CrinEar Protocol Micro Ultra-Portable DAC-Amplifier
CrinEar Protocol Micro Ultra-Portable DAC-Amplifier
4.67 / 5.0
(42) 42 total reviews
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Inspired by the flagship Protocol Max, the CrinEar Protocol Micro delivers the essential Protocol experience in a streamlined, ultra-affordable package, making high-quality portable audio more accessible than ever.
The Protocol Micro is a compact USB-C to 3.5mm DAC-amplifier that brings high-quality audio and powerful customization to your everyday listening. Built around a modified SPV4040 DAC with an ultra-low output impedance of less than 0.4Ω, it preserves the intended sound of your earphones while delivering clean, transparent playback for music, videos, games, and more. Small enough to fit in any pocket, Protocol Micro is the perfect audio upgrade for smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
What sets the Protocol Micro apart is its built-in 8-band Parametric EQ, allowing you to personalize your listening experience without relying on software during playback. Using the browser-based EQ.Hangout.Audio interface on PC or macOS, you can create and save EQ profiles directly to the device, so your preferred tuning goes wherever the dongle does.
I received this unit as promotional deal to my Nightfall purchase. I have used it extensively with the aforementioned IEMs for the past couple of weeks; in short, it goes really well with Nightfall for its clarity and spatial direction notably. Comparing it to my goto DAC ifi Gryphon would not be fair, but surprisingly if fares well in rendering a clear drum/bass beats and especially, in spatial/ directional arrangements (not so much open feel, but more of technical separation) using the Nightfall. However, the sound integrity suffers at low and high frequencies at high volume play. Compared to older iBasso dangle and the iPhone dangle, I can easily say this dangle dac outperforms them (as long as bass is not key factor to the listener)
It just works and comes in a clinch, it stays quietly hidden in my pocket at all times. Just works no settings for the days when you just need music.
For how cheap it is I can't complain about anything. The signal is clean and power is adequate for my koss, iems, and m50x.
Costs the same as a decent quality commodity dongle, but ALSO has a configurable EQ built in. I would definitely recommend this over other dongles that cost the same, but do not have a built in EQ. Very easy to configure, too, although it does require a web connection.
It works great and helps resist the twisting that happens when using it at the gym.