Softears - S01 (Ex-Demo Unit)

Type-C To 3.5mm USB-C DAC

Sale price₹ 1,899 Regular priceMRP: ₹ 3,199
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Why Softears is Special

🇨🇳

Designed in China

🎖️ Established & Reputed

Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!


I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.


With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.


When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.

🌟 Specialist

A masterpiece from experts who know audio inside and out 🔧!


I tend to describe specialist manufacturers as "audio artisans" who focus exclusively on perfecting specific categories of equipment. These products are meticulously crafted by dedicated experts who possess deep knowledge of sound reproduction, ensuring every technical aspect is refined to perfection. Think of them like master craftsmen who spend their entire careers perfecting one specific skill - their focused expertise shows in every detail.


These dedicated experts bring years of specialised knowledge to the design process, resulting in products that consistently achieve exceptional performance standards through focused engineering excellence 🎯.


When you see "🌟 Specialist" products, expect focused expertise from manufacturers who dedicate their entire efforts to perfecting specific audio equipment categories.

🦩

Boutique Brand

🐣

Born in 2017

Why we love this IEM

🥜 Value for Money

I've found that the best gear isn’t always the most expensive. Some products punch well above their weight and deliver performance that rivals higher-priced alternatives. That’s what we mean with the "Value for Money" badge. It’s our way of telling you that you’re getting something special without breaking the bank. 🥜


These products are all about maximum returns for minimal investment. You’re not just saving money — you’re gaining an audio experience that exceeds expectations. Whether it’s build quality, tuning, or bundled accessories, these picks overdeliver.


When you see '🥜 Value for Money' products, expect impressive performance at an affordable price, making them a smart pick for budget-conscious buyers or first-time audiophiles.

🌱 Ideal for Beginners

Lost in the vast world of audio equipment?


Don't worry, we're here to guide you 🤝! I believe that everyone's audiophile journey should start with something approachable and welcoming. These carefully selected products serve as the perfect entry point into high-quality sound, specifically chosen to help you navigate through sometimes overwhelming technical options. Think of them as your friendly neighbourhood guide who knows exactly where to start without getting lost in complex specifications.


These products strike an ideal balance between quality and accessibility, featuring user-friendly designs and straightforward functionality. They're specifically selected as the perfect starting point for your audiophile journey, offering serious performance without intimidating complexity or premium pricing that might discourage exploration.


When you encounter "🌱 Ideal for Beginners" products, expect approachable excellence - these are your stepping stones into the world of premium audio, designed to grow with your developing appreciation for great sound.

🛺 For Audiophiles On-the-Go

In my experience, finding great audio gear that performs well on the move is like discovering a powerful sports car that’s also fuel efficient. Products marked For Audiophiles On-the-Go are designed to deliver remarkable sound quality without weighing you down. Whether you’re commuting, working remotely, or just travelling light, these products offer the perfect balance of portability and performance 🚶‍♂️.


What makes them special? They’re often compact, lightweight, and built with battery-efficient components that don’t compromise on sonic detail. From portable DAC/Amps to foldable headphones and wireless IEMs, this category is for those who demand great sound anytime, anywhere — no bulky setups or power bricks required.


When you see '🛺 For Audiophiles On-the-Go' products, expect: pocket-friendly size, reliable battery life, and premium sound wherever life takes you — ideal for travel, work, or daily use.

📱 Works Great with Type-C

Don't have a 3.5mm headphone jack on your phone?


No need to worry 📞 - I believe these products represent the future of seamless audio connectivity. Think of Type-C as the universal language that all modern devices are learning to speak. It's like having a master key that works with your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and practically every new device you'll buy. These headphones connect directly to your Type-C port, delivering pristine digital audio without any dongles or adapters cluttering your setup.


The direct Type-C connection ensures both convenience and optimal audio performance, maintaining the integrity of your listening experience through a clean digital signal path. You'll enjoy plug-and-play functionality with universal compatibility, eliminating those frustrating moments of searching for the right adapter.


When you encounter "📱 Works Great with Type-C" products, expect seamless connectivity with modern devices and future-proof design that grows with your tech ecosystem.

Why it Sounds Amazing

⚙️ DAC Chip

I like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device — it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.


Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips — like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic — offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.


When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high-quality headphones — perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.

🔬 Decodes Upto

When I see "Decodes up to" listed in product specs, I think of it like a music translator that speaks more languages than you’ll ever need. It tells you how far a DAC or audio device can go in handling hi-res formats—think PCM, DSD, or MQA—and at what resolution. 🧠🎶


Technically, this refers to the maximum bit depth and sample rate a DAC can process—like 32-bit/768kHz PCM or DSD512. The higher these numbers, the more detailed and lifelike the audio can potentially sound. But remember, real-world improvements depend on the recording quality and your headphones, not just specs alone.

Headphone Zone Certified Demo Headphones

Our careful selection of demo headphones gives you the experience of pre-burned in headphones - at drop dead prices. We do this sale every year to clear up our existing demos and to make way for new units instead. These demo headphones have been used at our Experience Studio in Mumbai. The pictures above depict the condition of the product and also indicate the accessories available with the headphone. For any specific questions about the condition please get in touch with us! While the product itself is fully tested by our Headphone Gurus and the outer packaging may have suffered some damage.

Get The Best Deal

You may or may not get the original packaging or some accessories may be missing & because of the fact that they've been extensively used as a demo at the Experience Studio, we give a good discount compared to a new gear.

Unchanged Policies

Received a defective Demo unit? Return it under our 7 Day Replacement Guarantee Policy.
P.S. If you do not like your gear, unfortunately we will not be able to accept the return.

Pre-Burned In

Demo headphones save you the time of burning in new headphones. Typically, brand new headphones take up to weeks to fully break in and sound as good as they should. With demo headphones, you get to enjoy the best sound out of the box.

Unbiased Customer Service

We have the same Headphone Zone customer support experience for Demo Units or any products.

Consider It Vintage

Vintage products have a certain charm that cannot be put into words. Think of old, discontinued demo headphones as vintage. They have a story; they have, how-to-say, character.

Professionally Inspected

A thorough inspection means you receive a 100% working headphone with no sound output issues.

Softears Presents the S01 - A Portable USB DAC Delivering Hi-Res Listening Experience

Softears introduces the S01, a compact, plug-and-play USB-C portable DAC that transforms any Type-C device into a high-fidelity audio source with a native 3.5 mm headphone output. Built around the Cirrus Logic CS46L41 DAC chip that elevates smartphone, tablet, laptop, and desktop audio with ultra-clean decoding up to 384 kHz/32-bit, low noise, and distortion. Ready for daily use with head-fi gear, earbuds, and sensitive headphones, S01 delivers a clear, articulate listening experience in an ultra-portable form.

Utilises CS46L41 DAC Codec for High-Resolution Audio

Softears S01 CS46L41 portable DAC integrates the advanced CS46L41 DAC to decode digital audio up to 384 kHz/32-bit, supporting high resolution audio. This high-performance converter achieves a 121 dB SNR and -98 dB THD+N, ensuring low noise and distortion for detailed, natural playback.

Note: DSD is not supported

Features Integrated ADC Support for Mic & Control Signals

Softears S01 embeds Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) support alongside DAC functionality, enabling compatible inline microphone and remote control support over TRRS connectors. This dual-role design handles both high-quality audio output and voice input without additional adapters.

Embeds Universal Type-C to 3.5mm & Multi-Device Connectivity

Softears S01 utilises a USB-C input with a standard 3.5mm headphone output, allowing seamless plug-and-play operation with Android, iOS (via adapter), macOS, and Windows devices. No drivers are required, and it supports plug-and-play across devices.

Crafted With Integrated Injection-Molded & Non-Metallic Shell For Enhanced Durability

Softears S01 is crafted with an integrated injection-molded, non-metallic shell designed to prevent scratching when stored alongside earphones. This compact, lightweight housing improves everyday durability while making the dongle easy to carry, pocket, or bundle with IEMs for clean, worry-free portability.

Comes With EnduraFlex Cable With Braided Jacket For Exceptional Reliability

Softears S01 includes an EnduraFlex silicone cable with a braided outer layer that resists twists, bends, and wear. This rugged yet flexible design improves long-term reliability while preserving weight-less portability.

Utilises CS46L41 DAC Codec for High-Resolution Audio

Softears S01 CS46L41 portable DAC integrates the advanced CS46L41 DAC to decode digital audio up to 384 kHz/32-bit, supporting high resolution audio. This high-performance converter achieves a 121 dB SNR and -98 dB THD+N, ensuring low noise and distortion for detailed, natural playback.

Note: DSD is not supported

Features Integrated ADC Support for Mic & Control Signals

Softears S01 embeds Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) support alongside DAC functionality, enabling compatible inline microphone and remote control support over TRRS connectors. This dual-role design handles both high-quality audio output and voice input without additional adapters.

Embeds Universal Type-C to 3.5mm & Multi-Device Connectivity

Softears S01 utilises a USB-C input with a standard 3.5mm headphone output, allowing seamless plug-and-play operation with Android, iOS (via adapter), macOS, and Windows devices. No drivers are required, and it supports plug-and-play across devices.

Crafted With Integrated Injection-Molded & Non-Metallic Shell For Enhanced Durability

Softears S01 is crafted with an integrated injection-molded, non-metallic shell designed to prevent scratching when stored alongside earphones. This compact, lightweight housing improves everyday durability while making the dongle easy to carry, pocket, or bundle with IEMs for clean, worry-free portability.

Comes With EnduraFlex Cable With Braided Jacket For Exceptional Reliability

Softears S01 includes an EnduraFlex silicone cable with a braided outer layer that resists twists, bends, and wear. This rugged yet flexible design improves long-term reliability while preserving weight-less portability.

All You Need To Know About The Softears S01 (Ex-Demo Unit)

Box Contents
1. Softears S01 (Demo Unit)
Warranty
No Warranty
Headphone Output
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
USB connection
USB Type-C (non-detachable cable)
DAC
Cirrus Logic CS46L41
Frequency Response
20Hz - 20kHz


Softears - Hear The truth

Softears is a Chinese high-end audio brand specialising in innovative, research-driven in-ear monitors. Founded in 2017, it combines advanced R&D, in-house manufacturing, and precision tuning for a balanced, comfortable listening experience. With roots in Shenzhen and a dedicated lab in Chengdu, Softears is committed to excellence in sound and craftsmanship.

Fun Fact : Softears hand-matches every driver in their multi-driver IEMs to ensure channel consistency within a 1dB tolerance, a level of precision typically reserved for top-tier studio monitors and reference gear.

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Other Details


Generic Name Digital Audio Converter
Importer Details Importers Name: Ferrari Video
Address: 63/18, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai - 600020
Contact No: 044-24420733
Net Quantity 1
Package Contents Softears S01 (Demo Unit)


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