Audioengine has something new for folks who care about sound on the go. It’s called the HXL, and while it looks a lot like a dongle, the company would really prefer you didn’t call it that. Instead, think of it as a portable DAC and headphone amp that plugs right into your phone or laptop and upgrades your audio without making a fuss.
It’s small, simple, and priced at $169, available now at places like Amazon and Crutchfield. The HXL is designed to work right out of the box—no apps, no drivers, no extra power supply. Just plug it into a USB-C port, and you’re off and running with better sound.
So, what’s actually inside this pocket-sized device? Quite a bit, actually.
The HXL is built around dual CS43131 DAC chips, which means it can handle high-resolution audio formats up to 32-bit/384kHz for PCM files and DSD256 natively. Whether you're streaming from a lossless music service or playing back your hi-res collection, the HXL is equipped to handle it.
It connects via USB-C and draws power from whatever device it’s plugged into—no batteries to charge and no power brick to carry around. It works with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, thanks to the included USB-C to Lightning adapter.
There’s also a 60-step hardware volume control on the unit. While it’s digital, not analog, the fine-grained control is helpful for dialing in the right level, especially with sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs) or high-impedance headphones.
On the output side, you get two options: a standard 3.5mm jack and a 4.4mm balanced output. That gives you the flexibility to use everything from everyday headphones to more demanding gear that benefits from a balanced connection.
The specs are solid. The 3.5mm output delivers 2.06 volts RMS at 600 ohms, while the 4.4mm balanced output puts out 4.09 volts RMS. That’s enough juice to comfortably power most headphones, whether you're using IEMs or over-ear models with higher power requirements.
It also has very low output impedance (under 0.5 ohms), which helps with signal control and compatibility across a wide range of headphones—from 10 ohms to 600 ohms.
The HXL wasn’t just built to be portable—it’s also built to be quiet. The internal design includes features like a low-jitter PLL clock, external crystal oscillator, and well-regulated power circuits. Together, those help keep noise and distortion down.
In terms of numbers:
Translation: you’re getting a clean, detailed signal that isn’t likely to be clouded by hiss, hum, or distortion—even when listening to delicate passages or low-volume recordings.
Physically, the HXL is housed in a CNC-machined aluminum case. It feels solid and travel-ready, and should be able to survive the bottom of your backpack or your desk drawer just fine.
Instead of a screen, there’s a simple LED indicator that lights up to show the current playback format (PCM or DSD). It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
The HXL ships with everything you need to get started:
That makes it compatible with most modern phones, tablets, and computers without needing to hunt for extra accessories.
The HXL isn’t trying to be an all-in-one digital audio workstation. It doesn’t have onboard EQ or app integration, and it skips some of the advanced filter options you might find on more expensive gear. If you’re looking for a highly customizable experience, or a DAC with a battery and standalone mode, this probably isn’t it.
Also, while the 60-step digital volume control is great for precision, it’s not quite as satisfying as turning a physical knob—something to keep in mind if you like that analog feel.
The Audioengine HXL is a small but capable DAC and headphone amp that gives you a big upgrade in sound quality with very little effort. It’s meant for people who want better audio from their phone, tablet, or computer without jumping into the world of bulky gear or complicated setups.
At $169, it delivers clean power, high-resolution support, and flexibility in a compact design. It may walk like a dongle and quack like a dongle, but Audioengine clearly hopes you'll think of it as something more. Whether you call it a dongle or not, the HXL looks like a solid travel companion for anyone who wants better sound—without the extra baggage. You can buy it today at Amazon and Crutchfield.
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