AFUL SnowyNight Review

AFUL SnowyNight – Sound Impressions

The SnowyNight is a transparent DAC with a neutral signature that impresses with its clean, powerful output. I tested it with various sources, including a Macbook Pro 14, a Windows PC, an iPhone 14 and a 15 Pro Max. First of all, for such a small dongle, this thing has some aful-ly impressive (you knew that was coming) power. It can deliver 300mW of power into a 32-ohm load, and it powered my Edition XS and Nano with ease. As for the IEMs, it is excellent in terms of noise floor; the background is quiet, and the output impedance is really low. It reproduces the IEMs and HPs you pair it with as is, with no added coloration or noticeable band manipulation. I’ve listed the equipment I tried it with because there’s one thing I noticed with the SnowyNight. Using the BAL high gain (4+vrms) with computers seems to improve the SQ slightly, this may be due to the fact that computers can supply more power to the dongle, but the difference is subtle. After this discovery, I tried it with an Android 14 phone via UAPP; the result was better than the iOS devices I tried. I have experienced this with other dongles as well; iOS may have a limitation on the voltage it supplies to the accessory; who knows? Still, something to keep an eye on, I think. 

The SnowyNight impressed me with its solid DAC performance, but switching to 3.5mm resulted in slightly less impressive detail and resolution, which may also be something to watch out for. I have reterminated almost all of my equipment to 4.4 mm but have kept a couple of identical cables for comparison. I think we will soon forget the 3.5mm connection altogether. Anyway, the highlight of the SnowyNight is definitely its overall SQ and clean signature; it delivers a transparent SQ that makes it exceptionally competitive in the saturated dongle DAC market. Let’s compare it to some of the others so you can get a better idea of its performance compared to similarly priced dongles.

vs. E1DA 9038D ($99 USD)

The SnowyNight utilizes a dual DAC configuration from Cirrus Logic. The CS43198 is a premium-tier chipset, and its direct competitor is ES9038Q2M from ESS Technology, which the 9038D utilizes.

Build-wise, both of the devices use metal casings with compact form factors. The 9038D is slightly lighter than the SnowyNight. I like the design of the SnowyNight better; it has a more visible indicator LED and a nicer overall design. The 9038D is a bit too industrial in comparison and looks more like a lighter than a DAC AMP. Additionally, 9038D does not have physical buttons to control the volume.

When it comes to sound quality, the 9038D is an HFN-recommended unit that has a neutral, true-to-reproduction signature. The Aful will be replacing it on the list, as it sounds technically better all around. It is more transparent, feels cleaner, and has a more spacious soundstage directly compared to 9038D. It is also also approx. %40 more capable when it comes to sheer power. The SnowyNight’s background is even more silent, especially with highly sensitive IEMs with low impedance.

vs. Shanling UA3 ($109 USD)

The UA3 is Shanling’s mid-tier dongle positioned over the UA2 and below the UA4 (review soon) and the UA5. It features AKM’s AK4493SEQ DAC and Dual Ricore RT6863 OP-AMPs. 

The UA3 is Shanling’s mid-tier dongle positioned over the UA2 and below the UA4 (review soon) and the UA5. It features AKM’s AK4493SEQ DAC and Dual Ricore RT6863 OP-AMPs. 

Build-wise, both of the devices use metal casings with compact form factors. The UA3 is slightly lighter than the SnowyNight. Like the SN, the UA3 also has physical buttons and comes with a leather case that I like very much. Design-wise, the Shanling is slightly better, IMO, with a sleeker and more tidy design and a better external finish.

When it comes to sound quality, the UA3 offers the opposite signature; it is warm, rich, and rounded compared to the SN. If you like warmer sources, you may like it. However, I find the SN to be a better DAC, more revealing, better top-end extension, and overall better resolution. SN’s staging feels more accurate as well. The UA3 is capable of dishing out 211mW@32Ω through its 4.4mm BAL out, whereas the SN offers 300mW.

Last Words

The SnowyNight is a great DAC AMP that can rival the dongles that are above its price bracket. This is the main reason why I believe the SN offers excellent value. It is an immensely clean and resolving DAC AMP that can dish out an impressive amount of juice. I recommend giving it a try, and you’ll be surprised.

It is deservingly replacing the 9038D on the HFN Recommended DAC-AMPs list! 

Pros

+ Excellent Price-to-Performance Ratio

+ Excellent SQ

+ Great Build Quality + Good Cable

Cons

– No leather case

Page 1: AFUL, SnowyNight, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality

Page 2: Comparative Sound Impressions & Performance, Last Words