Khadas Tea Review: Steeped in Excellence

Delving deeper into its features, the Khadas Tea expands its compatibility by incorporating MagSafe support. This feature caters to Apple enthusiasts, seamlessly integrating with compatible iPhones. Impressively, this extends to select Android phones equipped with a MagSafe adapter, offering a wider range of accessibility. The Khadas Tea’s dedication to adaptability is a testament to its innovative nature.

What truly distinguishes the Khadas Tea is its unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional sonic experience. Music enthusiasts will delight in its impressive audio quality, making it the perfect choice for those who demand nothing but the best in their auditory pursuits. In my comprehensive hands-on review, I explore the numerous reasons why the Khadas Tea stands as a pinnacle in the world of digital-to-analog converters.

Experience the symphony of sound like never before with the Khadas Tea. Immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and musical finesse, a true testament to its position as a leader in the DAC landscape.

Khadas Tea Review

During my initial encounter with Khadas, my focus was on thoroughly examining their VIM 3L single-board computer (SBC). However, when I came across the Khadas Tea, a DAC/amp developed by the company, my interest was immediately piqued, and I felt an undeniable urge to subject it to scrutiny.

Upon delving into its specifications, I discovered a remarkable range of features. At its core is the ESS ES9281AC Pro digital-to-analog converter, which excels in decoding PCM streams of up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 with MQA. The auditory experience is delivered through its 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be connected via USB-C or Lightning. Alternatively, Bluetooth streaming to the Tea is also an option, although wired headphones must be plugged into the device for this to work.

Furthermore, the Tea is exceptional when it comes to handling lossless music playback from a variety of streaming applications, including Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and more. It seamlessly manages personal music files in formats such as MP3, M4A, FLAC, OGG Vorbis, and others.

The packaging includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to Lightning cable, catering to the iPhone 14 series and its predecessors (thankfully, Apple has introduced USB-C in the iPhone 15 lineup). Notably, the Khadas Tea also supports MagSafe for iPhones, allowing for wireless attachment of various accessories like portable battery chargers, wallet cases, and DACs. While MagSafe is not natively supported on Android, there are adapters and cases available for phones such as the Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S23.

In the realm of portable digital-to-analog converters/amplifiers, which typically resemble packs of gum, the Khadas Tea stands out by offering a breath of fresh air. Its sleek and expansive design measures less than 0.3 inches (7.95mm) in thickness. The flattened shape ensures seamless integration with iPhones via MagSafe, without adding unnecessary bulk, making it highly pocket- and purse-friendly. In my personal trials, the Tea has proven to be a remarkable device.

Khadas Tea DAC specs

• Amplifier/DAC: ESS ES9281AC Pro 32-bit 2-channel digital to analog converter
• Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth
• Supports lossless music from Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, and your own personal music files
• Plays up to 24-bit 96KHz LDAC over Bluetooth; HD, PCM, DSD, MQA hardwired
• MagSafe compatible
• Works with iPhone/iPad, Android, Windows/macOS/Linux
• Includes USB-C to USB Type C and USB-C to Lightning cables
• 1160mAh battery (about 8 hours of continuous playback)
• Bluetooth microphone onboard
• 0.3 inches (7.95 mm) thick

Khadas Tea Audio Performance – How does the Khadas Tea sound?

Embarking on a sonic adventure with the Khadas Tea introduces an extraordinary encounter that surpasses conventional expectations. Immersing myself in the auditory landscape, I connected my Audeze Mobius planar magnetic driver headphones to this mysterious device using a 3.5mm wired cable. As Tidal streamed MQA tracks, the resulting symphony was truly awe-inspiring.

The sonic panorama unfolded like a warm stage, adorned with impactful mids and a robust bass that never overwhelmed the senses. The lows resonated with pristine clarity, while the vocals soared through the air with crystalline precision.

In the rendition of John Lee Hooker’s “One Bourbon, One Scotch, and One Beer,” the ebb and flow of Hooker’s warm vocals seamlessly intertwined with the equally weighted guitar strums, piano key plunks, and bass string plucks. Transitioning to The Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil,” the layered guitars unfolded in an immersive tapestry, offering a distinct separation of voices and instruments. The sonic journey continued with “X” by ScHoolboy Q, 2 Chainz, Saudi, and Kendrick Lamar from the Black Panther soundtrack. The composition reverberated with ample low-end, skillfully avoiding the pitfall of overpowering nuances and muddying the vocals.

It is important to note that the auditory experience is inherently dependent on the headphones used. When paired with my Sony WH-1000XM5s, the Khadas Tea seamlessly retained the XM5 profile. Conversely, coupling the Tea with my Audeze Mobius headphones preserved their unique musicality. While the Khadas Tea empowers users to explore the realm of high-quality audio, providing access to MQA streams or FLAC vinyl rips, it is crucial to recognize that the ultimate auditory bliss relies on the inherent characteristics of your chosen headphones.

Khadas Tea Battery Life – How long does the Khadas Tea battery last?

The Khadas Tea offers an impressive playback duration of approximately 8 hours, as officially rated. However, in my practical usage, I found that the Tea exceeded expectations by lasting well over 10 hours, although not continuously. Extensive testing confirms that the estimated 8-10 hours align closely with the device’s actual battery capacity.

One notable advantage is the hassle-free recharging of the Tea, thanks to its USB-C connectivity. The package even includes a Lightning to USB Type-C adapter, although it may not be relevant for iPhone 15 users due to Apple’s widespread adoption of USB-C. This convenient feature allows users to quickly recharge the Tea’s power reservoir, ensuring a seamless and efficient charging experience.

Khadas Tea Portable DAC Review: Final Thoughts

The Khadas Tea DAC stands out as an exceptional device, redefining audio experiences with its impressive features. Its sleek design ensures portability, allowing for a seamless audio journey wherever you may be. With its long-lasting battery life, support for MQA, Bluetooth, and USB-C connectivity, this device proves to be a versatile companion for audiophiles on the go. Additionally, its compatibility with MagSafe adds a modern touch to its connectivity options.

One of the standout features is the ability to wirelessly transmit audio from various devices, providing a liberating and untethered music listening experience. Alternatively, you have the option to use a USB Type-C cable to directly connect your phone, adding a layer of flexibility. Although it is worth noting the absence of an onboard volume indicator, this minor drawback does not overshadow the Tea’s overall excellence.

While there may be DACs in the market with slightly higher resolution, the Khadas Tea’s strength lies in its robust and comprehensive feature set, all offered at an affordable price point. It is a rarity to find a digital-to-analog converter that not only meets but exceeds expectations in terms of features without breaking the bank.