I'm really frustrated that they removed the headphone jack, especially because I've already gone through four USB-C to 3.5mm adapters that all broke within a month. I've tried different brands, spending over 25 euros each time, and even used the official Samsung and OnePlus ones. I don't apply any stress to them since I mostly use them at my desk or on the bus. I'm really not interested in switching to Bluetooth; I have top-notch studio-grade headphones for sound suppression, which I need badly due to being autistic. I'm looking for a super durable recommendation that won't break easily, no matter the cost. I'm just tired of replacing them constantly!
5 Answers
You can find cheap DACs for under $10 or even $5 on AliExpress or Alibaba! Like this one: [link](https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/ALC4050-HIFI-DAC-Earphone-Amplifier-USB_1600452706270.html). They’re usually plug and play with no drivers needed, but just a heads up, not all of them work well with Windows 7.
Another route could be getting a phone that has a headphone jack. There are still smartphones out there with decent specs that include a 3.5mm input. Check out this link I found for models released this year: [gsmarena search for compatible phones](https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?nYearMin=2025&nRamMin=8000&nIntMemMin=512000&chk35mm=selected). Alternatively, you could look into a dedicated audio device like a portable MP3 player or even a compact laptop or tablet.
I totally get your frustration! A lot of these adapters aren’t built to last. If you want something that really holds up, check out the ddHiFi TC35 Pro Eye or Space Edition or the Cayin RU6. They're more expensive, ranging between €50 to €150, but they’re durable and have great audio quality, which is essential for your studio headphones. Definitely worth the investment if you're tired of constant replacements!
You might want to look into a higher-quality DAC instead. They usually have a solid build and offer better sound for your studio headphones. I’ve been using a DDHiFi one that’s super tough and hasn’t failed me in over two years. If you can find a good ChiFi product in Europe, that could be a great option!
I'm on it! Trying to find a long-lasting solution for you! 😉
So your answer to 'this thing keeps breaking' is to suggest buying an even cheaper one that'll probably break too?