Audio T Verdict
The EarMen Colibri occupies a useful middle ground between a tiny USB dongle DAC and a larger battery-powered headphone amplifier. At just 77 x 35 x 14mm and around 51g it remains genuinely pocketable, but its internal rechargeable battery means it does not have to draw its main operating power from the phone, tablet or laptop supplying the music.
Digital conversion is handled by the ESS ES9281CPRO, with support for PCM up to 384kHz, DXD at 352.8 and 384kHz and DSD64 or DSD128 through DoP. A hardware MQA Renderer remains available for compatible legacy MQA material.
The biggest practical advantage over many miniature USB DACs is its headphone output. A conventional 3.5mm socket provides up to 75mW into 32 ohms or 150mW into 16 ohms, while the fully balanced 4.4mm connection increases this considerably to 280mW into 32 ohms and 560mW into 16 ohms.
Separate USB-C connections for data and charging are another intelligent touch. The Colibri can operate from its internal battery while a phone supplies only the digital audio signal, helping to preserve the mobile device's battery. Charging and playback can also take place at the same time.
Physical volume buttons, play/pause control and a switchable Bass Boost mean the phone does not need to come out every time a simple adjustment is required. Colour-coded LEDs indicate connection, audio format and battery condition.
There are limitations. USB is the only audio input, there is no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical or coaxial connection, and this is not intended to replace a powerful desktop amplifier for extremely difficult headphones.
For everyday wired listening from a phone, tablet or laptop, however, the Colibri packs a surprisingly complete DAC and headphone amplifier into something genuinely small enough to travel with.
EarMen Colibri Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier
The EarMen Colibri is a compact battery-powered USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed for high-quality wired listening from compatible smartphones, tablets and computers.
Unlike a conventional USB dongle, the Colibri contains its own rechargeable power supply rather than relying entirely on the connected source device.
Its main features include:
- ESS ES9281CPRO digital-to-analogue converter
- Battery-powered portable operation
- Separate USB-C data connection
- Separate USB-C charging connection
- 3.5mm single-ended headphone output
- 4.4mm fully balanced headphone output
- Up to 560mW balanced output into 16 ohms
- PCM playback up to 384kHz
- DXD playback at up to 384kHz
- DSD64 and DSD128 through DoP
- Hardware MQA rendering
- Switchable Bass Boost
- Physical volume controls
- Play and pause control
- Colour-coded format indicator
- Battery-level indicator
- Approximately five hours of portable playback
- Compact 77 x 35 x 14mm dimensions
- Approximately 51g weight
- Made in Europe
ESS ES9281CPRO DAC
The Colibri uses the ESS Technology ES9281CPRO digital-to-analogue converter.
This compact DAC platform combines high-resolution conversion with the low power consumption required by portable equipment.
The chip itself is only one part of the complete design. EarMen also places emphasis on:
- Low-noise circuitry
- Gold-plated circuit-board construction
- Battery-powered operation
- Balanced analogue output
- Compact signal paths
The intention is to provide considerably better digital conversion and headphone drive than the basic audio hardware built into many phones, tablets and laptops.
PCM Up to 384kHz
The Colibri supports PCM digital audio at sample rates up to 384kHz through its USB-C data input.
PCM covers the overwhelming majority of conventional digital music, including music stored as:
- FLAC
- WAV
- AIFF
- Apple Lossless
- Standard CD-quality files
- High-resolution downloads
The source device and playback application must support the required resolution before the maximum sample rate can be used.
DXD Playback
DXD playback is supported at 352.8kHz and 384kHz.
DXD is a very high-resolution PCM-based format found primarily in specialist digital recordings and production workflows.
Most music libraries will contain considerably lower sample rates, but DXD support demonstrates the bandwidth available through the Colibri's USB platform.
DSD64 and DSD128
The Colibri supports DSD64 and DSD128 through DoP.
DoP packages DSD information inside a PCM-compatible data structure for transmission over USB without converting the underlying DSD programme into conventional PCM.
The connected source and playback software must support the required DoP configuration.
4.4mm Balanced Headphone Output
The Colibri's most capable headphone connection is its 4.4mm balanced output.
EarMen specifies:
- 280mW into 32 ohms
- 560mW into 16 ohms
- THD of approximately 0.002%
- Frequency response deviation of approximately 0.09dB
This represents considerably more headphone-driving ability than the single-ended output and can be particularly useful with lower-sensitivity portable and full-size headphones.
Why Use the Balanced Output?
A fully balanced output handles the positive and negative signal phases independently rather than sharing a common return connection.
In the Colibri, it also provides substantially greater available headphone power.
The potential benefits include:
- Higher available output
- Greater dynamic headroom
- Improved separation between channels
- Better suitability for more demanding headphones
The 4.4mm connection should not automatically be considered necessary for every headphone. Efficient headphones may already perform perfectly well from the 3.5mm output.
Use a Correctly Wired Balanced Headphone Cable
Do not convert the Colibri's 4.4mm balanced headphone output to a conventional single-ended headphone connection using an adaptor that joins the negative amplifier outputs together.
An unsuitable adaptor can short parts of a balanced amplifier circuit and may cause damage.
Use the dedicated 3.5mm output for conventional single-ended headphones.
3.5mm Single-Ended Headphone Output
A conventional 3.5mm stereo connection allows the Colibri to work with the majority of wired portable headphones and earphones without requiring a replacement cable.
EarMen specifies:
- 75mW into 32 ohms
- 150mW into 16 ohms
- THD of approximately 0.001%
- Frequency response deviation of approximately 0.09dB
This output is likely to provide sufficient level for many efficient headphones and in-ear monitors.
Which Output Should I Use?
Use 3.5mm When
- Your headphones use a conventional cable
- The headphones are relatively easy to drive
- 75mW into 32 ohms provides sufficient volume
- You do not want to replace the supplied headphone cable
- Maximum portability and simplicity matter most
Use 4.4mm Balanced When
- Your headphones support balanced cabling
- Greater amplifier output is required
- 280mW into 32 ohms provides useful additional headroom
- You already own a suitable 4.4mm cable
- A fully balanced headphone connection is preferred
Internal Rechargeable Battery
The Colibri contains its own rechargeable battery.
This is important because many miniature USB DACs are powered directly from the connected phone, tablet or computer.
Using an internal battery offers several practical advantages:
- Reduced drain on the connected phone or tablet
- Greater available headphone output than many bus-powered dongles
- Stable local power for the DAC and amplifier circuitry
- Separation between USB audio data and charging connections
Battery life is quoted at up to approximately five hours, although actual operating time depends on headphones, listening level, output connection and Bass Boost use.
Separate USB-C Data and Charging Connections
Two USB-C sockets are fitted to the Colibri.
One is labelled DATA and handles digital audio from the source device.
The second USB-C connection is dedicated to charging.
Keeping these connections separate means the Colibri can remain attached to a phone or computer for audio while another USB supply charges its internal battery.
The Two USB-C Sockets Have Different Functions
Connect the source device to the USB-C DATA socket.
Connect charging power to the separate USB-C charging socket.
The charging connection is not an additional digital audio input.
Listen While Charging
The dedicated charging connection allows the Colibri to continue operating while its battery is being replenished.
This can be particularly useful when the Colibri is being used on a desk with a computer for longer periods.
For portable listening, disconnecting the charger returns the Colibri to normal battery operation.
Battery-Level Indicator
The Colibri provides a simple visual battery check when it is switched on.
After power-up, the battery indication flashes:
- Once when battery charge is below 25%
- Twice between 25% and 50%
- Three times between 50% and 75%
- Four times between 75% and 100%
A separate red battery indicator is illuminated while charging.
Physical Volume Controls
Dedicated volume-up and volume-down buttons are positioned on the side of the Colibri.
This is considerably more convenient during portable listening than repeatedly unlocking the connected phone simply to make a small level adjustment.
Exact volume-control behaviour can vary according to the operating system and connected source, so always begin playback at a conservative level when using a new device or pair of headphones.
Power and Play/Pause Control
The main control button performs more than one function.
Holding it for approximately three seconds switches the Colibri on or off, while a shorter press provides play and pause control with compatible source devices and playback applications.
Playback-control compatibility can vary according to the operating system and software being used.
Switchable Bass Boost
A dedicated B+ button activates the Colibri's Bass Boost function.
This provides additional low-frequency emphasis without requiring access to an equaliser within the source device.
Bass Boost can be useful with:
- Headphones with a relatively lean tonal balance
- Older recordings with limited low-frequency weight
- Portable listening where environmental noise masks bass
- Listeners who simply prefer additional low-frequency impact
EarMen does not publish a detailed boost frequency or exact decibel curve in the Colibri manual, so it should be treated as a simple listening option rather than precision equalisation.
Colour-Coded Audio Indicator
The illuminated EarMen logo provides information about the Colibri's operating status.
- White: connected
- Green: PCM, DSD or DXD playback
- Magenta: MQA rendering
- Red: source not connected
The simple LED arrangement keeps the Colibri compact while still providing useful confirmation that the digital source has been recognised.
MQA Rendering
The Colibri contains hardware MQA Renderer functionality.
An MQA Renderer works with a compatible upstream application or software decoder that has already performed the initial MQA Core decoding stage.
The Colibri can then perform the final rendering stage for compatible legacy MQA material.
TIDAL No Longer Uses MQA
TIDAL discontinued MQA playback on 24 July 2024 and now uses FLAC as its stereo lossless and high-resolution audio format.
The Colibri's MQA Renderer therefore remains relevant to compatible locally stored or legacy MQA files, but it is no longer a feature required for current TIDAL playback.
Current TIDAL FLAC music is handled as conventional PCM audio.
Using TIDAL, Qobuz and Other Streaming Services
The Colibri does not contain its own streaming platform.
Instead, music services run on the connected phone, tablet or computer and send digital audio to the Colibri through USB.
This allows it to be used with compatible applications for services such as:
- Qobuz
- TIDAL
- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Locally stored music libraries
Maximum playback resolution depends on the service, subscription, source device, operating system and application.
No Bluetooth
The Colibri is intended for wired digital audio rather than wireless playback.
It does not include Bluetooth reception or Bluetooth headphone transmission.
A wired USB connection is required between the music source and Colibri.
No Optical or Coaxial Input
Unlike the larger EarMen Angel, the Colibri does not include an S/PDIF digital input.
It therefore cannot connect directly to a conventional optical or coaxial output from a CD transport, television or network streamer.
USB-C is the Colibri's only digital audio input.
Using the Colibri with Android
Compatible Android smartphones and tablets can output digital audio to the Colibri through USB.
Depending on the device, a suitable USB-C cable or USB OTG connection may be required.
Maximum supported resolution depends on both the Android device and playback software.
Using the Colibri with iPhone and iPad
The Colibri can also be used with compatible Apple mobile devices.
Modern USB-C iPhones and iPads may connect using an appropriate USB-C data cable.
Older Lightning-equipped devices require a suitable Apple Lightning-to-USB adaptor arrangement.
The adaptor must support USB data rather than charging only.
Using the Colibri with Windows
The Colibri can operate as an external USB audio device with a compatible Windows computer.
This bypasses the computer's internal headphone output and allows the Colibri to handle digital conversion and headphone amplification.
EarMen provides firmware and update resources through its support website. Driver requirements can depend on the Windows version and playback configuration.
Using the Colibri with macOS
Compatible Mac computers can also use the Colibri as a USB audio output device.
Audio MIDI Setup can be used to confirm the selected output and available sample-rate configuration where required.
Does the Colibri Work as a Pre-Amplifier?
EarMen describes the Colibri as a DAC, headphone amplifier and pre-amplifier.
Because its output level is adjustable, either analogue output can potentially feed a suitable analogue input on active speakers or another amplifier using the correct cable.
However, the Colibri manual does not describe a separate fixed line-output mode or dedicated pre-amplifier output.
Take Care When Connecting the Colibri to an Amplifier
Treat the Colibri's analogue output as variable unless the exact operating configuration has been confirmed.
Reduce volume before connecting active speakers, an integrated amplifier or another headphone amplifier and increase the level gradually.
Do not connect it directly to a power amplifier unless a safe method of volume control is available.
Using the Colibri with Sensitive Earphones
The 3.5mm output will usually be the most logical starting point with efficient in-ear monitors and portable earphones.
Begin with the source and Colibri volume reduced before playback starts.
Sensitive earphones can reach high listening levels with very little amplifier power, so the higher-output balanced connection is not automatically necessary.
Using the Colibri with Full-Size Headphones
The balanced 4.4mm output provides considerably more power than is normally available from a phone or basic USB dongle.
At 280mW into 32 ohms, it can provide useful drive for many full-size headphones.
Particularly insensitive planar magnetic headphones and difficult high-impedance designs may still benefit from a larger amplifier such as the EarMen Angel, ST-Amp or CH-Amp.
Can It Drive Planar Magnetic Headphones?
Some planar magnetic headphones work very well from the Colibri's balanced output, while others require considerably more power.
Nominal impedance alone does not determine this. Sensitivity is equally important.
For demanding planar headphones, a demonstration with the actual model is recommended.
Only 51g
At approximately 51g, the Colibri remains light enough to carry with a phone or digital audio player without turning a portable system into a collection of bulky equipment.
Its dimensions are approximately:
- 77mm long
- 35mm wide
- 14mm high
The internal battery makes it slightly larger than the tiny EarMen Sparrow, but it remains dramatically smaller than a conventional portable headphone amplifier.
Portable Carrying Case
Colibri packages have been supplied with a fitted carrying case featuring a clip for portable use.
The case helps protect the unit's surfaces while allowing access to its controls and connections.
Included accessories can vary with production or remaining stock, so check current package contents where a particular accessory is essential.
Colibri or EarMen Sparrow?
Choose the Colibri When
- Battery-powered operation is preferred
- You do not want the phone supplying the DAC's main operating power
- 4.4mm balanced headphones are being used
- Greater headphone output is useful
- Bass Boost appeals
- Physical volume and playback controls are useful
- Up to five hours portable operation suits your use
Choose the Sparrow When
- The smallest possible size is the priority
- USB bus power is acceptable
- No internal battery is required
- A simple dongle-style DAC is preferred
- Lower weight matters most
- You want to minimise the number of devices requiring charging
The EarMen Sparrow is the smaller USB-powered alternative for customers who do not need the Colibri's internal battery and physical controls.
Colibri or EarMen Angel?
Choose the Colibri When
- Pocket size matters
- 51g weight is attractive
- USB is the only required digital input
- Moderately demanding headphones are being used
- Simple portable operation is preferred
- Bass Boost is useful
- Lower cost is important
Choose the Angel When
- Significantly greater headphone output is required
- S/PDIF optical or coaxial sources need connecting
- Native DSD512 is important
- A more substantial portable amplifier is acceptable
- More comprehensive pre-amplifier functionality is required
- The system moves between portable and desktop use
The EarMen Angel is larger and heavier but offers considerably more output and additional digital connectivity.
Colibri or EarMen ST-Amp?
Choose the Colibri When
- Portable operation is essential
- Battery power is required
- The DAC needs to travel with a phone or laptop
- A pocket-sized solution is preferred
- 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs cover your needs
Choose the ST-Amp When
- The system will remain on a desk
- Greater headphone power is required
- Analogue inputs are useful
- A dedicated desktop pre-amplifier is required
- Mains-powered operation is preferred
- Portable size is unnecessary
The EarMen ST-Amp is the more appropriate choice for a permanent desktop system.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Android smartphones
- USB-C iPhones
- Compatible Lightning iPhones with adaptor
- iPads
- Windows laptops
- MacBooks
- Portable digital audio players with USB output
- 3.5mm wired headphones
- 4.4mm balanced headphones
- In-ear monitors
- Many efficient full-size headphones
- Travel and office listening
Check Before Buying
- USB-C is the only digital audio input
- No optical digital input
- No coaxial digital input
- No analogue input
- No Bluetooth
- No Wi-Fi or network streaming
- No native DSD above DSD128
- MQA is Renderer functionality rather than a reason to buy for current TIDAL
- Battery life is approximately five hours rather than all-day use
- Very demanding headphones may need a more powerful amplifier
- Mobile devices may require an adaptor or OTG cable
- No dedicated fixed line-output mode is documented
Connection Guidance
- Charge the Colibri before extended portable listening.
- Use the USB-C DATA connection for digital audio.
- Use the separate USB-C charging connection to recharge the battery.
- Use a genuine data cable rather than a charging-only USB cable.
- Use USB OTG where required by an Android source.
- Use an appropriate Apple adaptor with Lightning-equipped devices.
- Reduce volume before connecting headphones.
- Use the 3.5mm output with conventional single-ended headphone cables.
- Use a properly wired 4.4mm cable for balanced operation.
- Do not short balanced outputs through an unsuitable adaptor.
- Begin with Bass Boost switched off when first matching headphones.
- Check the battery indication before travelling.
- Do not expect the charging USB-C connection to carry digital audio.
Key Features
- Pocket-sized USB DAC
- Portable headphone amplifier
- Battery-powered operation
- ESS ES9281CPRO DAC
- USB-C digital audio input
- Separate USB-C charging input
- Playback while charging
- 3.5mm single-ended output
- 4.4mm balanced output
- Fully balanced headphone connection
- 75mW into 32 ohms single-ended
- 150mW into 16 ohms single-ended
- 280mW into 32 ohms balanced
- 560mW into 16 ohms balanced
- 0.001% specified single-ended THD
- 0.002% specified balanced THD
- PCM up to 384kHz
- DXD at 352.8 and 384kHz
- DSD64 through DoP
- DSD128 through DoP
- Hardware MQA Renderer
- Switchable Bass Boost
- Physical volume-up control
- Physical volume-down control
- Physical play and pause control
- Three-second power control
- Colour-coded status LED
- Battery-level indication
- Approximately five-hour battery life
- Compatible with Windows
- Compatible with Android
- Compatible with Apple iOS
- Compatible with macOS
- USB OTG compatible
- Approximately 77mm long
- Approximately 35mm wide
- Approximately 14mm high
- Approximately 51g
- Compact metal construction
- Gold-plated PCB design
- Made in Europe
- Two-year manufacturer warranty subject to EarMen terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EarMen Colibri?
It is a pocket-sized rechargeable USB DAC and headphone amplifier with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs.
Which DAC chip does it use?
The Colibri uses the ESS ES9281CPRO.
Is it battery powered?
Yes. It contains its own rechargeable battery rather than relying entirely on power from the connected phone or computer.
How long does the battery last?
Portable playback is quoted at up to approximately five hours. Actual runtime depends on headphone load, listening level and operating conditions.
Can I listen while charging?
Yes. Separate USB-C data and charging connections allow the Colibri to operate while connected to charging power.
Does it drain my phone battery?
The Colibri has its own operating battery, so it does not rely on the phone to provide the majority of its amplifier power. The source device still powers and maintains the USB data connection.
Does it have USB-C?
Yes. There are two USB-C connections: one for digital audio data and one for charging.
Can both USB-C sockets play music?
No. The DATA socket handles USB audio and the second connection is intended for charging.
Does it have a 3.5mm headphone output?
Yes.
Does it have a balanced headphone output?
Yes. A 4.4mm balanced connection is provided.
How powerful is the 3.5mm output?
EarMen specifies 75mW into 32 ohms and 150mW into 16 ohms.
How powerful is the balanced output?
EarMen specifies 280mW into 32 ohms and 560mW into 16 ohms.
Is the 4.4mm output much more powerful?
Yes. Into a 32-ohm load the published output increases from 75mW single-ended to 280mW balanced.
Do I need balanced headphones?
No. Conventional headphones can use the dedicated 3.5mm output.
Can I use a 4.4mm-to-3.5mm adaptor?
Do not use an adaptor that joins the balanced negative outputs together. Use the Colibri's dedicated 3.5mm connection for single-ended headphones.
Does it have Bass Boost?
Yes. A dedicated B+ button switches additional bass emphasis on or off.
How much bass does Bass Boost add?
EarMen does not specify the exact frequency or boost level in the Colibri manual.
Does it have volume controls?
Yes. Physical volume-up and volume-down buttons are fitted to the side of the unit.
Can it control play and pause?
Yes, with compatible source devices and software.
What is the maximum PCM resolution?
PCM is supported at up to 384kHz.
Does it support DSD?
Yes. DSD64 and DSD128 are supported through DoP.
Does it support native DSD512?
No. Customers requiring considerably higher DSD capability should consider the EarMen Angel.
Does it support DXD?
Yes. DXD at 352.8kHz and 384kHz is supported.
Does it support MQA?
Yes. The Colibri includes hardware MQA Renderer functionality for compatible legacy MQA material.
Does TIDAL still use MQA?
No. TIDAL discontinued MQA on 24 July 2024 and now uses FLAC for stereo lossless and high-resolution playback.
Will TIDAL still work with the Colibri?
Yes. Current TIDAL FLAC material is transmitted to the Colibri as conventional PCM audio.
Can I use Qobuz?
Yes. Run the Qobuz application on the connected phone, tablet or computer and send its USB audio output to the Colibri.
Can I use Apple Music?
Yes, with a compatible Apple device, suitable USB connection and appropriate audio settings.
Can I use Spotify?
Yes. Spotify runs on the connected source device and the Colibri performs digital conversion and headphone amplification.
Does it have Spotify Connect?
No. The Colibri has no network connection of its own.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No.
Does it have optical input?
No.
Does it have coaxial digital input?
No.
Can I connect a CD transport?
Not directly unless the transport can provide compatible USB audio. The Colibri does not have conventional optical or coaxial S/PDIF inputs.
Can I use it with Android?
Yes. A compatible USB-C or USB OTG connection may be required depending on the device.
Can I use it with an iPhone?
Yes. USB-C iPhones can use a suitable data cable, while Lightning-equipped models require an appropriate Apple USB adaptor.
Can I use it with an iPad?
Yes, with a compatible USB connection.
Does it work with Windows?
Yes.
Does it work with a Mac?
Yes.
Can it be used as a pre-amplifier?
EarMen describes the Colibri as providing pre-amplifier functionality through its adjustable analogue outputs. The manual does not document a separate fixed line-output mode, so reduce volume before connecting it to active speakers or another amplifier.
Can I connect it to active speakers?
Potentially, using a suitable analogue cable and careful volume control. Begin with the Colibri's level reduced.
Can it drive planar magnetic headphones?
It can drive some planar magnetic headphones, particularly through the 4.4mm balanced output, but suitability depends strongly on headphone sensitivity and the required listening level.
Can it drive high-impedance headphones?
Some models will work satisfactorily, but particularly demanding high-impedance headphones may benefit from a larger amplifier with greater voltage capability.
Is it suitable for IEMs?
Yes. Begin with a low listening level, particularly with sensitive in-ear monitors.
How big is it?
Approximately 77 x 35 x 14mm.
How much does it weigh?
Approximately 51g.
Is it smaller than the Angel?
Yes, considerably. The Colibri is designed as a genuinely pocket-sized device, whereas the Angel is a larger and substantially more powerful portable DAC and headphone amplifier.
What is the warranty?
EarMen products carry a two-year limited manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, subject to product registration and the company's current warranty conditions.
Related EarMen Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- EarMen Colibri demonstrations
- Headphone and earphone matching advice
- Balanced and single-ended headphone comparisons
- Smartphone and tablet connection guidance
- USB-C and USB OTG cable advice
- Apple adaptor guidance
- High-resolution PCM and DSD setup
- Bass Boost demonstrations
- Comparison with the EarMen Sparrow and Angel
- Portable and desktop DAC advice
- 4.4mm balanced cable guidance
- Streaming-service setup advice
- Ongoing system and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss matching the EarMen Colibri with your smartphone, laptop, headphones or portable listening system.