Linsoul Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini Portable IEM DAC, in Ear Monitor Amplifier, USB C to 3.5/4.4mm Output, with Custom Chip, High Resolution 32bit/384kHz, HiFi Earbuds Amp for Phone/PC (Silver)
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
A $24 ultra-compact DAC that adds a 4.4mm jack to your phone without draining the battery, perfect for easy-to-drive IEMs but too weak for demanding over-ear headphones.
If you just need a clean, ultra-portable source for sensitive IEMs, the Allegro Mini is a steal at $24. Its 30mW power output is identical across both jacks and barely louder than a standard Apple dongle, making it useless for hard-to-drive headphones.
If you need actual balanced power for planar headphones, step up to a dongle with dual DAC chips and at least 150mW+ output at 32 Ohms.
Regret Scoreโข
Medium RiskLower is better โ measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Draws just 0.02A of power, barely affecting your phone's battery life compared to standard dongles
- Includes both 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs in a tiny 0.7-ounce aluminum unibody
- Supports high-res decoding up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128
- Rigid plug-and-play design sits flush against your device without a dangling cable
- Exceptionally low 0.004% THD+N delivers a clean, slightly warm sound profile
Cons
- The 4.4mm balanced output offers the exact same 30mW power as the 3.5mm jack
- Rigid USB-C connector can block adjacent laptop ports and risks snapping your phone's port if bumped
- Struggles to drive demanding over-ear headphones or planar magnetics due to the 30mW limit
- Lacks hardware volume buttons, LED sample rate indicators, and companion app support
Dimension Scores
Delivers a clean, slightly warm midrange with 0.004% THD+N, but lacks the ESS DAC imaging of the original Allegro.
Outputs a meager 30mW at 32 Ohms, struggling to drive anything beyond sensitive IEMs.
Offers both 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks, but the rigid USB-C plug blocks laptop ports and lacks mic support.
The 0.7-ounce aluminum unibody is incredibly pocketable, though the paint on the corners chips over time.
Best For
- Mobile gamers wanting a flush, cable-free audio setup on their phone or tablet
- IEM users who want to use their 4.4mm balanced cables without buying a bulky, expensive DAC
- Commuters who need a durable, pocketable DAC that only draws 0.02A from their phone battery
Not Recommended For
- Anyone trying to drive power-hungry planar magnetic or high-impedance over-ear headphones
- Laptop users with closely spaced USB-C ports, as the wide aluminum body will block them
Watch Out For
- The 4.4mm jack is purely for convenience, not powerโit outputs the exact same 30mW at 32 Ohms as the 3.5mm jack, so don't expect a volume boost.
- The rigid, cable-less design means any hard bump to the DAC could severely damage your phone's USB-C port.
- It doesn't support inline microphones, so you'll have to rely on your device's built-in mic for calls.
- The stepped USB-C connector accommodates thin phone cases, but you'll have to take off thick, rugged cases to plug it in.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DDKYSS3T |
| Brand | Linsoul |
| Item Weight | 0.704 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Linsoul |
| Interface Type | USB |
| Number of Pins | 32 |
| Item model number | Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Package Dimensions | 2.91 x 2.68 x 0.55 inches |
What Buyers Say
The biggest shock for most buyers is that the 4.4mm jack doesn't offer any extra powerโit's strictly there for cable convenience. Users love the flush, cable-free design for mobile gaming and commuting, as it doesn't leave a dongle dangling from their phone. The 0.02A battery draw is virtually unnoticeable, making it a favorite for long listening sessions. Buyers frequently warn that the rigid plug can put scary leverage on a phone's USB-C port if bumped in a pocket.
โIt sounds incredibly clean with my IEMs and I love not having a wire dangling, but I was super disappointed to find out the 4.4mm jack has the exact same low volume as the 3.5mm.โ
Common Praise
- Draws almost no battery from the host device at just 0.02A
- Flush design looks incredibly clean and doesn't dangle like a traditional dongle
- Adds a touch of warmth that smooths out harsh, treble-heavy IEMs
- Incredible value for getting a 4.4mm jack under $25
Common Complaints
- Maximum volume is surprisingly low, capped at 30mW even on the 4.4mm output
- Blocks adjacent USB-C ports when plugged into a MacBook or Windows laptop
- Silver paint on the aluminum corners tends to chip and wear off after a few weeks
- Rigid design feels like it could snap the phone's charging port if accidentally bent
Ownership Tips
- The silver finish on the sharp aluminum corners will start rubbing off after a few weeks of pocket use.
- You can actually plug headphones into both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks simultaneously to share audio like a Y-splitter.
- If you use a thick phone case, you'll have to take it off every time you want to use this DAC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 4.4mm output provide more power than the 3.5mm?
No. Both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks output 30mW at 32 Ohms. The 4.4mm jack is just there so you don't need an adapter for your balanced cables.
Will this drain my phone battery quickly?
No, it's incredibly efficient. It only draws about 0.02A of power, which is significantly less than most competitor DACs.
Can I use the microphone on my headset with this?
No, the Allegro Mini does not support inline microphones. Your phone or tablet will default to its own built-in microphone for calls.
Will this fit if my phone has a case on it?
It has a slight step on the USB-C connector that clears thin cases. You will likely need to remove thick, heavy-duty cases for it to plug in fully.
Does it work with laptops?
Yes, it's plug-and-play with Mac and Windows. Its wide body will likely block the adjacent USB ports on your laptop.
Is it louder than a standard Apple or Samsung dongle?
Barely. It's designed for better sound clarity and decoding up to 32bit/384kHz, not for pushing massive volume to demanding headphones.
Buying Guide
When buying an ultra-budget DAC, you are usually choosing between power and portability. The Allegro Mini sacrifices power to give you a tiny, battery-efficient device that sits flush against your phone. It's built specifically for highly sensitive In-Ear Monitors. If you are trying to power big over-ear headphones, this will not get loud enough for you.
30mW Output Power
This is how much 'muscle' the amp has to push volume. 30mW is very lowโenough for sensitive earbuds, but it will leave big headphones sounding quiet and hollow.
4.4mm Balanced Output
A larger headphone jack standard used by audiophiles. Usually, it delivers double the power of a standard 3.5mm jack, but here it's just included so you don't have to buy a cable adapter.
32bit/384kHz PCM & DSD128
This means the DAC can decode the highest quality lossless audio files from Apple Music or Tidal without compressing them.
Alternatives
If you need more volume for demanding headphones, look for a dongle DAC with dual DAC chips and at least 100mW of power output, even if it means dealing with a dangling cable.
You Might Also Like
Computer Speakers for Desktop PC Monitor, USB Plug-in, Wired, Computer Soundbar for PC, Laptop Speakers with Adaptive-Channel-Switching, Loud Sound, Deep Bass, USB C Adapter, Easy to Clip on Monitor
Price range unavailableThis $30 clip-on USB soundbar is a massive upgrade over tinny laptop speakers, perfect for cramped home offices that need clear audio without the cable clutter of a 2.1 system.
Bluetooth Pillow Speaker for Sleeping, Mini Portable Under Pillow Speaker with White Noise Timer Wireless Sleep Aid with Stereo Bass Private Sleep Headphones for Adult Kids
$0-$49A 3-Watt stereo Bluetooth 5.4 pillow speaker with 20-hour battery life and white noise, designed for private listening without disturbing others.
Amazon Echo Pop (newest model), Our smallest speaker with Alexa+ Early Access, Fits in any room, Charcoal
This is Amazon's cheapest, smallest Alexa speaker, built for adding voice control to tight spaces like a bathroom or dorm room, not for filling a room with music.
Amazon Echo Pop (newest model), Our smallest speaker with Alexa+ Early Access, Fits in any room, Midnight Teal
This is a cheap, no-frills Alexa speaker for small spaces like bathrooms and hallways, not for anyone who actually cares about music quality.