AudioQuest Beetle — Optical, Bluetooth & USB DAC
The AudioQuest Beetle is a compact, versatile DAC designed to dramatically improve the sound from your TV, games console, computer, smartphone, or streaming device. Despite its diminutive size — not much bigger than a box of matches — it packs serious audio credentials, built around an ESS Sabre 9010 DAC chip with minimum phase filtering and a Microchip PIC32MX470 microcontroller.
Three digital inputs give the Beetle genuine flexibility. The TOSLINK optical input is ideal for connecting your TV, set-top box, or games console — just make sure the source is set to PCM/LPCM output, as the Beetle doesn't accept Dolby Digital signals. The asynchronous USB input handles audio from computers and compatible mobile devices, supporting playback up to 24-bit/96kHz. And the asynchronous Bluetooth 4.0 input — where the Beetle itself controls the timing of incoming data rather than leaving it to your phone — delivers wireless audio quality via AAC that punches well above what you'd expect from a Bluetooth connection.
A single 3.5mm analogue output feeds your amplifier, powered speakers, soundbar, or headphones. With an output voltage of 1.35V, there's enough on tap to drive efficient headphones directly, making the Beetle a capable desktop or bedside headphone DAC too.
A 64-bit bit-perfect digital volume control is available when using the USB or Bluetooth inputs — simply set your source application to maximum volume and control level from your operating system. On the optical input, volume is fixed at 0dB and should be controlled at the amplifier or receiver.
AudioQuest's attention to detail extends to the included linear power supply — not a cheap switch-mode unit, but a properly engineered analogue supply with upgraded regulators and film capacitors, ensuring clean, stable power when no USB host is available.
Whether you're upgrading the audio from a flatscreen TV, adding high-quality Bluetooth to a traditional hi-fi system, or simply wanting better sound from your laptop, the Beetle is a brilliantly practical solution that belies its modest footprint.
Key Features
- ESS Sabre 9010 DAC with minimum phase filter
- Microchip PIC32MX470 Series microcontroller
- Asynchronous USB input — micro-USB Type B, up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Asynchronous Bluetooth 4.0 input (A2DP/AVRCP, AAC codec)
- TOSLINK optical input — up to 24-bit/96kHz (PCM/LPCM only)
- 3.5mm analogue output (line-level or headphone), 1.35V output
- 64-bit bit-perfect digital volume control (USB and Bluetooth only)
- Software/firmware upgradeable via AudioQuest Device Manager
- Linear analogue power supply included
- Compact design: 59 × 59 × 19mm
- Compatible with macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android
Please Note: The AudioQuest Beetle has been discontinued by the manufacturer. This listing is for remaining stock only — once it's gone, it's gone.
