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Willie Greer - September 7, 2021
Digital-to-analog converters (DAC) improve the listening experience by converting digital signals into analog sounds. There are many DACs on the market with different specs so you have to choose wisely. This way, you won’t need to spend more money to upgrade to better specs. Our experts did a lot of tests to help you identify the best DACs for your preference.
Cobalt USB DAC
- Min-phase slow roll-off filter
- Good with Android & iOS devices
- Portable
- Headphone jack
(ADI-2 DAC FS)
- Power headphone power output
- Full DSP processing
- External power supply operation
- USB compatibility
DacMagic
- Plays up to 24-bit/192kHz files
- Can connect up to four devices
- Three digital inputs
- Asynchronous USB connection
Reviews of the Top DACs
RME Signal Converter (ADI-2 DAC FS)
The RME ADI-2 DAC FS digital to analogue converter is the best sounding DAC among the tested devices. It has a perfectly transparent sound signature and features an extreme power headphone output. The RME’s SteadyClock System reduces digital signal disruption that causes unwanted noise.
It offers balanced and unbalanced outputs and a 4-stage hardware output level control. Though not the most affordable DAC, it promises a user-friendly interface and compatibility with USB devices.
This external DAC has a full DSP processing with bass, treble, loudness, 5 bands parametric EQ, crossfeed, and other advanced features. It is the optimized version of ADI-2 Pro, making it the best one available in the market.
What We Like
- MRC remote control
- Super low-noise IEM output
- USB compatibility
- Full DSP processing
- Excellent build quality
What We Don’t Like
- Does not have Bluetooth
- Expensive
AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB DAC
The AudioQuest DragonFly features a more advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip. It ensures superb audio quality using its minimum-phase slow-roll off filter and can read and play any audio format.
A USB DAC preamplifier and a headphone amp at the same time, it can bypass the audio circuitry of your devices to play any music file that delivers excellent audio fidelity. The AudioQuest DragonFly Cobal is also the most compact and capable DAC, measuring only 57.5mm x 18.6mm x 11.9mm.
It looks like a USB stick with a 3.5mm headphone output on one end and uses the digital cable connector USB Type-A.
What We Like
- Can read music file MQA from Tidal
- Very light and portable
- Compatible with iOS and Android
- LED color changes to indicate playback status
- Produces clear, emotional, juicy, transparent sounds
What We Don’t Like
- Not very affordable
- Can only deliver file size up to 24-bit/96 kHz
Cambridge Audio DacMagic
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic showcases an affordable and high-performance converter. It features three digital inputs, asynchronous USB connections, and compatibility with digital devices such as Bluray Players, TVs, speakers, and mobile devices.
This Cambridge Audio custom-developed device uses Wolfson WM8742 DAC and processes up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Its user-friendly interface allows you to switch up to four sources easily.
You are easily guaranteed of superior sound delivery with its tri-amp vintage system that can support and play any digital file format. For such a reasonable price, our team was impressed by how it can instantly refine sound from your regular devices without much effort.
What We Like
- Features coaxial, optical input, and USB Audio input
- Can connect to CD players, DVD players, TVs, speakers, etc
- User-friendly interface
- Connect and save up to four devices
- Good build quality
What We Don’t Like
- Does not come with a remote control
- Unit is not very big
Monolith 124459 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC
This product is a headphone amplifier with DAC technology. Monolith 1224459 Amplifier and DAC features a THX achromatic audio amplifier (THX-AAA), which ensures a balanced headphones experience.
This desktop DAC performs a true balanced operation wherein each DAC operates in mono mode. To maximize output power for each channel, each amp works in a bridged configuration.
This dual AKM 4493 DAC supports 32-bit 768kHz and digital inputs of 2.8/5.6/11.2 MHz. It provides a balanced and single-ended headphone output. You can also use USB, optical, coaxial, and AES3/EBU inputs to connect devices. The AKM technology enhances the audio quality produced in this sound system.
What We Like
- Headphone jack
- Compatible with all wired headphones and IEMs
- Dual amplifiers and dual DACs
- Uses the most linear amp technology
- THX AAA 788 amplifier modules and AKM 4493 DAC
What We Don’t Like
- Prone to static shock
- Poor customer service for warranty claims
Lavaudio DS600 Audio DAC HiFi
This digital to analog converter highlights two ES9038Q2M DAC chips. The digital audio player uses an XMOS XU208 USB receiver chip, providing a better direct stream digital (DSD) native.
The USB DAC chip supports PCM 16-Bit 44.1KHz to 32-Bit 768kHz, making the sound quality cleaner. The Lavaudio DS600 acts as a Bluetooth receiver so you can connect it to your mobile devices to stream music.
This product functions as a headphone amplifier. It is a HiFi DAC decoder that upgrades your old devices so you can listen to your audio files to your speakers or headphones. This also supports USB, Coaxial, or optical digital inputs as well as RCA/AUX output.
What We Like
- With ultra-low distortion
- Supports Bluetooth headphones
- Gives high resolution lossless digital music
- Supports DSD512 (Native)
- With remote control
What We Don’t Like
- Built-in headphone amp is weak
- May have some problems with RCA jacks
Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC
The Audioengine D1 24-Bit External DAC is easy to operate. It functions as a plug-and-play USB, does not need any drivers, and works well with Mac, Windows, and Linux computers. As one of the best DACs on this list, it features a high-performance signal-to-noise ratio.
It is a desktop DAC that works as a headphone amplifier for your computer by sending a digital audio signal through a USB or optical cable. You can conveniently stream your music files using its front-panel volume control.
The Audioengine D1 works as a portable DAC and has a microphone jack. It can also accommodate other types of audio jack input. The unit contains an internal battery.
What We Like
- Good customer support
- With 3-year warranty
- Does not need its power supply
- Comes with a cloth travel bag
- Works as a headphone amp
What We Don’t Like
- Sensitive to EM noise of nearby devices
- No markings on the volume knob
iFi Zen DAC V2
The iFi Zen Dac V2 is a digital to analogue signal converter with a headphone amp function. It can accommodate USB3.0 input and balanced and unbalanced RCA outputs for demanding headphones, active speakers, and amplifiers.
This Zen DAC chip is a Burr Brown True Native converter. It can process high-resolution files up to PCM 384kHz/24 bit, DSD256, DXD 384kHz. The powermatch features a switchable gain so that you can match the level of drive to the load by the headphones. This amps the audio game of this product.
The build quality of this digital to analog conversion device is sturdy and strong, thanks to its military-grade aluminum material.
What We Like
- Can decode MQA files
- Improved low jitter clock
- Variable analog volume control
- TrueBass to enhance low-frequency tones
- Improved Global Master Timing clock circuitry
What We Don’t Like
- Sometimes with channel imbalance
- Cannot adjust system volume through the keyboard
Chord Mojo Black DAC/Headphone Amplifier
The Chord Mojo Black is one of the best portable DAC and headphone amps available in the market. All Chord Mojo products are designed and manufactured in Great Britain. Its great DAC chip is compatible with all PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, so you can just plug in your headphones and listen to your music.
The headphone amp can play almost any audio file from 32kHz to 68kHz 32-bit and quad DSD 256. Chord Mojo is a portable DACs with two 3.5mm analog outputs so two people can listen simultaneously.
(Working remotely but distracted by sounds? Well, you can check out the best headphones for zoom meetings listed here)
What We Like
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
- Portable music player
- Battery life of eight to ten hours
- Fully automatic and remembers last settings used
- Supports audio stream through mini-USB and micro-USB input
What We Don’t Like
- Not very responsive customer support
- Short life expectancy
DAC Buyer’s Guide
Audiophiles have discovered the importance of a dedicated DAC to improve your audio files’ sound quality greatly. Hence, it is very important to know the different specs before purchasing one. Our sound engineers summarized the following information to help you decide the best option suitable for you.
What is a DAC?
A DAC is an electronic device that converts the digital signal into an analog signal so you can play it using your headphones or speakers. All source devices capable of digital audio playback have an internal DAC chip.
DACs read the digital and zeros data that make up your music and convert it to analog data. The analog data is the one that you hear as sound.
These are sources like computers, laptops, or mobile devices. However, the standalone DAC came into existence because of the poor sound quality produced by these sources. Since audio-visual contents are now normally released in HD formats, there is a need for conversion hardware to improve musicality.
Most preinstalled DACs are wired through the computer’s motherboard. Hence, the quality is dependent on the computer’s specs and price. Though they can do the job, they cannot do it most competently. External DACs bypass the converter chips using their high-quality hardware. This then results in superb sound.
The process starts by making the sound in the analog domain. For instance, the clapping sound is produced by people clapping, and the voice sound is produced by people talking to each other.
These sounds are captured and recorded digitally. Bitrate is the measure of the quality of conversion. The higher the bitrate, the denser the file, and the better the audio quality as it has captured a lot of details.
Conversion of this digital signal to an analog one will depend on the quality of the DAC chip. A good DAC will characterize the harmony, depth, and other details of the audio. Of course, it is best to start with a high-quality file so the chip can do its job with utmost precision.
Hence, if you want to improve your speakers, headphones, or any listening device, you should get a good DAC.
Type
There are three main types of DACs available. It is important to know which type will suit your audio system.
Standalone
A standalone DAC can be USB-enabled boxes. They have a pair of analog outputs, USB streaming, and a connection for the power source. Some need only to be connected to a source device to power up, but some may need a separate power source, an amplifier, to turn on.
DAC/Headphone Amplifiers
This type provides outputs for speakers and headphones. They often have a volume control for their preamp, either digitally or manually. This is so you can control the level of power that is fed to your listening devices. Most of the DACs reviewed here have the headphone amp functionality.
Portable DAC
This type uses mini or micro-USB connections to connect to your mobile phones or your tablets. Most models include a headphone preamp and some act as desktop DACs too. The Chord Mojo, also reviewed in this article, is one of the best-selling portable DACs in the market.
32-Bit vs. 24-Bit DAC
You have seen some numbers in the earlier part of this article. These 32 and 24 are bit depths. It shows how much information the DAC can process and transmit.
A recording software and hardware work by recording parts or samples of the incoming audio signal. This recorded data is called the sample rate. It needs to have a high sample rate to come up with high-quality audio.
Bit depth, on the other hand, is the amount of information in each sample is recorded. Hence, the higher the bit, the better the sample. Each song has its sample rate and bit depth. The value shown on each DAC is the highest depth and rate it can handle.
Most DACs can have adjustable bit depth. However, some audiophiles claim that the difference between 24-bit and 32-bit DAC is no longer noticeable so that you can stay with the 24-bit unit.
Connectivity Options
The idea of balanced and unbalanced connections is presented when you are buying cables. A balanced cable consists of ground wire, positive leg, and negative leg. Both of these legs carry the same signal but in opposite directions or polarity.
Once the signal reaches the receiver, it will flip one of the signals to put them back into polarity with each other. This process eliminates common noise. Hence, balanced connections are best for long cable runs.
Unbalanced cables are less complicated but more susceptible to signal interference. Hence, they are good for shorter cable runs less than 25 feet to minimize common noise.
There is less noise in balanced XLR outputs and TRS jacks, making them the recommended connection type. They are also very effective as hum-destroyers.
Other DAC connections and outputs include unbalanced RCA phono, optical cables, S/PDIF signals, Thunderbolt, and Firewire. All DACs can accommodate both balanced and unbalanced connections.
R-2R vs. Sigma Delta
The DAC architecture is a technical matter that not everyone needs to understand in-depth. However, for audiophiles [1] who want to understand the process truly, our experts explain it here.
There are two types of digital-to-audio conversion, R-2R and Sigma Delta. R-2R is the easiest and most accurate type of convert digital data into analog sound. It consists of resistors, R and 2R, that work together to translate voltages.
This translation process creates analog sounds from digital data. It is very accurate and reduces noise and other digital interference. The drawback is that it is highly expensive and hard to manufacture.
The Sigma Delta is more affordable. It uses a variety of discrete component stages to translate digital data into analog sounds. The process includes passing through a low-pass filter and a digital decimator. This increases accuracy and reduces noise.
Most DACs use the Sigma Delta technology. R-2R is only seen on very high-end DACs.
FAQ
What is the best audiophile DAC?
The best audiophile DAC is the RME Signal Converter (ADI-2 DAC FS). It has a full DSP and a very transparent sound signature. It also features balanced and unbalanced cable connections to ensure low noise. It also has 4-stage hardware output level control and a user-friendly interface.
Does a DAC really improve sound?
A DAC really improves sound quality. Each electronic device capable of playing audio data has a pre-installed chip. However, the quality depends on the specs and price of the device itself. Sometimes, the sound produced is not very clear.
An external DAC bypasses the audio circuitry of your device and converts your digital data into an analog sound with utmost quality and fidelity. Since it uses better technology than pre-installed in your device, it can also reduce noise and unwanted digital interference.
Are DACs really worth it?
Yes, DACs are worth it. If you are not happy with the sound produced by your listening devices, then there is a need to use a DAC. This will improve the conversion of digital to analog signals, improving the quality of sound. The best DACs can improve the sound quality and reduce digital noise to better improve your listening experience. The most sophisticated DACs utilize R-2R technology.
Will a DAC improve Spotify?
A DAC will improve Spotify listening experience if your device’s internal, pre-installed DAC is poor quality. The external DAC will bypass this and convert the digital signals into an analog sound and improve your listening experience better audio quality. Since it is also able to reduce noise, it will ensure an improved streaming experience.
Our Top Pick For a DAC:
RME Signal Converter (ADI-2 DAC FS)
Our top pick for a DAC is the RME Signal Converter (ADI-2 DAC FS). It produces a superb sound and has all the features that made its predecessor, ADI-2 Pro, famous. It has a super low-noise IEM output, excellent build quality, and balanced/unbalanced connections. These features make it the best DAC, according to our sound engineers.
