The Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro DAC/Amp dongle promises a significant audio upgrade for your mobile devices, boasting impressive specs like dual 9603 op amps and support for high-resolution audio formats. This review dives deep into its performance, exploring its sound signature, build quality, and comparing it to competitors like the Allegro Mini and Celes CD2. We'll examine whether the Allegro Pro lives up to the hype, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses to determine if its powerful sound outweighs its potential drawbacks.This in-depth analysis covers everything from the unboxing experience and design aesthetics to a comprehensive evaluation of its audio performance across different genres and with various IEMs. We'll discuss the impact of its selectable gaming, music, and movie modes, and scrutinize issues like heat generation, battery drain on connected devices, and overall build quality. Ultimately, we aim to provide a balanced perspective, helping you decide if the Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro is the right DAC/Amp dongle for your needs.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro arrived in packaging strikingly similar to its predecessor, the Allegro Mini. The main difference lies in the color—a striking blue, a departure from the Allegro Mini's more understated design. The box contains the dongle itself and little else, a sign of its minimalist and cost-effective approach.
The dongle itself maintains a similar form factor to the Allegro Mini, though a closer inspection reveals subtle design variations. One noticeable detail is a non-functional accent that initially appears to be a button. It's compact and sleek, maintaining a similar length to the Mini, but with a slightly different feel.
Specifications and Features
The Allegro Pro boasts impressive specifications, including dual 9603 op amps, support for PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, and DSD up to 128. Connectivity options include USB-C and dual 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs. A unique feature is the inclusion of selectable gaming, music, and movie modes, activated via a single button that cycles through blue, red, and green color indicators.
While Nintendo Switch compatibility is advertised, the review lacks practical testing due to the absence of a Switch. The single button allows for switching between these modes, impacting the sound profile with subtle alterations in EQ, not a fundamental change in audio source handling.
Sound Quality and Performance
The reviewer describes the Allegro Pro's sound signature as balanced yet bright, distinguishing it from the Allegro Mini's more neutral presentation. A noticeable emphasis on high frequencies, particularly the treble, adds energy but can lead to sibilance, especially with bright IEMs.
Pairing with IEMs featuring already prominent treble may result in an overly bright sound, while IEMs with subdued treble might benefit from the enhancement. The reviewer highlights the improved technicalities and a wider soundstage compared to the Allegro Mini; micro-details are more pronounced and airy.
Comparison with Competitors
Compared to the other dongles, the Allegro Pro has a similar length to the Allegro Mini, yet the reviewer states that the physical feeling is less solid than the Celes CD2. The Celes CD2 is described as being thicker and more robust in comparison.
The reviewer notes that the Allegro Pro and Allegro Mini share many similarities in build and design, but the Celes CD2 feels distinctly more solid and sturdy in hand. The Allegro Pro sits somewhere between the two in terms of build quality. The reviewer did not own the Allegro Mini at the time of this review, so a direct comparison is only done with the Celes CD2.
Shortcomings and Conclusion
Despite its impressive sound, the Allegro Pro suffers from several drawbacks. The fit on USB-C devices is suboptimal, with a noticeable gap. This leads to a less secure feel when plugged in compared to others. Heat generation is a significant concern, with the dongle becoming excessively hot during extended use, even at moderate volume levels.
Additionally, the battery drain on paired devices is substantial. The reviewer reports a noticeable decrease in battery life, making it less suitable for use with devices with limited battery capacity. Ultimately, this reviewer finds the shortcomings of heat generation and battery drain quite substantial compared to its sound quality alone.
Final Verdict
The Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro offers a powerful and detailed sound with a bright, energetic signature. However, its significant heating issue and considerable battery drain on connected devices make it a less practical choice for portable use, especially for those prioritizing extended listening sessions.
While the Allegro Pro might appeal to users seeking a more vibrant, technically proficient sound with higher power output, the Allegro Mini and Celes CD2 remain competitive alternatives with superior practicality and less noticeable drawbacks for less money. The choice ultimately depends on individual priorities – prioritizing sound quality over portability and convenience.
