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Description
AUDIOCULAR Note-S Type-C to 3.5mm Portable DAC & Amp

Upgrade your wired audio setup with the AUDIOCULAR Note-S, a compact USB Type-C to 3.5mm portable DAC and headphone amplifier designed for high-resolution audio and powerful portable performance.
At its core, Note-S combines the KT0231H USB Audio DAC with a dedicated MAX97220 Class-G headphone amplifier, giving you substantially more amplification capability than a typical USB-C audio adapter. It supports PCM audio up to 384kHz/32-bit and can deliver up to 125mW per channel at 32Ω, making it suitable for a wide range of IEMs, wired earphones and compatible headphones.
But Note-S isn't just about output power. Its differential DAC-to-amplifier architecture, low-noise performance and advanced My Audiocular software support give you greater control over how your music sounds.
What makes the AUDIOCULAR Note-S different?
Unlike basic USB-C to 3.5mm dongles that primarily provide digital-to-analog conversion, Note-S combines a high-resolution USB DAC and dedicated Class-G headphone amplifier in a compact portable design.
The KT0231H DAC supports up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM, while its differential DAC output connects directly to the fully differential input of the MAX97220 amplifier. This creates a streamlined signal path designed for clean and controlled audio reproduction.
The MAX97220 can provide up to 125mW/channel into 32Ω with a 5V supply, giving your headphones and IEMs greater driving capability from a pocket-sized DAC amp.
High-Resolution 384kHz/32-Bit USB DAC
The KT0231H USB audio DAC supports stereo PCM playback up to 384kHz/32-bit, allowing Note-S to handle high-resolution audio from compatible smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers.
Whether you're listening to music, watching movies, gaming or simply replacing your device's built-in headphone output, Note-S provides a dedicated wired audio interface between your USB-C device and 3.5mm headphones or IEMs.
The DAC offers up to 103dB SNR, helping maintain a clean audio signal during playback.
Dedicated MAX97220 Class-G Headphone Amplifier
A key feature of Note-S is its dedicated MAX97220 Class-G headphone amplifier.
Rather than relying entirely on the USB codec's built-in output stage, Note-S uses a separate headphone amplifier designed to provide higher output capability.
It can deliver:
- Up to 125mW per channel at 32Ω
- 112.5dB amplifier SNR
- As low as 0.0021% THD+N
- Capacitor-less output architecture
- Click/pop suppression
This makes Note-S a particularly capable option for users looking for a portable Type-C DAC amp with more power than a basic dongle DAC.
Differential Audio Architecture for a Clean Signal Path
The KT0231H uses a differential DAC output, which connects directly to the fully differential input of the MAX97220 amplifier.
This architecture is designed to maintain an efficient signal path between the DAC and headphone amplifier.
With 103dB DAC SNR and up to 112.5dB amplifier SNR, Note-S is engineered for clean, detailed and controlled wired audio reproduction.
Personalise Your Sound with My Audiocular
Want to change the sound to match your headphones, IEMs or personal preference?
Note-S works with My Audiocular, giving you access to a range of sound-customisation tools through the supported web app and Android app.
You can access:
- 6-band EQ
- Multi-band PEQ Editor
- Auto PEQ
- Adaptive Sound Test
- AI-powered sound recommendations
- Device Dashboard
- Custom sound presets
This makes Note-S more than a conventional USB DAC dongle. You can fine-tune your listening experience instead of being limited to the manufacturer's default sound.
USB Audio Class 1.0 & 2.0 Support
Note-S supports both USB Audio Class 1.0 and USB Audio Class 2.0, providing compatibility with a broad range of supported USB-C devices.
Connect it to a compatible:
- Android smartphone
- Tablet
- Laptop
- Desktop computer
- Other USB-C audio source
Then plug your existing 3.5mm IEMs, earphones or compatible headphones into the Note-S and you're ready to listen.
Because Note-S is powered directly through USB-C, there is no separate battery to charge.
Compact DAC Amp for Everyday Wired Listening
The biggest advantage of Note-S is how much functionality it packs into a small portable device.
You get a 384kHz/32-bit USB DAC, dedicated Class-G headphone amplifier, up to 125mW/channel output, EQ and PEQ support, AI sound features and 3.5mm connectivity without carrying a separate desktop amplifier or DAC.
Keep it connected to your laptop at your desk or pair it with your USB-C smartphone for portable listening.
Who is the AUDIOCULAR Note-S for?
Choose Note-S if you want:
- A Type-C to 3.5mm DAC and headphone amplifier
- High-resolution 384kHz/32-bit PCM support
- More output power than a basic USB-C audio adapter
- Up to 125mW/channel at 32Ω
- A dedicated MAX97220 Class-G amplifier
- Built-in sound customisation through EQ and PEQ
- AI-powered sound recommendations
- A compact solution for IEMs, earphones and headphones
- USB Audio Class 1.0 and 2.0 support
- A USB-powered DAC amp with no battery to charge
If you simply need basic USB-C to 3.5mm conversion, a simpler dongle may be sufficient. If you want higher output capability and extensive sound customisation in a compact DAC amp, Note-S adds considerably more functionality.











