THX & MQA Certified
HELM Audio™ Ltd. today released the BOLT DAC/AMP mobile USB digital analog converter for higher quality listening through headphones connected to smartphones or mobile devices. The $99 USB adapter has a USB-C input on one end and a regular 3.5mm headphone jack on the other. It connects between late model Android smartphones, laptops or iPad Pro (2018 – 2020 models) with a USB-C input and any wired headphone. iPhone owners can use it, but require a Lighting to USB-C adapter ($39.99, sold separately).
The BOLT DAC/AMP adapter supports high res audio formats, including MQA, which is now streaming on platforms like TIDAL. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is a breakthrough British technology which captures and authenticates studio quality sound. The BOLT DAC/AMP adapter can allow users to have lossless end-to-end MQA rendering for the ultimate sound experience. Users can enjoy sonic details and fidelity exactly as the artists and sound engineers intended without relying on bulky data-intensive streams.
The BOLT DAC/AMP has passed many rigorous THX Certification audio quality tests ensuring a flat frequency response, low distortion, low noise and a stable, high output suitable for a wide range of headphones delivering a superior audio experience. Unlike other mobile MQA-DAC designs, the HELM BOLT physically isolates the DAC from the USB connector for improved performance, and uses a three oscillator design for superior frequency lock with dramatic improvements over single oscillator DACs.
The BOLT DAC/AMP adapter uses the same digital audio converter (DAC) technology available on some of the finest audiophile gear, and delivers clarity and fidelity in a small and convenient adapter. The BOLT DAC/AMP adapter outputs at 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz resolutions, and for non-MQA content, the BOLT DAC/AMP still provides the highest resolution available for mobile and gaming applications. The BOLT DAC/AMP is nimble enough to deliver power to the most demanding headphones and has an auto-output level adjustment that can match almost any headphones’ impedance. The BOLT DAC/AMP is designed to be plug-and-play with no firmware to download, and is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS and Linux, whilst also providing bit-perfect playback using USB Player Pro, HF Onkyo Player, Audirvana Plus, and more.
Price & Availability
The BOLT DAC/AMP will retail for $99 and is available on HELM’s website.
About HELM
HELM Audio™ Ltd. is a British-American Audio Innovation company whose products are leading the way in delivering studio-level audio quality to our mobile world. Founded in 2017 by a proven team of product developers, marketing strategists, industry veterans, and musicians. HELM set out to fill a vast market gap with an ambitious brand born for music lovers who desire immersive audio with ultramodern freedom and functionality, all at a tremendous value.
About MQA
Using pioneering scientific research into how people hear, the MQA team has created a technology that captures the sound of the original studio performance. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream, while also being backward compatible, so you can play MQA music on any device. MQA’s award-winning technology is licensed by labels, music services and hardware manufacturers worldwide and is certified by the RIAA. MQA is a UK-based private company.
ABOUT THX
Founded by legendary filmmaker George Lucas in 1983, THX Ltd. and its partners provide premium entertainment experiences in the cinema, in the home and on the go. Over the past 35 years, THX has expanded its certification categories beyond studios and cinemas to consumer electronics, content, automotive systems and live entertainment. Today, THX continues to redefine entertainment, providing exciting new technologies and assurance of experiences which provide consumers with superior audio and visual fidelity and ensure an artist’s vision is truthfully delivered to audiences worldwide. THX Ltd. is owned by Razer, and operates as a fully independent subsidiary.
