Khadas Tea Pro DAC & Headphone Amplifier Review

My brother Ted previously reviewed the Khadas Tea DAC Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier almost three years ago.

Ted highlighted several weak spots of the Khadas Tea, with criticisms of the lack of a companion app and a warm bass bias sound. I personally prefer a warmer sound as I am sensitive to high-pitched noises, but the limited customisations clearly held the Tea back.

It took Khadas over a year to launch the Khadas Audio app, which offered a wide range of customisation options, including gain, equaliser, and filter settings. While I didn’t use the Khadas Tea after the app launch, I’d assume the EQ customisations would allow users to tweak the sound to be more neutral and analytical (if that’s what you like).

Khadas have now launched the Tea Pro, which, as you would expect, is an upgraded portable DAC and headphone amplifier that offers an extensive set of features aimed at users seeking high-quality portable audio. Its design, component selection, and connectivity options are tailored for music enthusiasts, commuters, and creative professionals who require both versatility and reliable audio performance.

I have been using it for the past few weeks to see if it is worth the price premium over the original.

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Khadas Tea Pro vs Khadas Tea Specification

Features

• Ultra-slim form factor with a 7.85 mm thickness and a weight of 96 g. The unit has a CNC-machined aluminium chassis, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on the front, and a premium wear-resistant leather back panel. Magnetic mounting allows it to attach directly to MagSafe-compatible iPhones and cases, with support for a magnetic ring for other phones.
• Dual headphone outputs: standard 3.5 mm (supporting full CTIA headset controls and microphone when connected via Bluetooth) and a balanced 4.4 mm jack for higher-end headphones. The 4.4 mm output provides balanced audio transmission for improved noise rejection.
• Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, with a Qualcomm QCC5181 chipset for Bluetooth and an XMOS XU316-1024 USB controller. This allows support for USB PCM audio up to 768 kHz 32-bit, and native DSD512 playback via USB.
• Extensive Bluetooth codec support, including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC. Bluetooth version 5.4 is provided, with bitrates up to 96 kHz 24-bit for wireless streaming.
• High output power with low distortion: via the 4.4 mm output, up to 5.0 Vrms and 180 mW (into 16.5 ohms); via the 3.5 mm output, up to 2.5 Vrms and 100 mW (into 16.5 ohms). Both outputs offer low total harmonic distortion and noise, with SNR as high as 122 dB on the balanced output.
• Internal 2100 mAh battery offers up to 11 hours of playback over Bluetooth and up to 8 hours over USB-C with continuous use.
• 0.95-inch colour AMOLED display (120 x 240 RGB) provides live status, EQ mode, battery level, playback format, and lets users navigate menus for functions such as pairing, gain adjustment, and EQ control.
• Seven EQ presets (Default, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Bass, Blues) and a ten-band user-adjustable graphic equaliser via the Khadas Audio app, with gain adjustable from minus 12 dB to plus 12 dB per band.
• The Khadas Audio app (iOS, Android, macOS, Windows) enables users to adjust EQ, gain, filter selection, switch languages, update firmware, and set device preferences.
• Full compatibility with iOS (MFi certified), macOS, Android, and plug-and-play operation for most modern systems. Windows support requires the Khadas USB ASIO driver; Linux is supported for UAC2.0-compliant kernels.
• CTIA four-pole headset support on the 3.5 mm output, providing call microphone and inline button functionality when connected by Bluetooth. The built-in microphone also allows direct voice input for calls.
• Total charge time is quoted between two and three hours, depending on the power source and method.
• Hardware volume control is implemented with an independent NJU72315 chip, and power management is handled via a dedicated low-dropout regulator and MPS power management chip for optimum efficiency and low noise operation.

Unboxing / Design

The Khadas Tea Pro has the same design philosophy as the original Tea, but with some important improvements.

The most noticeable is the new 0.95″ AMOLED colour display, which gives you important information such as the battery life, connection mode, audio format and sample rate.

The Pro has more buttons, and these are important as the combination of these and the display allows you to control most of the DAC’s functions without the companion app.

You then get a new 4.4 mm headphone jack for increased headphone compatibility.

One gripe about the design is that I found the button layout unintuitive. You have two buttons on the right for volume. Then two on the left, one larger and one smaller.

I assumed the larger one was a rocker button and the smaller one was the power button. But the larger one is the power button, and the smaller one is the menu button. I ended up having to look at the instructions to work out which was which.

Internally, there are a lot of changes with improved chipsets for both Bluetooth and the DAC, plus a new USB chipset.

Beyond that, the fundamental design is the same as the previous model. This is a small ultra-thin DAC that comes with a small MagSafe case, similar to a card case, that allows you to keep the Tea Pro attached to your iPhone (or Android phone with a Magnetic case, or the Pixel 10 Pro XL).

Set Up and Khadas Audio App

The Khadas Tea Pro works like any other Bluetooth device; you power it up, and then you pair it to your phone or PC like normal.

Alternatively, you can connect it directly to your phone or PC with a USB-C cable. For the best audio quality, you will want to use a USB with UAC2.0, which gives you support for DSD512 or  PCM 768 kHz.

Once paired, you have user-friendly controls over the DAC including:

• Audio Control
  • Adjustable gain levels for different headphones 
  • Select EQ modes and bands (7 presets + 10-band custom EQ)
  • Precise volume control
• System Settings
  • Language options: Chinese / English / Japanese / Korean
  • Customizable device name for easy Bluetooth identification
• Device Management
  • Online firmware updates
  • Built-in Quick Start Guide for faster setup

Made for iPhone but works with Android and Windows

While this is designed for the iPhone, it works perfectly well with Android and Windows.

For Android, you can download the Khadas Audio app and customise all the settings just the same as the iPhone.

For Windows, it is technically plug and play, but you will need to install the Windows drivers to be able to adjust the bit rate and sampling rate. You can do this from the downloads page under products > Tea Pro > drivers.

For Android, you can also plug the Khadas, and the phone will detect this as a wired headphone (at least on my Pixel 9 Pro XL).

Audio Performance

To test the audio formats, I had to download some test files. OPPO has a page listing some high-quality DSD and FLAC files. Over Bluetooth, the Tea Pro supports up to PCM 96 kHz/24 bit, whereas with USB and UAC2.0 it supports up to PCM 768 kHz or DSD512 (Native).

The core audio performance of the Khadas Tea Pro is a clear step up from its predecessor and from the typical audio output of a smartphone. The use of the ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chip, combined with high-precision resistors and a dedicated low-noise power supply, results in a clean, detailed, and powerful sound output.

The most immediate difference is heard when comparing wired USB operation to standard Bluetooth streaming. When connected via USB-C and playing a high-resolution source file, the Tea Pro delivers a significant improvement in clarity, detail retrieval, and dynamic range. The soundstage is wider, and instrument separation is more distinct. This is particularly noticeable with high-quality headphones and lossless audio files.

Bluetooth performance is very good for a portable device, supporting high-bitrate codecs like LDAC and aptX Adaptive. However, as with any Bluetooth transmission, there is a perceptible loss of fine detail and a slight compression of the soundstage compared to a wired connection. The difference is not subtle to a trained ear; Bluetooth introduces a slight veiling and a more distant presentation, while the wired connection is sharp, immediate, and more engaging. For casual listening on the go, Bluetooth is perfectly adequate, but for critical listening, the wired connection is the clear choice.

The balanced 4.4mm output is a standout feature. It provides more power and a lower noise floor compared to the single-ended 3.5mm jack. This makes it ideal for driving higher-impedance headphones or for getting the best performance from sensitive in-ear monitors. The difference is often heard as a blacker background, allowing more micro-details to emerge, and a greater sense of control over the headphones’ drivers.

The ten-band equaliser and various filter settings (Linear Fast, Linear Phase, etc.) provide extensive tuning options. The EQ is effective and can dramatically alter the sound signature to suit personal preference or the characteristics of specific headphones. The filter differences are more subtle and will likely only be appreciated by experienced listeners. The ability to make these adjustments either on the device itself via the screen or through the comprehensive app is a major advantage.

Codec Performance Comparison

 Testing various Bluetooth codecs revealed expected differences:

• SBC: Basic quality, noticeable compression
• AAC: Improved over SBC, good for iPhone users
• aptX: Better than AAC, more detailed
• aptX HD: Noticeable improvement in resolution
• LDAC: Best wireless quality, approaching wired performance
• aptX Adaptive: Variable quality based on connection stability

The inclusion of aptX Adaptive is welcome, as it adjusts bitrate based on connection conditions. In practice, this provides more consistent performance than fixed-bitrate codecs.

Battery Life

The built-in 2100 mAh battery is rated for up to 11 hours of Bluetooth playback and up to 8 hours of wired USB playback. In real-world use, these figures are generally accurate, though they can vary depending on the volume level, gain setting, and the codec used for Bluetooth. The battery life is sufficient for a full day of use for most commuters or travellers. The device also supports pass-through charging, so it can be used while plugged in, though this may generate some heat. A full charge takes approximately two hours.

Price and Alternative Options

The Khadas Tea Pro has an RRP of $199 and the older Khadas Tea is available for $109.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Khadas Tea Headphone Amplifier, Portable DAC & Magnetic...	No ratings yet	£99.99	Buy on Amazon

In the UK, the Khadas Tea is available on Amazon UK for £100.

The FiiO has a variety of portable DACs, none of which are magnetic. The FiiO BTR15 or FiiO BTR17 are probably the closest competitors, as they work over Bluetooth or USB-C and are priced at £115 and £180 respectively.

iFi GO blu offers a different approach with a focus on analogue warmth, priced similarly to the Tea Pro at £199 in the UK.

The Qudelix-5K is possibly the best option at a lower price point. It is extremely well reviewed and only £101 on Amazon.

Overall

The Khadas Tea Pro is a substantial upgrade over the original Tea model. It addresses previous shortcomings and adds a host of new features that make it a much more compelling and versatile product. The improvements are not just incremental; the addition of a colour display, a balanced 4.4mm output, a more powerful and higher-quality DAC chipset, and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive support transform it from a niche product into a highly competitive portable audio solution.

The ultra-thin, lightweight form factor with MagSafe compatibility is perfect for iPhone users. It turns the DAC from an accessory you have to carry into one that becomes a seamless part of your phone. The build quality, with its aluminium chassis, Gorilla Glass, and leather back, is excellent and feels premium.

The audio performance is top-tier for a device of its size. The wired output, particularly via the balanced connection, is clean, powerful, and detailed, capable of driving a wide variety of headphones and revealing the quality of high-resolution audio files. The Bluetooth performance is among the best available, though it naturally cannot match the fidelity of a wired connection.

The companion app is decent and offers a good level of customisation, from system settings to a very effective equaliser. The on-device controls and screen also mean you are not always dependent on the app for changes.

There are minor drawbacks. The button layout is not intuitive and requires consulting the manual. The glossy surfaces are fingerprint magnets. The app, while powerful, can sometimes be slow to reflect changes made on the device itself.

For iPhone users frustrated by the lack of high-resolution codec support, the Khadas Tea Pro is arguably one of the best solutions on the market. It bypasses the iPhone’s Bluetooth limitations entirely when used wired and enhances wireless listening when Bluetooth is necessary. For Android and computer users, it remains an excellent, highly portable DAC/amp with a great feature set.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2025-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API