Many of you may not know the term DAC. The average people might not ever hardly listen to this word. But whether it is known or unknown, we spend our day listening to audios with the help of DAC. And today we are going to discuss DAC reviews and recommend some best DAC you can find in the market.
Now, when you are done understanding the term DAC, here a little confusion may create why we need an extra DAC. Those of you who are audiophilic know very well why a DAC is required.
But the rest of you are not understanding. So, here in this article, I will show you info on why do we need DAC. And when you understand it, you definitely willing to buy one.
So, then I will give about 7 Best DAC Review. Lets deep dive into the article.
Why Do We Need An Extra DAC?
The full meaning of DAC is Digital-to-Analog-Converter. The work of this device is to convert the machine language into an analog signal. And in every audio equipment, there is a DAC.
Otherwise, we could not hear any audio ever. But still, extra DAC needs at this time.
Because the internal DAC can not produce details and can’t deliver them with high-quality sound. But an external DAC can do this. So, now you can understand for the better sound, we need an external DAC.
It will just make the sound quality to the high level; that you will tend to hear more and more. The music lover loves it most as they can enjoy music with full pleasure of hearing.
7 Best DAC: Overview
Schiit Modi 3 Review
Specifications
Item model number: SCH-08-3-FA | Headphone Amp: No | Outputs: RCA phono | Chip: AK4490 | Inputs: Coaxial SPDIF, Optical SPDIF, Micro USB | Max. Sample Rate Support: 24bit/192kHz | MQA: No | Item Weight: 1.35 pounds | Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches
Detail
If you are searching for a budget-friendly DAC that can deliver incredible sound, then is Schiit Modi 3 can be your ultimate choice. You can buy it for around 100$.
The sound is crisp and clear. A more expansive sound and flawless operation, you can use it. In this price range, its performance is remarkable.
It can deliver much better performance than its previous version because of the AK4490 chip. And it is also delta-sigma DAC that sounds true. But it is not built-in with a headphone amp.
Except for this amp feature, this is an excellent DAC that enhances your computer, tabs, or other audio devices sounding. It will turn the sound into a nice and smooth hearing.
All you need to do connect the USB with your computer micro cable. Then you are ready to use it with a pleasing sound.
It is a tiny DAC with good design. So simple design that includes only one switch in front of it.
Overall, judging this DAC as it can deliver great sound with a budget-friendly price, you can have it.
Reason To Buy:
- Great sound in this price range.
- Sleek Design.
Reason To Avoid:
- No interesting features.
Chord Mojo
Specifications
Item model number: MOJO-BLK | Type: Portable | Headphone Amp: Yes | MQA: No | Max. Sample Rate Support: 32bit/768kHz, DSD 256 |Chip: Xilinx Artix 7 | Inputs: coaxial, optical, Micro-USB | Outputs: 2x 3.5mm | Item Weight: 6.3 ounces | Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches
Detail
This Chord Mojo is now the best selling DAC. And behind this kind of popularity, this DAC comes with its stunning performance.
So, you can how great it is. It is manufactured in Great Britain, and they have made it massively powerful.
This can be your best choice for your phone, tabs other devices. Any kind of music or audio you can hear with full sound quality. The sound will be crystal clear and smooth.
You won’t feel any distortion. And a magical sound can make your day. All these because of the FPGA chip. And then the built-in headphone will give you the ultimate best sound card and DAC experience.
With any ear-buds, you can feel full sounding. And the best part is the battery life of 8 hours. So, a long-time user you can expect from it.
It has two analog outputs, 3.5mm. And three input optical 1/8″ mini-jack Micro USB, 3.5mm Coaxial. All these are perfect for daily and long time use.
The design also seems nice. There are three-ball shape buttons on the top. This looks quite stylish. But one feature it doesn’t contain is that the Bluetooth.
Reason To Buy:
- Dynamic sound.
- Portable.
- Solid build quality.
Reason To Avoid:
- Gets hot while charging.
FiiO K3 Review
Specifications
Item model number: 8486 | Type: Budget | Headphone Amp: Yes |MQA: No | Max. Sample Rate Support: 32bit/384kHz, DSD256 | Chip: AK4452 | Inputs: USB Type-C | Outputs: 3.5mm, 2.5mm, Coaxial and optical (for relay only) | Item Weight: 2.89 ounces | Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches
Detail
The most fantastic DAC of the current type because of its combo pack at such a low price. You can get it around 100$ with an amp. Isn’t it a great deal!
Moreover, an excellent smooth textured music you can get from it. But it fit only for desktop or laptops. It is not a DAC for iPhone or android. But still comes with some exciting features.
This FiiO K3 DAC has an input system that is USB Type-c and balanced headphone output optical and coaxial. The USB supports 32bit/384kHz. So, powerful audio you can expect from it and distortion-free.
And besides, there are switch-mode; UAC 1.0/UAC 2.0. No need to install a driver in UAC 1.0 mode and can play 96k/24-bit. And in UAC 2.0 mode, it can unlock 32 bit, but here a driver should be installed.
It also has DSD256 support a chip of AK4452. So, decoding up to 32bit is relatively easy for it. And the result is superior sounding.
It is a tiny DAC than it seems in the picture. And also has a superior design. Seeing whole performance and price, this is a good DAC.
Reason To Buy:
- The headphone amp is built-in in this price.
- Nice and smooth sounding.
- Absolutely fit for laptop or desktop.
Reason To Avoid:
- Can’t work on android or iPhones.
Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus
Specifications
Item model number: DacMagicPlusSilver | Type: Home | MQA: No | Headphone Amp: Yes | Inputs: 2x optical, 2x coaxial, USB Type-B | Outputs: RCA phono, Balanced XLR, 3.5mm, coaxial and optical (for relay only) | Chip: Dual Wolfson WM8740 | Max. Sample Rate Support: 24bit/192kHz | Item Weight: 2.64 pounds | Dimensions: 7.5 x 8.5 x 2 inches
Detail
This Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus DAC is something different because of its work than the other DAC. It is DAC with a headphone amp with it. Its main job is producing the best sound that should be the only purpose of a DAC.
The input can take from several sources like 2x optical, 2x coaxial, or USB Type-B. And it also has a truly balanced output. The RCA or XLR output is way too good.
Lastly, the great chip is Dual Wolfson WM8740. So, it can support up to 24bit/192kHz. It has also improved jitter reduction. So, it can surprise anyone with its punchy, rich sounds.
It really can enhance the sound. For the average people, the sound will hear fantastic. But for an audiophile, there might be some lack of the sounds.
Even you can hook up this DAC with your TV if it contains optical outputs. And the other audio devices also can work it.
Coming to design, the design is quite good but maybe feels a little bit heavy. As another DAC is way too light. But this can be a fully awesome DAC that can meet up your needs.
Reason To Buy:
- It can deliver sonic and excellent sound separation.
- Comes with a headphone amp.
- Enormous input and output.
Reason To Avoid:
- Maybe expensive for many.
iFi Audio xDSD DAC
Specifications
Item model number: 4336299358 | Type: Portable | Headphone Amp: Yes | Max. Sample Rate Support: 32bit/768kHz, DSD512 | Inputs: USB | Outputs: 3.5mm headphone | Chip: Burr-Brown DSD1793 | MQA: Yes | Item Weight: 4.5 ounces | Dimensions: 4 x 3 x 1 inches
Detail
This iFi xDSD DAC is a fantastic portable DAC with a headphone amp. Some excellent sounding it can process that can blow anyone’s mind easily. It is something as good as Chord Mojo.
It is high-resolution audio with aptX/AAC Bluetooth. Its previous version didn’t have it. It has this Bluetooth system, a more pleasant and more smooth sound is expected from it.
Then the S/PDIF Coaxial and Optical input can support 34 bits. And the USB input can help 32 bit. And you can also play MQA files.
The most interesting feature is the battery life that can last for up to 8 hours. So, extended usage is excellent. And also, the built-in headphone amp increases its demand more.
Its sound improving capability is much amazing. Whether it is your phone or laptop, it can work efficiently. The single-ended headphone with a balanced connection makes it worth buying.
Moreover, it is capable of providing a more expansive sound that can feel all around you. Good punch of bass, low and mid frequencies also seem fine. Capable of enhancing the listening experience.
Reason To Buy:
- Great battery life.
- Portable DAC with high resolution.
Reason To Avoid:
- The chip is not superior.
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt
Specifications
Manufacturer : AudioQuest | Inputs: USB Type-A | Outputs: 3.5mm | Bluetooth: No |Chip: ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip | Native sample rate support: 24bit/96kHz PCM | Weight: 4.2 ounces | Dimensions (hwd): 1.2 x 1.9 x 5.7cm
Detail
Have you ever thought of having a DAC size as a thumb! This AudioQuest DragonFly DAC is such a small DAC that anyone has hardly ever thought. And the working principle is also great.
When you connect your phone or laptop with it, you will feel the real fantastic sound. Also, it can play all kinds of music like MQA, MP3, or Hi-Res. This thing is impressive.
Also, the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip is advanced in providing natural sound. This chip is highly developed than the DragonFly Red. The sound in it is more dynamic and more alive.
The input is USB Type-A, which can easily connect to your computer. And the only output 3.5mm is also simple. One thing you need to do to combine it with your device then enjoys the nice tune sound.
It can support native resolution up to 24bit PCM. And lastly, about the design, it is super and quite stylish. It weighs too light, and the cobalt color is also amazing.
Overall this a super good DAC. Don’t underestimate it, seeing its size.
Reason To Buy:
- Dynamic and rich sounds.
- Support all kinds of files.
- Very sleek design.
Reason To Avoid:
- The adapter may not fit easily.
Cyrus SoundKey
Specifications
Manufacturer: Cyrus Audio | Native sample rate support: 24bit/96kHz PCM | Inputs: Micro USB | Outputs: 3.5mm | Bluetooth: No |Weight: 16g | Dimensions (hwd): 2.3 x 0.8 x 5.4cm
Detail
This DAC is superior for hearing gaming sounds in detail and also very cheap. So, if your budget is not much, then you can have this DAC definitely.
This DAC is too small, but the performance is too powerful. For your mobile gaming or PC gaming, this is suitable. For a low sounding PC or mobile, just buy this soundkey then connect after you indeed feel the magical sound.
Every footstep or reload in your game, you can hear more define and with more clarity. You haven’t experienced this before ever. This will enhance the gaming experience in a broader range.
There is a cable with it for using the micro USB at both ends. The output is of 3.5mm jack. This can easily be connected with your computer and also very compatible.
And last of all, about the charging, there is no need for extra charging. This can be charged with your phone or laptop when you connect it.
So, you see, this is the best deal at such a low price. It’s not cheap because it is small. Instead, Cyrus has considered people’s needs. So, buying it won’t make you regret it.
Reason To Buy:
- Compact.
- Sound clarity is impressive.
- Cheap.
Reason To Avoid:
- It can’t work on an iOS device.
Final Thoughts: 7 Best DAC Review
This Digital-to-Analog-Converter is such a fantastic discovery that has changed the sounding system more precisely. Without this, I don’t think the sounds we can hear this good.
All of the DACs are great in their place. You can’t ignore any one of them as they way too good. Every DAC I have shown is so much fantastic with their working principle.
Here you will find the expensive one as well the cheapest one. And considering your need, in the end, just choose one for you.
Then you will understand the real-sounding experience. From the music to gaming, sound everything you can get.
FAQs
As you leave, we hope that our parting gift i.e this FAQ section will bring a smile to your face. May it be the first in what is sure to be many adventures of success! Best of luck with your purchase!
How do I know if I need a DAC?
This question is mostly asked a question and also very important. Before buying a DAC, you must understand when you need it.
So, it’s all about processing the sound quality. DAC improves sound quality.
Do you hear any kind of distortion when you hear music or other things? Or any disrupted noise? Have you ever hear hiss while listening to anything?
If you experienced this thing, this means your device is not capable of providing great sound. Then you must Buy a DAC.
What is the difference between a DAC and an amp?
Many of us become confused between DAC and amp. They think they are the same thing. But this is wrong. They are different, and their work as well.
The DAC is a device that converts audio from a digital signal to an analog signal. It is a converter. But the amp is not a converter. Its work is to send the signal making it level line signals.
And the related question is that if we need amp and DAC both. So, to get the best sound, you surely need both of them.
Does DAC improve sound quality?
Buying an external DAC then use it will make you realize it is worthy. It can make the sound more sophisticated and rich. Your device cards can’t do this well.
A powerful and quality sound a DAC surely can provide. The improvement in sound is noticeable. Nothing can compare with it.
Is a 32-bit/384kHz DAC better than a 24-bit/192kHz one?
Definitely, a 32-bit/384kHz DAC is more good than a 24-bit/192kHz one. There is a subtle difference between them. 32 bit is something with high resolution.
This can give a more realistic performance than the 24 bit. But sometimes 24 bit is enough for good sounding. It depends.
Related Topics:
Find out the difference between two Fiio DAC K3 and E10K
Student of Computer Science and Tech Journalist. Read More
