Headphone Zone has partnered once again with ddHiFi to launch a new range of Hi-Res DAC cables designed to solve a long-standing problem faced by IEM users. The newly introduced Headphone Zone X ddHiFi Hi-Res DAC Cable and Hi-Res DAC Pro Cable aim to combine the convenience of USB Type-C connectivity with the sound quality of a true digital-to-analog converter.
Solving a Common Pain Point for IEM Users
When Headphone Zone introduced the Headphone Zone X ddHiFi Hi-Res DAC in 2024, it was widely adopted by India’s audiophile community. However, feedback from users highlighted a recurring concern — many listeners wanted a single-cable solution that did not require carrying a separate DAC dongle. While Type-C cables offer unmatched convenience, most rely on low-cost chipsets that result in compressed, noisy audio, ultimately limiting the performance of high-quality IEMs.
To address this issue, Headphone Zone challenged ddHiFi to engineer a Type-C cable that integrated a real Hi-Res DAC without compromising sound quality, usability, or affordability. The result is a new category of DAC cables designed to deliver clean, high-resolution audio directly from a smartphone to IEMs.
Hi-Res DAC Cable Designed for Everyday Listening
The Headphone Zone X ddHiFi Hi-Res DAC Cable, priced at ₹1,999, is targeted at most IEM users seeking a simple and effective upgrade. It features the CX31993 DAC chip, the same chipset used in the standalone Headphone Zone X ddHiFi Hi-Res DAC. The cable delivers up to 45mW of power at 32Ω and supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM decoding, ensuring low noise, clean signal output, and proper high-resolution audio performance in a single plug-and-play cable.
Hi-Res DAC Pro Cable for Power-Hungry IEMs
For users with more demanding IEMs or those seeking additional headroom, the Headphone Zone X ddHiFi Hi-Res DAC Pro Cable is priced at ₹2,999. In addition to the CX31993 DAC chip, the Pro version integrates a MAX97220 independent amplifier stage. This configuration delivers up to 65mW at 32Ω with output levels reaching 1450mV, offering greater driving power while maintaining the same DAC-and-amp architecture found in the standalone Hi-Res DAC.
Premium Build with Practical Features
Both DAC cables feature silver-plated copper construction for improved signal integrity and durability. In-line controls allow users to manage music playback and calls seamlessly, while USB Type-C plug-and-play compatibility ensures effortless use with modern smartphones and compatible devices. By integrating high-quality DAC and amplification components directly into the cable, the new lineup eliminates the need for external dongles without sacrificing audio fidelity.

Availability
The Headphone Zone X ddHiFi Hi-Res DAC Cable and Hi-Res DAC Pro Cable are available exclusively through Headphone Zone, offering IEM users a streamlined solution that finally bridges the gap between convenience and true high-resolution sound.
A Quote from the Founder
“We listened to our community. A lot of people love the convenience of Type-C cables but hate how they sound. They don’t want to carry a separate DAC. They just want to plug in and listen. The problem is, most Type-C cables use garbage chipsets that make your IEMs sound worse, not better.
So we asked ourselves: what if we put a real DAC inside the cable? Not a compromise. Not a cheap chip. The actual CX31993 that powers our best-selling Hi-Res DAC. And for people who need more power, we added the MAX97220 amp as well.
The standard cable is priced at ₹1,999, the same as our Hi-Res DAC dongle. You’re not paying extra for the cable form factor. You’re just getting a different way to experience the same audio quality.” – Raghav Somani, Founder and CEO, Headphone Zone
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Hi-Res DAC Cable | Hi-Res DAC Pro Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹1,999 | ₹2,999 |
| DAC Chip | CX31993 | CX31993 |
| Amp Chip | — | MAX97220 |
| Power Output | 45mW @ 32Ω | 65mW @ 32Ω |
| Output Level | 1000mV | 1450mV |
| PCM Decoding | 32-bit / 384kHz | 32-bit / 384kHz |
| DNR | 105dB | 105dB |
| SNR | 100dB | 100dB |
| THD+N | -95dB | -93dB |
| Cable | Silver-plated copper | Silver-plated OFC |
| Termination | USB-C | USB-C |
| In-line Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Support | Yes | Yes |
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