Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

The khadas tone2 pro dac amp is a desktop unit that handles two jobs: converting digital audio from your computer or phone into an analog signal, and then driving your headphones with enough clean power to sound right. This guide walks you through connecting it, choosing the right gain and output settings, and checking that the sound is what you expect. Most of the work takes about ten minutes once you know where the controls are.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these items so you can set everything up in one pass:

Shopping for one? See our guide: Desktop DAC Amp Combo Review (2026): Features, Pros and Cons.

  • The Tone2 Pro unit and its included power supply
  • A USB cable that matches the Tone2 Pro’s input port and your source device
  • Your headphones, with the correct cable and connector for the output jack you plan to use
  • Your source device, such as a computer, laptop, or phone with a USB-C or USB-A adapter
  • The manufacturer’s manual, downloaded from Khadas, so you can confirm port labels and gain settings

Connect the Tone2 Pro to Your Source

Start with the power off on every device. Connect the USB cable from your computer to the Tone2 Pro’s digital input, then plug in the power supply before turning anything on. Connecting power first and then the data cable reduces the chance of a pop or a brief surge reaching your headphones.

  1. Plug the USB cable into the Tone2 Pro’s input port and into your source device.
  2. Connect the power supply and switch the unit on.
  3. On your computer, open the sound settings and choose the Tone2 Pro as the output device.
  4. Play a known test track at a moderate volume to confirm the signal is coming through.

Match the Output Port to Your Headphones

Use the output jack that suits your headphone’s impedance and plug type. Higher-impedance headphones generally benefit from the higher-power output, while lower-impedance models can usually run on the standard output without strain. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your headphones before choosing. Plugging a balanced cable into a single-ended jack, or the reverse, will not damage most gear but will reduce performance or cause mismatched channels.

Set Gain and Volume Correctly

Gain determines how much amplification the Tone2 Pro applies before your headphones receive the signal. Set it too high and you will hear hiss and reduced control at low volumes. Set it too low and you will need to push your computer volume near its maximum, which can add noise from the source.

A practical approach is to start with the lowest gain setting, raise your source volume to a comfortable listening level, and then step the gain up only if you cannot reach a comfortable level with the source near 70 to 80 percent. Keep the source volume high enough to stay above the noise floor, but not so high that small adjustments become hard to control.

Test and Fine-Tune the Sound

Listen to a track you know well and compare it to the sound you were getting before. Focus on three things: clarity in the midrange, control of the bass, and whether the sound stays steady as you adjust volume. If vocals seem thin or the bass feels loose, revisit the gain and output settings before blaming the headphones.

Also check that the unit is receiving a stable digital signal. Dropouts or clicking usually point to a cable problem, a driver setting in your operating system, or a sample rate mismatch. Matching the sample rate in your audio software to what your source delivers often solves the issue.

  • A high-quality USB cable: A well-shielded data cable reduces the chance of dropouts when the DAC is connected to a busy computer. View on Amazon
  • A balanced headphone cable: If your headphones support a balanced connection, a matching cable lets you use the balanced output and take advantage of the dual-ended design. View on Amazon
  • A desktop headphone stand: Keeping your headphones off the desk protects the headband and cable and keeps the setup tidy. View on Amazon

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Plugging in the USB cable before the power supply, which can cause a pop through the headphones.
  • Leaving gain at the highest setting, which adds hiss and makes volume harder to control.
  • Forgetting to select the Tone2 Pro as the output device in your operating system’s sound settings.
  • Using a sample rate in your audio software that does not match the source file, causing crackle or dropouts.
  • Judging the sound before a short warm-up, since many owners report the sound settles after a few minutes of playback.

FAQ

Does the khadas tone2 pro dac amp work with a phone?

It can, but you will need a compatible adapter and a power source that supplies enough current. Check the manufacturer’s notes on mobile use before connecting, since some phones do not supply enough power for the unit to run correctly.

Why do I hear hiss when nothing is playing?

Hiss at idle usually means gain is set too high or the source is noisy. Lower the gain first, then confirm that your computer’s output is not amplifying a background signal.

Do I need special drivers to use it?

Most setups work with the operating system’s built-in audio driver, but you should confirm the requirements in the current Khadas documentation for your computer’s platform.

Conclusion

Once the Tone2 Pro is connected correctly and the gain is set to suit your source and headphones, the sound should be clean and consistent. Spend a few minutes comparing settings with a familiar track, since small adjustments make a noticeable difference. If you run into persistent problems, consult the manufacturer or a qualified audio technician for help with the hardware itself.

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Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our headphone comfort & accessories + gaming headsets guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.