I'm always on the lookout for affordable ways to improve my listening experience. I was intrigued when I heard about the new Strauss & Wagner (S&W) Siena DAC with adapter. Priced at just $9.95, this little device promises to improve the audio quality of portable devices. But can a DAC that costs less than a lunch really make a difference? I decided to put it to the test.
The rise of dongle-type DACs
Dongle-style DACs have become increasingly popular among audio enthusiasts. These compact devices cost between $10 and $200 and offer an easy way to upgrade your portable audio equipment without spending a fortune.
S&W has earned a reputation for creating products that punch above their weight. The Siena DAC is their latest offering in this category. At just $9.95, it's one of the most affordable options on the market.
Supported devices
iPhone: iPhone 15
Samsung Galaxy: S22, S22+, S21, S21 Ultra, S21 Plus, S20 FE, S20 FE 5G, Note 20 Ultra 5G, Note 20, Note 10 5G
OnePlus: 9, 9 Pro, 8T, 8 Pro, 8, 7T Pro, 7T, 7 Pro, 7
Google Pixel: 5, 4XL, 4, 3, 3XL, 2, 2XL
Sony Xperia: 1, 5
Huawei: Mate 40 Pro+, Mate 40 RS
ALIVE: 20's, 11's
Design and build quality
The Siena features a sleek grey design that is both understated and stylish. I found it blends seamlessly with my devices. The USB-C connection ensures compatibility with a wide range of modern smartphones and laptops.
One of the most notable features is the nylon-threaded cable. It feels durable and high-quality, especially considering the budget-friendly price. The 3.5mm output jack works with almost any headphone or IEM.
I appreciate the seamless connectivity between input and output. It is a plug-and-play solution that requires no additional configuration or software.
Performance comparison
To evaluate the Siena's performance, I compared it to the ubiquitous Apple device. The difference was immediately noticeable. The Siena produced a cleaner, more impactful sound overall.
I tested the Sienas with two popular devices: the Moondrop Aria II IEMs and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X on-ear headphones. Both budget pairs benefited significantly from the S&W DAC.
Bass performance
The bass improvement was particularly impressive. With the Siena, the bass is stronger and clearer. This was especially noticeable with the ATH-M50X, which tend to have a very bass-heavy signature.
To really test the bass performance, I listened to Ink’s “Addicted.” This track features extremely prominent low end in the mix. Through the Apple adapter, the ATH-M50X’s bass became somewhat muddy. However, the Sienas brought evenness and clarity to the low end.
The thump was still there, but it felt more controlled and less distorted. This was a noticeable improvement over both the Apple device and my phone's built-in 3.5mm jack.
Midrange and treble
While the bass improvement was the most noticeable, the Siena also improved the mids and highs. Vocals were heard more clearly and high-frequency detail was more evident.
With the Moondrop Aria II, a budget IEM known for its pleasing V-shaped tuning, the Siena brought out the best in its sound signature. The bass was clear and punchy, while the mids and highs remained well-balanced.
Overall sound quality
Across a range of genres, I found the Siena consistently improved the listening experience. It added a layer of refinement to the sound that I wasn't expecting from such an affordable device.
The soundstage seemed slightly wider and instrument separation was more precise. These improvements were subtle but noticeable, especially during longer listening sessions.
Usability and limitations
It's important to note that the Siena is purely a DAC. It doesn't provide any additional amplification. For most modern IEMs and power-efficient headphones, this isn't an issue. However, if you have power-hungry headphones, you'll need a more powerful solution.
I find the Siena to be ideal for use with smartphones and laptops. It's small enough to take anywhere, making it a great option for enhancing your listening setup while on the go.
Value proposition
At $9.95, the S&W Siena offers incredible value for money. It beats Apple's dongle in sound quality and matches it in convenience and portability. For anyone looking to get into the world of external DACs, the Siena is a great starting point.
Conclusion
After extensive testing, I can safely say that the Strauss & Wagner Siena punches well above its weight class. It offers a noticeable improvement in sound quality compared to the standard output of a smartphone or basic adapters.
While it won't replace high-end DACs costing hundreds of dollars, it doesn't try to. The Siena aims to provide an accessible entry point to better audio, and succeeds admirably.
For less than the price of a movie ticket, you can significantly upgrade your portable listening experience. Whether you're into budget IEMs or mid-range headphones, the Siena has something to offer.
S&W has once again delivered a product that punches above its weight. The Siena is an example that good sound doesn't always have to be expensive. It's a must-have for budget-conscious audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
If you're curious about upgrading your audio setup without spending a fortune, check out the S&W Siena. At this price, you have little to lose and potentially a lot to gain. It may just be the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to your portable audio system.
Leave feedback about this