The Dongle That Pairs iPhone 7s With Decent Headphones Is Already Here

It's an amp. It goes to 11. It fits in your pocket.

By The Editors
September 12, 2016 9:00 am

Apple, you may have heard, wants to kill your headphones.

Yes, the release of the iPhone 7 will usher in an era sans 3.5mm headphone jacks, and it won’t be the only phone on the market: the Moto Z is also going jack-less.

If you’re feeling anxious about the the post-headphone jack world, stay calm. Those wired cans of yours will still work — you’ll just need the right solution.

In all cases, it’s Astell & Kern’s XB10.

The XB10 is a tiny wireless DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and amp that ensures your favorite wired headphones will can be wedded to your wireless phone. About the size of a tin of lip balm, the codec connects with your phone via Bluetooth and your headphones via jack, delivering clean, crisp 24-bit HD audio that even seasoned audiophiles will abide.

The XB10 is currently available for preorder. For more info, head on over to Astell & Kern’s website.

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