This is regarded as one of the best sounding USB-C to 3.5mm audio adaptors - if not the best - but this 50% discount is so heavy because it comes with some caveats that can impact the user experience. This is up in the desktop realm of performance, at least when it comes to single-ended (non-balanced) audio. Power is sufficient to drive everything but perhaps super low sensitivity headphones (think HE-6, Susvara).
Utilises a 'custom' quad AKM DAC which 'only' goes up to 24-bit/192kHz, reflecting that this is a much older AKM implementation that has been handpicked for excellence. Regarded for detail, timbre, transparency without tonal harshness, no compromise on soundstage presentation, and dynamic realism. Still has some of that AKM house design which smooths the sound ever so slightly (arguably realistically), but this will pair well with a lot of headphones and earphones if you want a portable or travel option.
So what are the caveats?
- Does not play well at all with iOS, if that's your purpose immediately skip this as it will set gain to max and not change
- Proprietary 2.5mm to USB-C cable used to connect
- Tuning method is more subjective, so noise floor is audible on sensitive IEMs, which will require the supplied impedance adaptor
Reviews:
https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/ovidius-b1-2/
https://primeaudio.org/ovidius-b1-review-mixed-feels/
If you're not an ASR acolyte and this sits within your potential use cases, this is an amazing deal. Enjoy!
How does this compare to CS43131 DACs of a similar form factor?