The term “mAh” stands for milliampere-hour, which is a unit of electric charge.
It is commonly used to measure the capacity of a battery, indicating how much charge it can store and supply.
Specifically, 1 mAh represents the ability to deliver 1 milliampere of current for 1 hour.
In the context of a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), the mAh rating typically refers to the capacity of the internal battery if the DAC is battery-powered.
- Related: Beginners Guide: What is a USB DAC?
The battery serves as a power source to ensure the DAC can function independently of a direct power connection.
When the DAC is in use, the stored charge in the battery is drawn upon to provide the necessary power for converting digital audio signals to analog signals.
The DAC’s operation involves converting digital audio data into analog signals that can be sent to headphones or speakers.
The internal battery ensures that the DAC remains operational even when not connected to a power source, offering portability and convenience.
The mAh rating becomes crucial for determining how long the DAC can operate on battery power before requiring recharging.
In general, a larger mAh (milliampere-hour) rating for a battery indicates a higher capacity, which means the battery can store and supply more charge.
A device with a higher-capacity battery should, in theory, be able to operate for a longer time before requiring a recharge compared to a device with a lower-capacity battery, assuming similar power consumption.
I won’t say companies outright lie about Battery life, but let’s just say it can be egregious at times when you expect one thing and then experience something else.
When comparing batteries or devices with different mAh ratings, a larger mAh number typically corresponds to a longer usage time before needing to charge, given similar usage conditions.
Keep in mind that actual usage patterns, power consumption, and other factors can still influence real-world battery life.
Example
FiiO’s BTR5 contains a 550mAh (milliampere-hour) battery and can store and supply a total charge of 550 milliampere hours.
This means it can deliver a current of 1 milliampere for 550 hours, or 550 milliamperes for 1 hour.
In practical terms, the mAh rating helps determine how long a device can operate on a single charge.
For example, if the BTR5 has a constant power draw of 55 milliamperes, a 550mAh battery would theoretically last for approximately 10 hours before requiring a recharge.
Formula: 550mAh/55mA = 10 Hours.
Keep in mind that actual usage patterns and conditions may affect the real-world runtime.
Products and their mAh ratings
Here are some DACS, Earbuds, and Headsets that I’ve had experience with:
- FiiO BTR5: 550 mAh
- FiiO BTR3K: 330.
- iFi hip-dac 1: 2200, advertised life of approx. 8 hours on a single charge.
- hip-dac 2: 2200, advertised life of approx. 8 hours.
- hip-dac 3: 2200, advertised life of approx. 8 hours.
- iFi Go Blu: 450, advertised life of approx. 10 hours.
- iFi xDSD: 2200.
- iFi xDSD Gryphon: 3600.
- Gravastar Mars Pro: 2500, advertised life of approx 15 hours.
- Topping NX4: 2400.
- FiiO Q1 Mark II: 1800.
- Oppo HA-2: 3000, advertised life of approx. 13 hours.
- SuperEQ Q2 Pro: 370.
- EKSA H1: 500.
- EKSA H6: 500
- OneOdio A70: 650.
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief discussion on mAh Batteries and came away with some valuable insight.
If you love what I do here and want to support the blog and channel in a more personal way, check me out on Patreon and discover all the value I have to offer you.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Do companies exaggerate their mAh ratings? I would love to hear your thoughts. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
