Moondrop Moonriver 3: new portable USB DAC announced

The Moondrop Moonriver 3 was announced today (12) and will be released on March 13. The new portable USB DAC/amp from Moondrop features an innovative design. Its main highlights include a switch to enable or disable equalization, support for 60W fast charging, and a large volume knob with side protections designed to prevent damage when storing the “dongle DAC” in a pocket. Full details are provided below.

Key Features of the Moondrop Moonriver 3

To differentiate its product, Moondrop sought to introduce several notable features with the Moonriver 3. However, the pursuit of extremely high output power is no longer the primary focus. With this new portable USB DAC, the company instead emphasizes improvements to the overall user experience.

Pressable Volume Knob

The first element that draws attention when viewing images of the Moonriver 3 is the volume knob. In addition to adjusting the playback volume, it can also be pressed to skip to the next track.

It is important to note that the Moonriver 3’s knob features protective side structures. There have been numerous cases in which portable DACs and Digital Audio Players (DAPs) from iBasso and Shanling experienced issues with their knobs. Observing these problems, Moondrop’s engineers sought to implement a protective solution.

Support for 60W Fast Charging

Through the PD (Power Delivery) charging protocol, the Moonriver 3 supports fast charging of up to 60W. According to Moondrop, the USB DAC can be used simultaneously while charging the battery of a smartphone or tablet.

The manufacturer states that the USB-C cable included with the product must be used in order to access the fast-charging feature. The accessory was developed in partnership with DDHiFi, a company known for producing high-quality audio accessories.

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Switch to Enable/Disable Equalization

Like other Moondrop products, the Moonriver is compatible with the Online Interactive DSP, available through the company’s dedicated application. Through this system, equalization can be applied either manually or automatically (via Auto EQ).

Once the desired equalization profile has been defined, it can be enabled or disabled using a switch located on the side of the USB DAC. Furthermore, because the settings are stored directly in the Moonriver 3’s hardware, the dongle can be connected to any device while preserving the equalizer configuration previously defined.

Compatibility of the “Online Interactive DSP”

To adjust the equalizer, users may employ the Moondrop Android application or the web application available for the Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers. If the Moonriver 3 is to be used with Apple devices, the adjustments must first be applied using an Android smartphone or through a web browser on a computer.

About Auto EQ

Auto EQ allows the user to select the frequency response curve of the headphones being used and define a desired target curve. Once these parameters are established, the system automatically performs adjustments in order to approximate the target sonic profile.

Other Key Features of the Moondrop Moonriver 3

The Moondrop Moonriver 3 also offers other notable features that deserve attention.

Metal Construction

Manufactured from CNC-milled stainless steel and featuring a translucent panel, the Moonriver 3 presents an attractive design. Moondrop does not specify whether the transparent section is made of glass or a material similar to acrylic.

Support for Microphone and In-Line Controls

The Moonriver 3 allows the use of headphones equipped with cables that include an integrated microphone and in-line controls. Through the 3.5 mm connection and the CTIA standard, wired headsets can be used for applications such as voice calls or online meetings.

Moondrop Moonriver 3: Specifications

General Parameters

• Construction: Stainless steel
• DAC: 2 × Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Dimensions: 6.4 cm × 2.7 cm × 1.2 cm
• Physical controls: pressable volume knob and switch to enable/disable DSP
• Removable USB cable
• Headphone outputs: 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) and 4.4 mm balanced
• Support for fast charging up to 60W

Audio Parameters

• Support for PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD512
• Line out via 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output: 2 Vrms
• Line out via 4.4 mm balanced output: 4 Vrms
• Noise floor: 1.4 µV
• SNR on 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm outputs: 131 dB
• Dynamic range on 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm outputs: 131 dB
• THD+N on 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm outputs: 0.00018%
• Crosstalk on the 3.5 mm output: 125 dB

When Using Headphones with 16 Ohms of Impedance

• Maximum output power using the 4.4 mm balanced output: 500 mW at 5 Vrms

Note: No further information regarding maximum output power has been provided beyond the specifications listed above.

Release Date, Price, and Availability

The Moondrop Moonriver 3 is already available for US$219.99 at the official Moondrop store on AliExpress.