“It doesn’t sound at all like an underpowered portable device. The highs are zingy but not tizzy, the mids are detailed but not overbaked, and bass is decently proportioned. Everything is surprisingly clean and smooth, in stark contrast to the garbage most computers would normally shovel out. Audioengine’s D3 is the best stick-type USB DAC and headphone amp I’ve heard yet. It sports a nearly nothing form factor and blissful independence from cumbersome USB-driver installation and wall warts. Its five-star performance rating—relative to similarly priced products—is well earned. If you’re looking for the easiest, cheapest way to make computer audio sound great through headphones, this is it.” —— soundandvision.com