If you want to use your iPhone to play high-resolution audio, in addition to using the built-in DAC for Type-C headphones, such as Apple’s own AirPods Max series, purchasing an external DAC commonly known as “little tail” is also an option.
Among the recent outstanding choices are the newly arrived Fosi Audio MD3 magnetic DAC headphone amplifiers, which won multiple VGP 2026 Gold Awards, support MagSafe and can be easily paired with iPhone for use.
MD3 has a built-in ES9039Q2M DAC chip that supports audio up to 384kHz/32bit. It has 3.5mm and 4.5mm terminals and has 4 built-in ES9603Q operational amplifiers that can easily drive 300Ω high-impedance headphones.
In terms of operation, the MD3 has a size of 70 x 45 x 12 mm and a weight of 50g. It is highly portable and has a 1.28-inch screen with physical operation buttons for easy use. The dual USB-C port design can charge an iPhone and connect an ear amplifier at the same time.
There are also IM4 wired in-ear headphones at the same venue, which are equipped with a 10mm beryllium-plated diaphragm dual-cavity dual-magnetic circuit unit, with 109dB sensitivity, 21Ω low impedance, and 5N oxygen-free copper silver-plated stranded wires.
Mobile Magazine’s short review: The MD3 is priced at $1,099 and has a pretty good performance/price ratio. If you want to buy the IM4 headset from the same manufacturer in one stop, the latter’s price of $899 is also quite attractive.
Source: FUTEX (Hong Kong)
