xDuoo Link 3: USB-C DAC with microSD launched

The xDuoo Link 3 was released last Thursday (26) and introduced a notable innovation. Unlike other “dongle DACs,” the Link 3 features a microSD card slot. However, contrary to earlier speculation, its functionality differs from what was expected. The full details of this new release are presented below.

Link 3 features a microSD card slot, but not as you might expect

Although the xDuoo Link 3 includes a microSD card slot, its operation is not as some enthusiasts anticipated.

While it is possible to store music files on the card, the Link 3 is not capable of playing them independently. In order for audio files to be reproduced, the DAC/amp must be connected to a smartphone, tablet, or computer. xDuoo states the following on the product page:

“Music stored on the memory card is played via the phone/computer and transmitted back to the Link3 for decoding.”

What is the advantage of microSD card support on the Link 3?

The primary advantage of microSD card support on the Link 3 is for users who utilize smartphones without a memory card slot. However, if you are looking for smartphones that support microSD cards, you can refer to Hi-Fi Hub’s list.

Additional features of the Link 3 worth highlighting are presented below.

Dedicated USB port for power supply

In addition to the USB port used to connect to a smartphone or PC, the Link 3 includes a dedicated USB port for power input. This additional USB port enables two functions: increased output power and charging of the smartphone battery.

By connecting the Link 3 to a power bank or wall charger, it is possible to increase output power using the “Super Power” mode. The differences in output power for the 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm outputs are shown below.

Normal power mode

• 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output: 360 mW at 32 ohms
• 4.4 mm balanced output: 700 mW at 32 ohms

Super Power mode

• 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output: 500 mW at 32 ohms
• 4.4 mm balanced output: 1000 mW at 32 ohms

Is fast charging supported?

Yes, the Link 3 supports fast charging. However, xDuoo does not specify the maximum charging capacity.

UAC1 mode for use with consoles

It is possible to switch between UAC (USB Audio Class) 2.0 and UAC 1.0 modes, allowing the Link 3 to be connected to consoles. In this way, the xDuoo DAC/amp can be used with the Nintendo Switch or the PlayStation 5 (PS5).

Audio and video synchronization

Thanks to the XMOS XU316 USB controller chip, there are no synchronization issues between audio and video when watching movies and series on streaming applications or when using YouTube.

RGB LED indicating sampling rate

Through an RGB LED, the Link 3 indicates the sampling rate according to color:

• Red: 44.1 kHz to 48 kHz
• Green: 88.2 kHz to 96 kHz
• Yellow: 176.4 kHz to 768 kHz
• White: DSD64 to DSD512

As shown above, the Link 3 does not provide the exact sampling rate of the audio file through its LED. However, an image of the DAC/amp’s color TFT display indicates that this information can be displayed.

xDuoo Link 3: Specifications

General parameters

• Body material: anodized aluminum and glass
• DAC: 2 × ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M
• Dimensions: 10.7 cm × 3.8 cm × 1.5 cm
• Headphone outputs: 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm
• MicroSD card slot: supports up to 2 TB
• Power consumption: 5V / 0.27 A (0.3 W)
• USB Audio Class: UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0
• USB controller chip: XMOS XU316
• USB ports: two USB-C ports, one for data and power, and one for power input and charging
• Weight: 70 g

Audio parameters

Supported sampling rates:

• PCM 16–32 bit / 44.1 kHz – 768 kHz
• DSD 1 bit / 2.82 MHz – 22.57 MHz

THD+N:

• 110 dB @ 1 kHz (SE)
• 112 dB @ 1 kHz (balanced)

SNR:

• ≥ 120 dB (SE)
• ≥ 130 dB (balanced)

Crosstalk:

• ≥ 75 dB (SE)
• ≥ 123 dB (balanced)

Output power

Normal power mode (powered via the USB connection to a smartphone or PC)

3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output:

• 360 mW at 32 ohms
• 100 mW at 75 ohms
• 50 mW at 150 ohms

4.4 mm balanced output:

• 700 mW at 32 ohms
• 270 mW at 75 ohms
• 130 mW at 150 ohms

Super Power mode (externally powered via power bank or wall charger)

3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output:

• 500 mW at 32 ohms
• 160 mW at 75 ohms
• 80 mW at 150 ohms

4.4 mm balanced output:

• 1000 mW at 32 ohms
• 300 mW at 75 ohms
• 150 mW at 150 ohms

Release, price, and availability

The xDuoo Link 3 is now available for $219 on xDuoo’s official store on AliExpress.