Tanchjim Stargate II DAC/AMP

Ultra-Lightweight DAC/AMP with Stunning See-Through Design

The Tanchjim Stargate II is an extremely interesting, new usb-c dongle, combining some very good technical performance with a lovely transparent design that lets you see the internal components. Weighing just 4.3 grams, this ultra-lightweight USB-C dongle delivers excellent audio quality and has powerful customization options through its Android only app, my devicePEQ extension and now also a dedicated Windows application.

As someone who loves the form factor of these tiny usb-c adapters but also loves the ability to have PEQ specifically saved to their current headphone or IEM, I do love the audio specifications, virtually non-existent noise floor, and comprehensive parametric EQ capabilities. But it is not perfect there are a few things I think can be improved (hopefully with a firmware update), read on to find out.

But let’s look at the unboxing experience first:

Unboxing and Build Quality

The package design is quite unique, featuring a large, square box that houses the Stargate II. The clean, professional packaging hints at the premium nature of the device inside:

The back of the box provides a glimpse of the key specifications:

Opening the box reveals the Stargate II nestled securely inside:

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• Tanchjim Stargate II DAC/AMP
• Documentation

Here’s a closer look at the contents inside the box:

The Stargate II is a compact dongle that features a USB-C connector on one end and a 3.5mm analog jack on the other. The entire device weighs only 4.3 grams and measures just 4.3 inches long, making it incredibly portable for daily use. The USB-C jack body houses the entire DAC/AMP chip, and there’s a small glass pane that reveals the chip inside - it’s a nice touch that lets you see the technology at work.

The body material is lightweight yet durable, with both the 3.5mm and USB-C jacks covered in metal housing for protection. The wire connecting the two jacks is woven with threads, which not only looks good but also helps with durability and reduces tangling. Despite its small size and light weight, the build quality feels solid and well-engineered - this isn’t a flimsy dongle that you’ll worry about breaking in your pocket.

Specifications and Measurements

The Tanchjim Stargate II packs impressive technical specifications into its ultra-compact form factor. Here are the key specifications and features that make this dongle stand out:

The Stargate II houses an independent CS43131 DAC chip that handles all the signal processing, supporting 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256 formats. What makes this particularly useful is that the DAC/AMP also incorporates an ADC chipset that supports 48k 24-bit voice processing, making it great for calls and gaming communication. Since the Stargate II includes a digital signal processor, it allows for adjustments through 8-band PEQ via the Tanchjim app - this is where the real value lies for anyone who wants to fine-tune their sound.

The performance numbers are genuinely impressive. The Stargate II boasts a dynamic range of 127.5dB, which is a solid improvement over the previous model. This translates to a Signal-to-Noise ratio of 127dB, enabling extremely low distortion levels of just 0.0002% at a signal level of 1.1uVrms. In practical terms, this means you get a completely silent background even with very sensitive IEMs.

Note: While the Dynamic Range is extremely impressive, there is a thread over on AudioScienceReview discussing the use of DRE (Dynamic Range Enhancement) within many CS43131 dongles including the Stargate II, the hope of that thread is that ultimately there will be a user-configurable switch as there are some disadvantages to audio quality in having DRE enabled, please check out that thread for more information.

For power output, the Stargate II operates at 2 Vrms and delivers 82mW at 16 ohms and 75mW at 32 ohms. This is plenty of power for any IEM and most headphones you’d want to use with a portable setup, giving you good headroom and dynamics without needing to worry about whether your gear will get loud enough.

Measurements

The Tanchjim Stargate II delivers exceptional measurement performance, particularly in terms of SINAD (Signal-to-Noise and Distortion ratio), which is a critical metric for evaluating the overall fidelity of audio equipment.

The measurements reveal an impressively clean output with almost zero noise floor, even when used with highly sensitive IEMs. The ultra-low harmonic distortion characteristics ensure that what you hear is a faithful reproduction of the source material without unwanted artifacts.

With a high SNR of 127dB and DNR of 127.5dB, the Stargate II achieves reference-level performance that rivals much more expensive desktop equipment. The clean output with low crosstalk further enhances the spatial presentation, contributing to precise imaging and a well-defined soundstage.

PEQ and DSP Capabilities

Here’s where the Stargate II really shines - the 8-band parametric EQ and DSP features accessible through the Tanchjim app. If you’re someone who likes to tweak your sound or has multiple headphones with different characteristics, this is incredibly useful. You can fine-tune the sound to your exact preferences or compensate for any quirks in your headphones.

The Tanchjim app gives you:

1. Full 8-band parametric EQ where you can adjust frequency, gain, and Q-factor - perfect for fixing problem areas or enhancing what you like
2. DSP adjustments to change the overall sound character
3. Multiple custom profiles so you can have different settings for different music genres or headphones
4. Gaming mode that enhances spatial positioning for competitive gaming

The real benefit here is that these features work with any headphones you plug into the Stargate II. Got a pair of IEMs that are a bit too bright? EQ them down. Want more bass for electronic music? Boost it up. It’s like having a universal remote control for your audio that works with everything.

The Tanchjim Android app interface is straightforward and user-friendly:

The main screen gives you quick access to all the key features, including preset selection and custom EQ adjustments:

Note: You can cleverly pick both the stargate II but your current IEM or headphone connected allowing many more relevant DSP presets to be downloaded.

You can also control the ADC microphone volume:

But as with many Tanchjim devices, there is full control over the PEQ filters.

Another interesting aspect of the Stargate II is it is technically supported by the Walkplay Android App also, this has some unique features beyond those within the Tanchjim:

And there is now also a Windows App for configuration, but as a Mac fan sadly, no MacOS Application yet:

DevicePEQ Extension Integration

Since, I am both a nerdy computer engineering but also a lover of customising my audio experience I actually recently developed an extension to the popular online measurement database, like squig.link and hangouts.audio called devicePEQ.

And the Tanchjim Stargate II is fully compatible with the devicePEQ extension. This integration allows for easy pushing and pulling of AutoEQ filters, enabling you to match the tonality of whatever headphone and target curve you’re interested in trying.

This functionality bridges the gap between objective measurements and subjective listening preferences, giving users powerful tools to fine-tune their audio experience with precision and ease.

Sound Impressions

The Stargate II has a clean, neutral sound that doesn’t add its own character to your music, which is exactly what you want from a good DAC/AMP. It lets your headphones do their thing without getting in the way, and that’s the foundation that makes the PEQ features so useful.

Bass

The bass comes through clean and controlled with good extension down low. There’s no artificial boost or muddiness - you get whatever bass your headphones are supposed to deliver, but with enough power behind it to give proper impact. This is especially noticeable with bass-heavy music like electronic or hip-hop where you want that punch and rumble to come through clearly.

Midrange

Vocals and instruments sound natural and clear. The Stargate II doesn’t push the mids forward or pull them back - they sit right where they should be. This makes it great for vocal-heavy music where you want to hear all the details and emotion in the performance without anything sounding artificial or processed.

Treble

The high frequencies are detailed without being harsh or fatiguing. You get the sparkle and air that makes music sound open and spacious, but it never becomes sharp or uncomfortable even during long listening sessions. This balance is particularly important if you’re using sensitive IEMs where harsh treble can quickly become a problem.

Soundstage & Imaging

For a small dongle, the Stargate II does a good job with spatial presentation. Instruments are well-separated and positioned clearly in the mix, giving you a sense of space that’s impressive for portable gear. While it’s not going to compete with high-end desktop setups, it provides an engaging listening experience that draws you into the music.

Rating

The Tanchjim Stargate II earns a 4-star Pragmatic Rating due to its exceptional technical performance, comprehensive feature set, and unique design elements that elevate it above other cheaper DSP-enabled usb-c dongles.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Build Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Premium materials with the nice see-through design)
• Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Transparent, detailed presentation with virtually no noise floor)
• Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Comprehensive PEQ and DSP capabilities through the Tanchjim app and others)
• Measurements: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Exceptional SINAD, SNR, and distortion characteristics)
• Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Premium performance justifies the price, though not budget-friendly)

The Stargate II is ideal for:

• Audiophiles seeking a portable, high-performance DAC/AMP solution
• Users who want to apply PEQ to customize their listening experience
• Those who appreciate both technical excellence and aesthetic design
• Gamers looking for enhanced audio positioning in competitive games

Conclusion

The Tanchjim Stargate II is a solid choice if you want a capable dongle that goes beyond just basic DAC/AMP functionality. The combination of clean sound, plenty of power for most headphones, and comprehensive PEQ features makes it genuinely useful for anyone who wants flexibility in their portable audio setup.

What makes the Stargate II worth considering is how practical it is. The 8-band PEQ means you can fix problem areas in your headphones or tune them to your preferences, the power output is sufficient for pretty much any IEM and most headphones you’d use on the go, and the build quality feels solid enough for daily use. The see-through design is a nice touch that sets it apart visually from the sea of generic dongles.

The performance specs are genuinely impressive - that silent background and clean output make a real difference, especially with sensitive IEMs where noise can be a problem. The voice processing capabilities also make it useful for calls and gaming, not just music listening.

If you’re someone who appreciates being able to fine-tune your sound, needs decent power output, and wants something that’s built to last, the Stargate II delivers on all those fronts. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the combination of features and performance makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their portable audio setup.