Moondrop MOONRIVER 3 Headphone Amplifier — 32-bit/384kHz DAC, 3.5mm & 4.4mm Outputs

Overview

The MOONRIVER 3 from Moondrop is a compact headphone amplifier and USB DAC designed to elevate your existing audio setup. It arrives with a detachable USB-C cable, enabling quick connections to desktops, laptops, or mobile devices for high fidelity listening on the go or at home.

Built for listeners who care about clarity and timbre, this device decodes PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz and handles DSD256. In practice, you may hear more nuanced detail, a smoother vocal texture, and a spacious soundstage across a range of genres, from intimate acoustic tracks to expansive orchestral pieces.

Pro-grade decoding and power

• Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips paired with two independent high‑power dual‑channel amplifiers create a complete Hi-Fi audio circuit. This configuration emphasizes low distortion, reduced noise, and a balanced, rich timbre.
• Five independent power chips dedicate clean, stable power to each IC, helping preserve dynamics and keep clutter out of the signal path.

Precise control and versatile tuning

• Push‑action tactile volume knob offers nearly lossless 100-step adjustment and can be pressed to pause playback, giving tactile control separate from your source device.
• The DSP switch lets you toggle tuning options with a clear indication of current mode, allowing quick experimentation with tone without software changes.

Connectivity and outputs

Two output options keep options open for different headphones or amplifications: a 3.5mm single-ended port and a 4.4mm balanced port that delivers higher output headroom and reduced distortion for demanding headphones.

Whether your priority is a quiet, neutral canvas for critical listening or a more driven, energetic presentation for gaming and film, the MOONRIVER 3 provides a flexible platform without locking you to a single setup.