Has Hi-Fi DAC/Amps Really Become Obsolete in 2025? Meizu HD1 Decoding Headphone Amplifier

Have you noticed? The Hi-Fi decoding feature that was once heavily promoted by smartphones has almost disappeared. It seems that since the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, fewer and fewer phones are investing in this functionality.

This is understandable—without the 3.5mm jack, users are left with only two options: Bluetooth or Type-C adapters. However, most Bluetooth headphones max out at AAC audio quality, which is a dealbreaker for audiophiles. As for Type-C adapters, the included ones usually offer no real "sound quality," lacking sufficient power. In this case, even high-end headphones will produce lackluster sound.

In reality, many music enthusiasts opt for external DAC/amps to achieve high-fidelity audio beyond what their phones or music players can deliver. So in 2025, Hi-Fi DAC/amps are far from obsolete—instead, they’ve evolved into more specialized smartphone accessories. Among them, Lifeme Meizu’s new professional DAC/amp, the Meizu HD1, is a highly recommended choice!

Ultra-Portable: A Hassle-Free Accessory

If you’re familiar with Hi-Fi DAC/amps, you know many professional-grade models are bulky and heavy, making them impractical for daily carry. That’s why the compact and lightweight Meizu HD1 is the better choice for most users!

The Meizu HD1 features an all-metal shell with a rugged industrial design, exuding a high-tech aesthetic. The quartz sandblasting and knurling craftsmanship make it not just an audio device but a finely crafted piece of industrial art, offering excellent visual and tactile appeal.

Efficient Cooling for Prolonged Use

High-performance audio devices generate heat, but the Meizu HD1 tackles this with a dual cooling system—thermal silicone and a high-conductivity alloy shell—keeping surface temps 5~8°C lower than competing products. This ensures stable performance and consistent output during long listening sessions.

Professional Acoustics: Pure Audio Bliss

Dubbed the "Music Magic Box for Hi-Fi Enthusiasts," the Meizu HD1 lives up to its name. It’s powered by dual CS43131 flagship DAC chips, delivering exceptional clarity. The dual-chip design ensures fully separated L/R channel decoding, minimizing crosstalk and enhancing audio purity while maintaining stable power output for natural, uncolored sound.

To combat clock jitter—a major factor in audio degradation—the HD1 uses a high-precision femtosecond oscillator with ultra-low phase noise (<0.1ps jitter), effectively eliminating USB clock and SRC interference. The result? Near-zero background noise for pristine sound reproduction.

Thanks to these advanced components, the HD1 boasts a 132dB signal-to-noise ratio and a THD of just 0.0003%, offering unparalleled audio fidelity for a concert-hall experience.

Versatile Design: Drives High-Impedance Headphones with Ease

The Meizu HD1 features both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, compatible with traditional and professional balanced headphones. It supports high-res PCM decoding and native DSD playback, with PCM sampling rates ranging from 44.1kHz to 384kHz to preserve every detail of Hi-Fi music.

For demanding headphones, the HD1 includes a high-gain mode (toggle via mechanical switch), delivering up to 162mW of power. It also auto-detects audio encoding and impedance, optimizing output for any device.

Upgradable Cable for Audiophiles

The HD1 comes with a high-quality OTG braided cable for superior digital signal transmission. Its detachable cable design allows users to upgrade with premium aftermarket cables for even better sound—perfect for audiophiles seeking the ultimate experience.

Final Verdict

With 20 years of acoustic expertise, stellar sound quality, and sleek industrial design, the Meizu HD1 stands out in the DAC/amp market. Its Type-C compatibility extends beyond phones to PCs, tablets, and professional music players, letting users ditch poor onboard audio for true Hi-Fi at an affordable price—with zero technical hurdles.

Despite its compact size, the HD1 packs dual CS43131 DACs, a femtosecond oscillator, high-gain mode, multi-interface support, and advanced cooling—proof of Meizu’s dedication to quality.

If you want professional Hi-Fi performance at an unbeatable value, the Meizu HD1 is the perfect choice!