The Conexant is a widely utilized high-fidelity USB-C DAC chip found in many "audiophile" dongles for its impressive 32-bit/384kHz sampling rate and >128dB SNR. However, users frequently report that these devices can run "hot" during extended use, particularly when driving high-impedance headphones or decoding DSD files. Why the CX31993 Runs Hot Heat in these ultra-compact dongles is typically caused by:
…passively dampens the electrical treble resonance. The chip’s 2Vrms output drives them cleanly, and the headphones’ own impedance profile smooths the hot region without external parts.
The "fix" for the CX31993 "hot" issue requires a revision of the datasheet to provide realistic thermal parameters. The previous specification of 32°C/W creates a false sense of thermal margin. cx31993 datasheet fix hot
🔇 Pitch-Black Noise FloorEven with extremely sensitive multi-driver IEMs, the background hiss on this chip is practically non-existent. It is exceptionally quiet.
Also, do not attempt to fix the chip if your dongle is a known good design (e.g., AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt uses a similar but different chip). Always verify the actual component marking – some "CX31993" clones have different thermal characteristics. The Conexant is a widely utilized high-fidelity USB-C
Increase Buffer Size: In apps like USB Audio Player PRO (UAPP), increasing the buffer size can reduce the processing load and potentially lower thermal stress.
Reports indicate that the Conexant CX31993 (often paired with the MAX97220 amplifier chip) can experience overheating issues, particularly when used with PC USB ports or during prolonged high-power output. Summary of Reported Heating Issues Case temp ≤ 55°C in 30°C ambient
The experimental data revealed a significant deviation from the datasheet parameters.