Micca OriGen G3 HiFi USB and Optical DAC Amp for Headphones and Powered Speakers, 24-Bit/192kHz, Earphone Amplifier, Preamp, Volume Control, for Desktop Computers and Laptops

I own headphones ranging in price from 300.00 to 1100.00 so I wanted to couple them with a high preforming dac/amp. I first purchased the S.M.S.L M500 based on the reviews on Reddit. It performed pretty good but during soft music such as "if you could read my mind" and "you're so vain" there was a noticeable hiss and having grew up in the audio world during the reign of cassette tapes, I just couldn't do it. I returned it the same day. I expected more from a 400.00 DAC. I tried a few other DACs with most being OK but I ended up settling on the aune B1 for my portable solution and it's a great dac/amp plus it hooks to my phone just fine and sounded great. I ran across a review on the Micca Origen G2 and the audiophile raved about it. Since I wanted a dedicated desktop DAC/AMP I figured for the price on Amazon, I could return it without any bad feelings. That was months ago and it still sits on my desk. What surprised me the build quality and deck amenities. It supports DSF/DSD/PCM and MQA as well as regular flac and wav files. Your lights on the top of the unit flash differently, depending on the file playing. It shows your high end DSF/DSD or MQA files in a different color. It also indicates your flac and wav files. I have a mixed library so it's nice to see it recognize my DSF files. It's just a feel good addition that indicates the quality of workmanship. And did I mention this thing is a 100 percent metal beast? So in a side by side comparison with my 300.00 aune BU1 portable unit, I can honestly say I enjoy the Origen as much if not better. The Origen seems to warm the music ever so much, something like you would expect from a tube amp dac. It drives my 1100.00 250 Ohm cans just as clearly as my 32 Ohm sets. For the price, I am extremely happy with the Origan G2. Extremely. Unfortunately, it is currently unavailable on Amazon. Watch this space, I am guessing they will renew shortly. This is a fantastic DAC/AMP at twice the price.

This micca origen+ is probably my favorite new audio component in a very long time, and it has certainly proven its worth. Now for some background, I have always been a headphone guy (speakers are far less mobile/convenient). Well Micca is primarily a speaker company (far as I know), and the Origen was designed with speakers in mind. So with that in mind, what am I doing buying a portable amplifier designed by a speaker company? It did'nt make sense, at least not until I had seen the review by Zeos of Z Reviews (you should know who I am talking about). A few years back, I started a mobile audio setup. I purchased a Fiio E10k amp/dac as well as a Nad HP50. Fast forward to today, my amount of audio gear has grown a fair amount since then. As my collection of gear grew, I began wanting a more powerful mobile amp, I sold the E10k. Following zeo's recommendation as well as being a stickler for design choice, I picked up the Origen. Turns out, this little thing is perfect for a mobile headphone setup. FWIW, by mobile I mean travelling with laptop/music/headphones in tow. I'll get to the point on this review. You're paying just north of $100 to get this Origen and getting an all in one solution that is on par with my Schiit Uber Stack at less than half the cost. It can drive the Mr Speakers Alpha Prime (a power hungry planar) to more than needed volume. The sound quality next to the magni 2 uber is indistinguishable, same for the dac compared to the modi 2. High/Low gain switching is an absolute positive. The volume knob on the Origen is wonderful and VISIBLE. Bottom line, this is the headphone amp/dac to get if you're a first time buyer of such gear. It has literally zero flaws to me. Easy 5 stars. Note: According to Micca, some of the new origen+ units did not ship with a usb cable. Well, mine did not have a usb cable as well. Fortunately, it needs an otg usb cable (I have a spare one that was for my android phone). It works fine with the Origen+. UPDATE 6/24/2018: My Modi 2 Uber suddenly stopped being recognized by windows 10. I tried EVERYTHING; bought a powered usb hub, disabled usb power management, tried every schiit driver (including the outdated 1.03 driver, ASIO drivers, rebooting, uninstalling drivers. Apparently the Modi, Modi 2 and Uber can all have random chronic issues being recognized by windows 10. This started after the 6/12 WIN10 update and my Modi 2 Uber has been a useless brick ever since..time to sell it! For now, I still own and use the Origen+. In fact, it has become my main desktop DAC with my windows 10 laptop. It was quite a pain to get it going, but have had no problems since installing it a week ago. My install process was as follows (be sure your Origen+ is off): 1-download the origen+ driver 1.2.5 from the micca website 2-proceed to the windows device manager 3-power on the Origen+, it should appear in ''other devices'' or in ''sound, video and game controllers'' tab. When it does, hold down Shift and reboot your pc. 4-continue holding shift until the advanced boot options menu appears, then click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings, then click Reset. One more menu with options 1-9 will appear, you want 7) Disable Driver Signature Enforcement, press F7 5-After the reboot completes, get into the Device Manager again and turn the Origen+ off, then on again. If you see it (VIA USB Device) in 'other devices' or in 'sound, video and game controllers' tab: --right-click it and update driver, then browse for the 1.2.5 driver manually and force install it (update driver anyway). Done(?) 6-If your Origen+ does not work at this point, reboot in F7 Unsigned Driver Mode again. After reboot go into Device Manager--right-click VIA USB Device and uninstall, then go into Action > 'Scan for hardware changes' OR update driver, then browse for the 1.2.5 driver manually and force install it (update driver anyway). In my case, I had to repeat step 6 twice, but it has worked ever since; even turning the Origen+ off and on and/or restarting does not require a re-install.

I've been wanting the Micca OriGen for many years . First saw it on Z's reviews. Than Fossi Audio did an update of sorts and put out there version (SK02).I have it as well.Both perform very well,have near identical features,both will power Fostex T60rp and Beyerdynamic DT800 edition 600 ohm with no signs of distortion. Fossi SK02 offers 4.4 balanced and 3.5 single ended where OriGen gen 3 offers 6.5 and 3.5 single ended.As I mentioned above,,,they have plenty of output power.I prefer the analog volume control on the OriGen over the digital one on the Fossi,,,it's a feel kinda of thing.The OriGen is noticeably more compact,both are fine but I do prefer the OriGen.The OriGen uses small mechanical selector switches witch are more old-school and I do like that over the Fossi push button type.Sound quality is equal,both are smooth with plenty of detail.To pick 1 over the other will be a particular taste thing.Fossi SK02 is more modern but I still prefer the slightly more old-school Micca OriGen gen 3.Cost wise both are around $100.00 so they won't break the bank.

I wanted to like this, I really did. First of all I got it and was impressed with the size and weight. It seems nice and sturdy ... boy was I wrong. But that came to light later. First I had to install it. Now, seeing as how it's a USB device you'd think it would maybe be plug and play, right? Well, no ... but hey, I've been around a while and know how finicky some USB devices are. So I work on it a while but it's still not installing properly. Lo and behold the thing has drivers as old as the Nile, which don't play well with any Windows OS built in the current millennia. But hey, there's a work around! .... which involves so many convoluted steps, resets, and windows operations that I was lucky to get the damn thing to install properly. I was, though! So I finally got it installed and working. It's go time, right! The worst is behind me! Well, not really. As it turns out this thing has a terrible mini-USB cord and plug on the physical unit. A tremor from a mouse farting two miles away could cause the cord to shift ever so slightly and cause the power going to the unit to freak out. If you're lucky it will only be a quick second. If you're not lucky the computer freezes up and requires a complete reboot. I hope you like saving your work on the off chance a gust of wind on the other side of the planet doesn't even so much as THINK about shifting that USB cord. If you have a cat that likes to walk along your desk you might as well just shoot yourself now and save yourself the hassle, hair loss, and anti-depression medication. When it's working it's pretty good. That's why it doesn't have a 1 star. The knob is nice, the power is good, the sound seems great. Although I'm writing this review right now because while listening to music the sound started to crackle at high points. Luckily, though, an elephant in Zimbabwe sneezed and the USB cable moved a micro-meter and reset the unit again. Honestly, if it's just a cable exchange that would fix this it might get 3 stars if it works properly after that. Considering the hassle associated with setting it up, installing it, and then dealing with the ancient drivers and shoddy USB port ... I wouldn't ever recommend this. Sadly I missed the Amazon return policy limit by 5 freaking days so I'm stuck with it until I can stand spending another Benjamin or two on one that doesn't come from before the Y2K bug. --------------------------------- EDIT: Okay, so have you ever seen a person eat Crow? Well just call me a Thenn because that's what I'm about to do. (That's a Game of Thrones reference, Grandma) So as you all can see Micca support left a comment on the review in a quick fashion. I contacted them and they gave me a very prompt response. They said that the unit was likely a bad one and that they would send out a replacement. So I gave them my shipping address and away it went. I was kind of shocked, because normally companies like to ask for a DNA test and your first born child in order to identify you for them to send anything out. Hell, they didn't even ask for shipping. So the unit gets here in a couple days and I try it out. That little loose plug FEELS the same as the last unit, however it doesn't operate the same at all. This one can flex and move and still doesn't disconnect or give me any issues like the last unit did. It looks the same, feels the same, moves around the same, but the power doesn't cut off. It has worked well for a week or so now and I'm not having any issues. Because of that I'm increasing the review from 2 stars up to 4 stars. Now you might be asking yourself, "Why not 5??" Well, inner voice inside my head that definitely isn't schizophrenia, I'll tell you. The product still has that driver issue you have to resolve while initially installing it. Now I didn't have that problem when I got my new one, because it's the exact same unit and it didn't require a different driver. So that's pretty much the only reason it didn't get a 5 star review. I MIGHT have leaned toward a 3 star review because of the original issue I had, however I don't think that would be accurate because the customer support was prompt, very responsive, and moved quickly. That let me know that if I'll ever have any issues with their products that they'll be able to help me very quickly, and that's definitely worth the rating. I can't speak enough about how low I placed the bar for customer support in general these days, and how they poll vaulted over it like juiced up Russian Olympic athlete. I was very impressed. So that's that. This should be the end of our little story. I've enjoyed it and hope to continue to enjoy it. My hair is no longer falling out (being pulled out) and my cat can now walk freely on my desk again without seeing his owner gain random bouts of verbal tourettes. So I think you, my cat thanks you, and my sanity thanks you.

As a matter of background information, I've been evaluating various DAC's over the past several months and currently have 6 in my possession for comment and review - those being the iFi ZenDAC, the Soundavo HP-DAC1, the Schiit Modi 3, the SABAJ D3, the FX Audio X6, and the Micca OriGen 2. I constantly switch back and forth between them all, using two superb passive (built-like-a-tank) GOHIFIAUDIO S1 RCA audio switchers. This switcher model can handle up to 4 different audio units and there is virtually no signal loss or alteration. You can find it here on Amazon at (just copy and paste the link below into your browser): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085W1PPHL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 My initial evaluation was accomplished using active speakers only (I'm typically not a headphone user, although I've recently began using some headphones). The active speakers used were the Edifier S3000 Pro's, the Edifier R2000 DB's, the Edifier R1850 DB's, the Edifier S350DB (a 2.1 system), and the JBL 1 Series 104's. USB cables used were upgraded Audioquest Pearl models and the RCA cables used were either versions from World's Best Cables, or from Blue Jeans Cables (their LC-1's). In addition, just recently I added into the mix the absolutely superb (makes a world of different in USB sound quality) iFi Purifier 3.0 USB line conditioner and reclocker. Alright - now on to the Micca Origen2. In a nutshell, it is a very competent performer. The music it produces is transparent and balanced with no one particular area standing out of the crowd, and it creates a large, more laid back sound-stage that spreads out the instruments from far left to far right. Some would call the OriGen 2 boring at times, but that most certainly is not the case - please read on. I tend to listen to only classical, big band, jazz, Latin jazz, and other large orchestral pieces and I specifically listen to how DAC's produce the different instrumentation. With that in mind, for me - the OriGen 2 does not initially call attention to itself and it does not move the music up-front and in your face as some DAC's do. Using classical music as an example, or any orchestral ensembles, what you will experience is that sound staging is pushed back a bit and at the same time widened from left to right. Now some DAC's excite you at first by throwing the music right in your face - that is, they move the sound-stage forward on a single plane. Some of these other DAC's may have a sense of immediacy, but their sense of depth may suffer in the process. Now do keep in mind that I listen to music by my desktop PC because I spend a good 6-8 hours daily working, communicating, and photo processing with Photoshop (in addition to being an audiophile, I am also a photographer). And I'm a critical listener. As I mentioned above, the music is balanced and there isn't any one area that screams for attention to itself (again, like with some DAC's). This balanced sound translates well towards long term listening. Now using the term "balanced," should not be meant to infer that it is bland - far from it. If you want "immediacy," just turn up the volume up bit. When you do that, the Gen 2 keeps the balance and the sense of depth from front to rear, yet also imparts that "immediacy" or involvement that so many are looking for. When there's bass, the Gen 2 does a superb job giving you the wallop you need. Mids and highs are handled with delicacy, not trying to over-shawdow anything. With good source material, some high frequencies like strined instruments for example, have an almost silky sheen to them (not grating). One thing I like about this DAC that is missing in a few other DAC's is that if you want to connect a headphone, you are given two headphone jacks - one for the larger sized version, and a separate one for the 3.5 MM version. In addition, if you want to listen to the headphones only, just flip the front switch to headphone and your speakers will NOT play (just the headphones). Likewise, when you want to go back to the speakers only, just flip the switch back to the speakers symbol and wallaaaaaaa...now you're listening to your speakers without the headphones being used (in case you still have them plugged in). So this exceptionally small sized DAC (which shocks you the first time you open it up) is anything but small in the audio department - that's for sure. But as is always the case, YMMV - everybody uses their gear differently. I don't play rock or higher high-pitched screechy type of music. Large orchestral works are some of the best indicators of musical qualities in audio gear - I learned that a long time ago. In addition, I make it a point to upgrade all of my cables - to include USB cables, RCA or 3.5 MM connector wire, and in some cases the power supplies. Little improvements such as these can often make a world of difference, allowing the true audio performance levels to shine with various gear. So for the ridiculously inexpensive price it's placed at, this G2 is a solid performer and it tends to grow on you as time goes on, and it most certainly does not look like other DAC units. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: On 7-6-2020 I edited and adjusted the initial review. As time went on, I came to really appreciate this Micca MiriGen G2 DAC unit. So for those of you revisiting this review, yes, it has changed. My changes now involved more positive comments about audio performance, sound-staging, and more. And I also changed my initial star rating from 4 to 5.

I wanted to switch from a bulky receiver which I no longer used for anything but headphones and try a dedicated headphone amp. I tried the Schiit Modi and Magni v1 first but didn't like various things about them. Sadly, I ended up resorting to a product not made in America due to budget constraints and picked this up. However, like many knives it seems to be that this is a product of high quality; one of those rare gems that comes from Asia that's built well. The construction is solid, finish is clean and the unit functions flawlessly. I haven't tried anything besides the headphone jacks, volume knob, USB connection, gain switch, output switch and SPDIF out (for functionality testing only) but everything has checked out so far. I leave it connected via USB and it's nice to not have to plug it into the wall. I was surprised how well this thing performs since it's powered by USB alone. The reason I wanted something like this was to hopefully cut down on heat output while also providing a large volume wheel without taking up a lot of space on the desk. The wheel isn't as large as a receiver but in terms of dedicated headphone amps it's relatively large. I would have picked up a JDSLABS "The Element" if I could afford it due to the massive volume wheel but I'm actually quite satisfied with the Micca Origen G2. The light indicators (orange) properly read the correct sample rate coming from the computer (it seems to stay set to whatever you set Windows to, regardless of if you set something else in a media player -- something which I believe is the fault of Window's terrible audio management UX). It also has a light indicator to let you know that the power is on (green) as well as another one which reacts in a unique way to the audio based on the channel(s) audio is output to. This light will light up blue for left channel, red for right channel and purple for both channels. The strength of the light depends on how loud the audio is coming through to the headphones. That green light I mentioned is red when you first power on the unit and wait for initialization, much like a receiver but much faster. It takes about a second to change the light from red to green where on a receiver it would take maybe 3-4 seconds for it to be ready to output a signal. The lights face upward so they can't really hit you in the face when you're trying to sleep and even if they faced you I don't believe they're the type that are blindingly and annoyingly strong. The unit doesn't get too warm which is very nice. As far as sound there's not really any issues on that front and it's difficult to compare to other things without a side-by-side comparison. Plus, sound is subjective so what I say isn't a huge deal anyways but I can at least say, in-case it helps anyone that I didn't notice any sound coloring from the device and yes, it can put out some real high volume levels... to the point that you'll not want to listen to it that loud for a long time because it will get irritating and probably help damage your hearing. I'm overall very satisfied with this purchase and it's nice to know that even if I travel I can easily pack this in my luggage or carry-on and have something with me wherever I go that can be paired with high or low impedance headphones.

This is my first headphone DAC/AMP. My previous setup was using my PC's Sound Blaster Titanium HD. I have tried this DAC/AMP with three different headphones, my main ones for the time being B&O H6's. I bought this DAC/AMP with the hope of improving sound quality, and to have a convenient volume control on my desk. I used to have to control the volume through the windows tray icon, so on the second point this is a great improvement. As far as sound quality goes, I can't say I can hear any difference in sound quality compared to my sound card. The bass, treble, details, etc, are all identical as far as I can tell. What is a very noticeable improvement however is the noise floor. There is absolutely no background hiss unless the volume is raised >80% at high gain, which is way way too loud for any of my headphones, and even then the background hiss is only barely perceptible. With my soundcard, there was very noticeable background hiss at moderate levels, especially when playing a game where my video card was producing EMI. The only drawback to this is that I have blown out my ears a few times not knowing the volume was set so high, as I am used to knowing the volume is up due to background hiss! I compared this DAC/AMP to a few others before purchasing. Even though this unit is USB powered, even low gain is plenty to power all of my typical 32 Ohm headphones to extreme volume. I like having an optical input so I can use my PC's digital output and not have to mess with drivers or anything (which are currently not supported in Windows 10 due to the drivers not being signed as of September 2016). While there are several other options for DAC/AMPS for well under $100, I really like the form factor of this unit. The volume control knob on top makes it easy to use. All of the plugs and switches on the unit have a very satisfying and high-quality-feeling click to them. The unit has a nice weight to it with silicone feet to keep it in place. The design is very well thought out. My only complaint is that my unit did not come with either a power cord or a USB cable. I had to buy one of each to figure out how to set it up on my desk. And I ended up buying two different DC power adapters before finding the right kind (5V, 2A, with 1.35x3.5mm barrel). Otherwise highly recommended over any PC soundcard, for its utility and low noise floor.

Before I go any further I feel I should mention if you are running Windows 10, driver instillation is a pain, although there is a very helpful guide on the Micca website it may be intimidating for less technical users. If I were to simply review features, functionality, and sound quality after I got everything set up I feel this product would easily have scored 4 or 5 stars. That said, there are a few things that I found very annoying that detracted from the experience and are areas I really fell should be improved upon. First of which is getting the driver instillation working properly with Windows 10. I didn't have much trouble but with all previous USB DACs being plug and play this was a little disappointing. There is a very helpful guide if you look for it on the Micca site and it worked. It would just be nicer if they got it to work the way it should. The next of which is the lack of the DC input. If you want to use an optical audio cable you will need to separately purchase a 5V DC adapter. I attempted using optical audio and powering it by USB but there was some horrific interference and clipping when trying to use this method at anything but the lowest volume. Now on to the features that actually make this thing great and will make it my daily driver on my gaming PC. The first thing I love is the ability to seamlessly switch between my powered monitors (Micca pb42x's) and my headphones without swapping a bunch of cables or changing my default audio device in windows. With the flick of a switch I can move back and forth. Having a physical volume knob is also a big plus. Particularly when in-game this really simplifies the process of adjusting the volume on the fly. Just twisting a knob rather than hunting for the right key on my keyboard to adjust the volume. The volume knob controls the volume of the line out and the headphones (so it isn't just a pass through for your line out). As far as sound quality goes at this point I have nothing positive nor negative to say at this point. It is very powerful and on the 0db mode it will push my pb42x's to the point they start clipping at it's max volume. Headphones sound as good or better than my Dragonfly on the songs I've listened to so far. The sound quality has been great on both my Phillips open back headphones and my V-moda m80's. All in all it sounds better than the stock DAC and it has that extra oomph sometimes needed to push headphones. I wouldn't say the sound quality "wowed" me over what I was using before but I also can't find anything negative to say about it either.

Sound Quality: I can only compare these to the Wolfson dac on my Galaxy S5 Neo and the Bur Brown dac on my Fiio X1. Honestly, it's very hard to tell the difference since they're all so transparent (In fact, I'd probably need the Sescom A/B switch to tell them apart). However, I can confidently say these offer clean, transparent sound on my PSB m4u1. You don't hear any hissing until you crank up to ear-bleeding volumes. Ease of Use: I have Windows 10 and did not have trouble installing the VIA drivers needed to use this over micro-usb. It's also nice that these have toslink input, so I am able to output sound from my PS3 and PS4. However, if you intend on using toslink input, you need to power the dac via usb OR 5v power adapter (NOT included). Build Quality: The exterior is fully encased in metal and cool to the touch. However it does get warm over time. I really like how there is no gap in the construction. The knob is solid and quite addicting to spin around. I decided to open it up to see how the interior is put together and was delighted to see 3 pcbs solidly glued together in an upside-down "U" shape. The flip switches and IO ports are solidly glued, so I don't expect the parts to wear and tear fast. Overall: Unless if you're using a really crappy dac/amp, you probably shouldn't buy this and expect mind-blowing changes to sound quality. Side-note: The product comes with a nice JSJ 3.5mm to RCA cable and a generic micro-usb cable.

Perfect for what I needed. Using on my gaming PC via optical with a ugreen 5v adapter for my M40x's and Monoprice Retros. Brought my game audio to a much more immersive level. Can't say it provides a huge boost in sound quality, does sound really clean though even at really high volume. A cheap and easy sound quality boost is to buy a USB to AUX dongle for your laptop to bypass your headphone jack, sounds way better and can tap into windows spatial sound. While I don't have speakers on it yet, i'm glad I can expand in the future. Tried it on my laptop via USB and it worked immediately on windows 10. Looks great on a desk, highly recommended. UGREEN AC to DC Adapter 5V 2A Power Supply Adapter with 1.35mm x 3.5mm Connector Plug Wall Charger for Led Strip, String Lights, Wireless Router, LCD, Hub, Switches, CCTV Cameras, Android TV Box

To anyone reading this, I've never been more confident in a product in my life. This thing makes a world of difference. If you care about sound quality, you owe it to yourself to grab one. It's simply the best audio product I've ever owned. Solidly built, and easy to understand. It's like a little audio brick in the palm of your hand.

Decent product. Decent sound quality and very versatile. Not amazing crisp clean sound but decent. Build quality is VERY GOOD! Minus 2 points, though..... 1. The purple LED that flashes while music is playing is EXTREMELY irritating and it hurts like a blue LED. I don't know who thought this was a good idea... 2. Plug & play like the FiiO E10K would have been nice. Drivers are annoying. I had trouble with it on Windows 7. I kept getting an error saying "driver not meant for this platform" or whatever. Anyway it's working now but still very annoying. Edit: The DAC line out on the FiiO E10K sounds cleaner and crisper to my ears. This unit, in comparison, sounds a bit muddier. It's not muddy but definitely muddier.

I like the form-factor and size. This DAC sounds superb, comparing favourably to my Audiolab Q-Dac. It's the perfect audio solution for laptops! It has a simple yet effective LED display to tell you what speed and bit-rate is. The unit is dead quiet, and though good headphones the sound-stage is large and has depth. This DAC/preamp is a steal for the price!