The Dongle DAC population explosion shows no signs of slowing down. In just the first half of 2025, we’ve already seen the Campfire Audio Relay ($229), iFi UP ($99), and the retro-styled but oddly named Showsky Retro Nano ($60). So naturally, here comes yet another contender: the AZLA A100 Smart DAC Headphone Amplifier. Price? $19.99. Because apparently what the world really needed was a budget DAC to go with your $12 Chi-Fi IEMs.
Korean audio brand AZLA—best known for their ear tips that somehow became a cult obsession—has now jumped into the DAC pile with this ultra-affordable unit that promises wide device compatibility. The A100 works with both iOS and Android (Lightning adapter not included, obviously), and streams high-resolution audio from Apple Music, Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, and anything else that hasn’t yet been acquired by Spotify or shut down by Elon.
AZLA claims it also supports earbuds with inline mics, making it a mobile-friendly option for gamers, Zoom warriors, and anyone who insists on using wired headphones in 2025. It’s small, plug-and-play, and probably about as durable as a gas station charging cable. But hey—at twenty bucks, it’s hard to expect anything more than “it works.”
Is it revolutionary? No. Is it necessary? Also no. But if you’ve lost your last three dongles and just need something that won’t mangle your audio—or your wallet—the A100 might be worth a look.
Long live the Dongle DAC kingdom. May your sock drawers overfloweth.
Packed inside its thumb-sized shell, the A100 features a Hi-Res DAC Adapter that supports 32-bit/384kHz playback—because of course it does. That spec has basically become the DAC equivalent of “all-natural” on a granola bar. AZLA claims the A100 delivers lossless audio with exceptional fidelity, acting as an external sound card that outperforms the underwhelming headphone outputs built into most smartphones and laptops.
In theory, this tiny dongle unlocks more detail and depth in your music than your device’s built-in DAC. In practice? We’ll see. At $19.99, you’re probably getting decent sound for the price, but let’s not pretend this is a dragon-slaying, reference-grade upgrade. Still, if you want something better than the potato-grade audio on your work laptop, it’s a cheap way to step up.
AZLA A100 Smart DAC Features: Engineered for High-Res Audio on a Budget
High-Resolution DAC
Supports up to 32-bit/384kHz playback, delivering clean, natural, and impressively detailed sound—at least on paper. If you’re streaming from Qobuz or Apple Music and using decent IEMs, you’ll likely hear an upgrade over your phone’s built-in DAC.
Kevlar-Wrapped, Silver-Plated OCC Cable
AZLA didn’t cheap out on the cable. It’s Kevlar-reinforced for durability and uses silver-plated oxygen-free copper (OCC) to keep the signal path clean. Translation: Less noise, more clarity, and no cable fray after a few months in your bag. Nice touch for a $20 DAC.
Plug-and-Play Versatility
USB-C connection makes it compatible with Android phones, tablets, laptops, and anything else that hasn’t ditched ports altogether. No drivers, no app, just plug in and go. (iPhone users: bring your own dongle. You know the drill.)
Ultra-Portable Design
It’s smaller than a stick of gum, so you can toss it in your pocket or backpack without a second thought. Whether you’re stuck on a train or tuning out your coworkers on Zoom, the A100 gives your wired earbuds a much-needed sonic boost. From orchestral detail to modern low-end punch, it holds its own surprisingly well—especially for less than the price of a lap dance in Toledo.
Specifications
- AZLAN Model: Smart DAC A100
- Audio Characteristics: From 24-bit/96kHz to 32-bit/384kHz
- Output Connection: 3.5mm female connector
- Input Connection: USB Type-C / USB A (with adapter)
- USB-C TYPE DAC (with attached cable): Length 13cm +/- 5mm
- PC USB-A Gender Adapter: Length 2.2 cm +/- 5mm
- Package Contents: AZLA A100 Smart DAC, USB-C to USB-A Adapter, Soft Carrying Pouch, Package
The Bottom Line
The AZLA A100 doesn’t break new ground—it digs deeper into the already overcrowded Dongle DAC graveyard. But at $19.99, it doesn’t have to be a game-changer. It just needs to work, sound better than your phone’s headphone jack (if you even have one), and not fall apart after two weeks. On those fronts, it actually delivers. You’re not getting audiophile nirvana, but if you’ve got a decent pair of wired IEMs and a phone that treats audio like an afterthought, the A100 is a no-brainer backup or budget daily driver.
Yes, we’re drowning in Dongle DACs—but if you’re gonna add one more to your collection, at least this one won’t cost you your morning coffee money at Starbucks.
Where to buy: $19.99 at Amazon | AZLA
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