TRI TK1 Third Eye Portable DAC Headphone Amp – Dual CS43131
TRI TK1 Third Eye Portable DAC Headphone Amp – Dual CS43131
TRI TK1 "Third Eye" Portable DAC & Headphone Amplifier
Unlock the full potential of your headphones with the TRI TK1 Third Eye — a compact, high-fidelity USB DAC and headphone amplifier engineered for audiophiles who demand studio-grade sound on the go. Powered by a dual CS43131 chip architecture, the TK1 delivers an astonishing 135 dB dynamic range (DNR) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB at 4.4mm (4 Vrms), making every note, texture, and subtle detail in your music come alive.
Why the TRI TK1 Third Eye?
- Dual CS43131 Chips — Cirrus Logic's premium DAC chips working in tandem for exceptionally clean, low-noise audio output.
- Balanced 4.4mm & Single-Ended 3.5mm Outputs — Compatibility with a wide range of headphones and in-ear monitors, from entry-level to flagship.
- USB Type-C Connectivity — Plug-and-play with Android smartphones and Windows 10/11 PCs with no drivers required.
- DSD64 Support — Handles DSD (2.8224 MHz) and PCM audio for versatile high-res playback.
- Built-in Microphone Support — Doubles as a USB sound card for calls, streaming, and voice work.
- Impressive Output Power — 4 Vrms balanced output ensures ample drive for demanding full-size headphones.
- Pocket-Friendly & Portable — Lightweight, bus-powered design goes wherever your music takes you.
Full Specifications
| Brand | TRI |
| Model | TK1 "Third Eye" |
| DAC Chip | Dual CS43131 (Cirrus Logic) |
| Color | Black |
| DNR | 135 dB |
| SNR | 130 dB @ 4.4mm / 4 Vrms | 125 dB @ 3.5mm / 2 Vrms |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5mm (single-ended) & 4.4mm (balanced) |
| Input | USB Type-C to Type-C |
| DSD Support | DSD64 (2.8224 MHz) |
| PCM Support | Up to 44.1 kHz / 16-bit |
| Microphone | Available (USB Sound Card capable) |
| Compatible Devices | Android (USB-C), Windows 10/11 |
| Form Factor | Portable / Bus-powered |
| Country of Origin | Made in Mainland China |
Perfect For
- Audiophiles upgrading from smartphone audio output
- Work-from-home setups needing a clean USB sound card with mic support
- Music producers and engineers who need accurate reference monitoring on the go
- Anyone driving high-impedance or balanced headphones from a phone or laptop
Learn More About High-Resolution Audio
Curious about what makes high-resolution audio different? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides resources on digital audio standards and measurement that can help you understand the science behind DAC performance specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What devices are compatible with the TRI TK1 Third Eye DAC amplifier?
A: The TRI TK1 Third Eye is compatible with Android smartphones featuring a USB Type-C port and Windows 10/11 computers. It is plug-and-play on most modern devices — no additional drivers are required. It connects via a USB Type-C to Type-C cable.
Q: What is the difference between the 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs on the TK1?
A: The 3.5mm output is a standard single-ended connection, delivering 2 Vrms with a 125 dB SNR. The 4.4mm output is a fully balanced connection that provides 4 Vrms and a higher 130 dB SNR, offering a wider soundstage and lower noise floor — ideal for high-end headphones and IEMs with a 4.4mm balanced cable.
Q: Does the TRI TK1 support DSD audio files?
A: Yes. The TK1 supports DSD64 playback at 2.8224 MHz, as well as PCM audio at 44.1 kHz/16-bit, making it versatile for a wide range of high-resolution audio formats.
Q: Can I use the TRI TK1 as a USB sound card with microphone support?
A: Absolutely. The TK1 includes microphone support, allowing it to function as a full USB audio interface for voice calls, streaming, and recording — not just headphone playback.
Q: Does the TRI TK1 require an external power source?
A: No. The TK1 is entirely bus-powered, drawing all the power it needs directly from your smartphone or computer's USB port. No batteries or power adapters are required.