict on whether this budget-friendly DAC/AMP is a worthwhile investment for the discerning audiophile, weighing its pros and cons against comparable devices in the market.
Pros And Cons
- Retail price of $50
- Lightweight and compact (15g)
- Surprisingly potent sound for the price
- Two CS43131 DAC chips
- Supports PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, native DSD up to 256, and DSD128 via DOP
- Second-generation jitter kill femtosecond clock and asynchronous USB
- Digital filters (selectable)
- Impressive signal-to-noise ratio (130dB)
- Two outputs: balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm
- Balanced output: 150mW at 32 ohms, 4VRMS at 600 ohms
- Single-ended output: 2VRMS at 600 ohms, 65mW at 32 ohms
- Overall balanced tonal balance, slightly warmer
- Soundstage is average
- Details are a little bit rounded
- Mids are slightly recessed
- Sub-bass and mid-bass are elevated but not as punchy as some competitors
- Treble is not as bright as some competitors
Read more: Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp Review: A Worthy Upgrade or Redundant Luxury?
Unboxing and Accessories
The Colorfly CDA L1 arrived in a sleek retail box, a pleasant surprise for a device at this price point. Inside, you'll find the L1 itself, a user manual, and a USB-C to USB-C cable for connecting it to your source device. The packaging is neat and well-organized, reflecting a level of care often absent in budget products.
The inclusion of a quality USB-C cable is a thoughtful touch, eliminating the need for users to source their own. This simple gesture enhances the overall user experience and highlights the brand's attention to detail.
Technical Specifications and Features
Under the hood, the Colorfly CDA L1 packs a punch with its dual CS43131 DAC chips. This is quite impressive for a device in this price range. It boasts support for high-resolution audio formats, including PCM up to 32bit 768kHz and native DSD up to 256, plus DSD128 via DOP.
The Colorfly's second-generation jitter kill femtosecond clock and asynchronous USB ensure a cleaner signal path, resulting in superior sound quality. Further enhancing its capabilities are selectable digital filters, accessed by simultaneously pressing the volume buttons.
Output and Physical Attributes
The Colorfly CDA L1 offers both balanced (4.4mm) and single-ended (3.5mm) output options, catering to a wider range of headphones and earphones. The balanced output delivers 150mW at 32 ohms or 4 VRMS at 600 ohms, while the single-ended output provides 2 VRMS at 600 ohms or 65mW at 32 ohms.
Weighing only 15g, the L1 is incredibly portable and unobtrusive. Its compact size makes it ideal for on-the-go listening, easily slipping into a pocket or bag. Its lightweight design means it won't add any significant bulk when attached to your phone or other mobile devices.
Sound Performance and Comparisons
I compared the Colorfly CDA L1 with the Sony MDR-SA500 and the EPZ TP35, both priced around $70-$80. The L1, at $50, offers surprisingly comparable sound quality, falling somewhere between the other two in terms of overall performance. It's a compelling value proposition for the budget-conscious audiophile.
The L1's soundstage is average, but its detail retrieval is quite good for its price. The tonal balance leans slightly toward the warmer side, with a slightly elevated sub-bass and mid-bass. The mids are somewhat recessed, and vocals and instruments sound slightly rounded, less crisp than the TP35 but brighter than the SA500.
Conclusion
The Colorfly CDA L1 is a strong contender in the budget dongle DAC/AMP market. While not surpassing higher-end models like the TP35, it delivers impressive sound quality considering its price. Its dual CS43131 DAC chips, along with its compact design and feature set, make it an attractive option for those seeking a portable and affordable high-resolution audio solution.
If you're on a tight budget, the Colorfly CDA L1 is a great value. However, if budget isn't a major constraint and you prioritize a slightly clearer and more detailed sound signature, the TP35 might be the better choice. Ultimately, the L1 offers a solid balance of features, performance, and price.
