I Got a notification saying this was a new SoundBlaster news article but it’s not new it was published in 2023 and it’s almost 2025.

Good point.
If you need a high quality output *and* input system, this does sound like a decent option. Admittedly, I use a separate XLR ADC, so I often forget about the desire for a compact combo device.

I do agree with you. I was referring to it’s potential merely as a DAC, ignoring its power output level. Though for most low impedance IEMs, it’s more than enough.

Myself, I use the Schiit IEMagni as my desktop amp (essentially the same amplification circuitry as the current gen Magni Heritic) and it’s excellent. Cheap and virtually transparent amplification.

Where’s the mic input and mic gain functionality on the Atom amp?

The Apple dongle is probably OK from just the DAC standpoint, but the amp (amplification passthrough via the phone, I realize) is woeful. I get labeled a “snob” but I can’t even listen with $69 headphones without noticing a huge loss of bass. They just don’t have the power, and the dongle is really only good for easy to drive things like typical earbuds. Though, a pair of Koss Portapro headphones sound OK with the dongle, honestly.

But you can though.
Believe it or not, the Apple dongle measures quite well in objective metrics.
Despite the marketing, DACs are all quite good nowadays. It’s really just the Amp (if you even need one) that would matter.

No lmao u wished