8 best digital-to-analog converters

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Music lovers acquire a lot of audio equipment. They cannot do with only speakers and headphones, they will certainly have at their disposal other devices that work with sound. In particular, digital-to-analog converters are in demand in online stores. Such devices are used to competently convert digital audio into analog – believe me, not all equipment solves this problem perfectly. The DAC can be both compact and stationary – we will talk about both.

Rating of the best digital-to-analog converters

Best compact digital-to-analog converters

M – Audi o Super DAC

Rating: 4.9

This representative of our rating works in one direction, like many other DACs. That is, he knows how to turn a 'digital' into an analog signal that is needed by headphones or speakers. The entry of 'analog' is possible, but only through – the signal will not be digitized. This feature is useful when connecting large speakers to a smartphone – in this case, the DAC will act as a preamplifier.

M – Audi o Super DAC has a very compact size. There is a mechanical regulator on its top panel. Most often it will be used to select the sampling rate – the maximum, by the way, 192 kHz is supported, which not all portable digital-to-analog converters can boast of.

The signal-to-noise ratio here is 117 dB. At least this figure is stated in the technical specifications. The C-Media CM6631A chip is used as a processor. It should be noted that it supports ASIO drivers.

Despite its tiny size, the device received not only a standard 3.5 mm, but also a full-size audio jack. At the same time, it is possible to connect speakers and headphones at the same time – using the above-mentioned switch it will not be difficult to turn off the signal in the speakers. It should be noted that the main power is brought out to the 6.3-mm connector – in the acoustics connected by means of a 'mini-jack' the sound will be quieter. Note that the 3.5mm input is duplicated here. This means that you do not need to search for an adapter to simultaneously connect speakers and headphones with a 'mini-jack'.

The rear panel of the unit contains RCA line outputs. There was also a place for digital outputs – optical and coaxial. In a word, it is unlikely that a customer will lack some kind of connector. There is also a socket for connecting the power supply.

An RCA to RCA cable is supplied with the converter, which will fit most existing speakers. If you want to use the digital audio output, you need your own cable.

We can safely say that the company M – Audi o got an excellent DAC with a headphone amplifier. It is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to stationary models. Well, the support of ASIO drivers means that this model will be used even by professionals who make money by writing electronic music.

Advantages

• Dimensions are 9x9x3 cm;
• Supports 192 kHz;
• Based on high quality DAC chip;
• There are two 3.5mm and one 6.3mm connectors;
• Headphone jacks have a built-in amplifier;
• There is support for ASIO drivers.

disadvantages

• Some features are still missing.

Arcam miniBlink

Rating: 4.8

Another digital-to-analog converter in our ranking, belonging to a portable form factor. This device measures 6x3x7.5 cm. In a word, it turned out to be quite tiny. The manufacturer gave it a rounded shape. On the one hand, this made him quite cute. On the other hand, the converter cannot be called stable – accidentally dropping it on the floor will not be difficult.

Unlike the model discussed above, Arcam miniBlink can be considered a wireless digital-to-analog converter. He receives the sound signal exclusively on Bluetooth. This means that it will not work to transmit sound to it via a cable – there are simply no corresponding connectors for this. If your TV does not have a Bluetooth – module, then it is better to choose some other external DAC. However, owners of smartphones most often look towards this model. It's not for nothing that it is portable!

I am glad that the device is supplemented with support for aptX digital codec. If the source of the sound also understands it, then the music will be transmitted without any serious loss. The sound quality in this case will depend on the headphones or speakers, the signal to which is output through the usual 3.5 mm audio jack. However, do not count on an ideal result. The built-in PCM5105 chip is not the limit. But most buyers will be quite satisfied with the characteristics of this microcircuit. Harmonic distortion here does not exceed 0.002%, and the signal-to-noise ratio is approximately 106 dB.

With such a DAC, you will definitely stop listening to MP3 tracks. When using high-quality acoustics, you will immediately notice the 'jambs' of this format. Yes, lossless files take up more memory space, but they will allow you to squeeze the maximum out of the digital-to-analog converter. This, of course, is subject to the presence of a smartphone with aptX support (without this codec, the sound will be transmitted in a rather highly compressed form anyway).

Of course, the capabilities of this device are not enough for everyone. We have already said about the absence of the function of receiving a signal through the wire. Another limitation is only one audio output – you cannot connect both speakers and headphones at the same time. Finally, there is no customization at all here, which is also somewhat upsetting. But on the other hand, the sampling rate has been brought to 384 kHz! Another distinguishing feature of the DAC is its low cost – you will hardly find a more functional converter for 11 thousand rubles (if we talk about products from well-known companies).

Advantages

• High sampling rate;
• Low harmonic distortion;
• It is possible to receive sound via Bluetooth (there is aptX support);
• Miniature sizes;
• Accepts power over USB interface;
• Not very high cost.

disadvantages

• Glossy plastic successfully collects dust;
• Only one audio output, and only analog;
• There is no possibility of receiving sound through the wire;
• There are no settings.

FiiO DO3K Taishan

Rating: 4.7

One of the most affordable digital-to-analog converters in our ranking. For this crumb they ask only 2-3 thousand rubles. Of course, you shouldn't expect impressive performance from such a small and cheap device. This is evidenced by at least the sampling rate, which is limited here by the standard 192 kHz. Also, some people will be saddened by the lack of a Bluetooth – module. This means that wireless connection is not possible – this device is not intended to be used in conjunction with a smartphone at all.

In fact, the converter is a modest black box, on the opposite ends of which there are various connectors. The device does not support any settings, so the top panel is home only for the logo and two LEDs.

So, what connectors does FiiO DO3K Taishan have? A pleasant surprise awaits you here. Despite the low cost, the device received both coaxial and optical inputs. That is, the user will receive both digital audio inputs popular now! The device cannot receive analog sound – there is no corresponding connector here. This is what prevents the use of FiiO DO3K Taishan in tandem with a smartphone, player and some other similar gadget.

As for the outputs, they are, of course, exclusively analog. RCA connectors will be used to connect the speakers, while the headphone cable can be inserted into the usual 3.5 mm jack.

It is interesting that the digital-to-analog converter still has one control element. And it's not about the power button! At the bottom of the device, you can find a tiny switch – with its help you will make it clear which input should be processed now – coaxial or optical.

The inverter can be powered using any network adapter. Its connection is via a USB interface, so you are unlikely to have any problems. In a word, the device turned out to be as simplified as possible in every sense. But it does not produce the most saturated sound either. An ordinary user will definitely not make any claims against him, but a music lover will want more.

Advantages

• Simple to use;
• Minimum price tag;
• Both digital audio inputs are present;
• There are not only 3.5mm 'mini-jacks' but also RCA connectors;
• Power is supplied via a mini-USB interface.

disadvantages

• No analog audio inputs and digital audio outputs;
• Low sampling rate;
• The sound quality will not suit the music lover;
• There are no settings.

ORIENT DAC0202N

Rating: 4.6

This digital-to-analog converter can also be called extremely compact. The small box fits easily in a pocket, and the product can even get lost in a woman's bag or backpack. In Russian stores, for such a miniature device they ask for only 1,300 rubles. It is clear that for that kind of money, you hardly expect to get a highly functional device. The lack of serious features is also hinted at by the minimum number of connectors. However, reading our rating, you may have noticed that some digital-to-analog converters may have fewer slots. But there is no support here Bluetooth, so it couldn't do without digital inputs.

This box accepts an audio signal via optical and coaxial connectors. The indicator of the converter operation is located next to them. It will glow red if you have powered the device. Unfortunately, there is no USB socket on the case. Instead, a round connector is used, to which the power supply is connected. However, this does not seem to be a big problem.

Well, what about the audio outputs? The device converts the digital signal to analog without any problem. This uses a sampling rate of 192 kHz. For audio output, only RCA connectors are used. Most often, it is through such sockets that speakers are connected. And even if this is not your case, finding the right cable will not be difficult. But with the connection of headphones, difficulties can arise. You will need either an appropriate wire or an adapter. However, it should be noted that most often digital-to-analog converters are needed to connect speakers. For example, owners of PlayStation 4 and inexpensive speakers make their choice in favor of ORIENT DAC0202N. As you know, budget acoustics receive a signal only via RCA connectors, while a game console outputs it via an optical output – that is why you cannot do without a converter in this case. There is no point in buying an expensive model – inexpensive speakers simply will not reveal the potential of a top-end DAC.

And what else can this baby please? Unfortunately, nothing else. It does not offer any settings, it works strictly according to the algorithm conceived by the manufacturer. The signal-to-noise ratio is 120 dB, which is not ideal. However, all this does not prevent the device from performing the role discussed above. That is why the device has no negative reviews.

Advantages

• Very small dimensions;
• Stably converts 'digit' to 'analog';
• Both optical and coaxial connectors are available;
• Very easy to use;
• Extremely low price tag.

disadvantages

• Large signal-to-noise ratio;
• There are no settings;
• For some, the 3.5mm audio output may not be enough.

Best Stationary D / A Converters

Audi o Note UK DAC 5 Fifth Element

Rating: 4.9

Unique product. And not only because of its name, which mentions the famous film from Luc Besson. This is a professional product that will suit even the organizers of concerts by well-known rock and pop artists. But it is not the characteristics of the DAC that are most striking, but its cost. We have not tested it, but it is unlikely that we have ever considered such an expensive product. In Russian online stores, they ask for 10 million rubles for this 'box'! What do you get for a device rated as a decent apartment in Moscow?

Inside this device is an Analog Devices AD1865N chip. Also, under the body, a lamp assembly is used. It is she who provides that very warm tube sound. At the same time, the manufacturer got rid of the main drawback of the previously existing tube amplifiers – the performance of the components will remain for many years. It is possible to disable this or that lamp only by dropping this device from a great height. However, even in this case, it will not be difficult to carry out a replacement by ordering a lamp from a British manufacturer.

The high cost of this device is associated with the internal wiring, made on silver wires. This ensures that there is no sound loss at all. Also inside the DAC you can find expensive Black Gate WKz, NX and N capacitors. One cannot fail to note the presence of carbon film resistors Audi o Note. In short, full minced meat is waiting for you here! Although an unprepared person, opening the case, will think that there is too much free space. Indeed, all the components could be placed in a smaller device. But in this case, they could negatively affect each other, and the device would cease to look expensive.

It is easy to guess that such a product did without any amateur connectors. 3.5mm jack? What are you speaking about? There is not even a full-size 6.3 mm 'jack' here. Silver XLR connectors are used instead. And this is correct, since just such jacks are used to connect professional acoustics used in organizing concerts. There is also an RCA output, but if the buyer uses it, then only to test the device for operability. As for the input, the familiar S / PDIF is built in here.

It remains to add that this digital-to-analog converter has dimensions of 560x260x540 mm. The weight is 20 kg. You can find on sale a device not only with a silver, but also with a black case. However, the second option is less common.

Advantages

• Lamp accessories;
• All the most needed connectors are present;
• The most pure and high-quality sound;
• A large number of adjustments are available;
• The connectors and wiring are silver.

disadvantages

• Large weight;
• Astronomical price tag.

Boulder 2120 DAC

Rating: 4.8

Another representative of our rating, which is hardly affordable for most readers. However, many visitors to our site are still interested to know what a device worth € 44,500 has to offer. If you think about it, then for that kind of money you can buy about 40 top smartphones, endowed with the maximum memory. By the way, this DAC can really be compared with modern phones, because it also has a full-fledged LCD display. Yes, this is a digital-to-analog converter with a screen, and even a 12.3-inch one! It serves to select musical compositions and work with settings. However, they don't ask for a lot of money for the display.

The device is able to receive absolutely any digital audio signals. The maximum declared support for a 32-bit signal with a sampling rate of 284 kHz. Do I need to say that something like this is only being realized at concerts and other significant events? Also, such a device is useful in a studio where sound recording is carried out. DSD128 is also supported here.

Boulder is known to some professionals for their power amplifiers. She has long proved that her specialists know a lot about audio technology. The Boulder 2120 DAC is another example of how you can make a reference signal converter as good as possible. The manufacturer even placed the power supply in a separate case so that it does not affect the input or output signal in any way! There is also a built-in pre-amplifier here. By the way, although it is called that way, in some cases it is possible to do without a power amplifier as a separate device.

In this case, the signal will be transmitted to the left and right channels independently. This also excludes the possibility of at least some influence on each other. All this allows you to get a physically felt sound, which should be on a concert stage.

Well, what about connectors? There is everything you need here. The device is able to receive a digital signal in almost any modern way. There is even an HDMI interface, which usually only receivers can boast of! The display will come in handy when connecting a USB flash drive, when reading data from this medium. Streaming video from popular online services such as YouTube or Netflix is ​​also possible here – the above-mentioned HDMI interface is used to receive a picture. In a word, the manufacturer has thought of absolutely everything! He did not forget about the convenient remote control.

In short, this is a gorgeous device that some professionals can only dream of. And yes, this is exactly a professional technique, so all analog connectors here are XLR-type! No 'jacks' and 'mini-jacks' for you!

Advantages

• Four enclosures isolated from each other;
• It is possible to receive a digital signal through completely different connectors;
• Built-in high-quality pre-amplifier;
• There is a large LCD display;
• A huge number of digital audio formats are supported;
• Control over IP and complete control panel is possible;
• Implemented support for 384 kHz and 32-bit audio;
• You can achieve perfect sound at the output.

disadvantages

• Astronomical cost.

Audi olab M-DAC

Rating: 4.7

Of course, stationary digital-to-analog converters aren't necessarily studio monsters. A relatively simple model like Audi olab M-DAC also got into our rating. Its cost, which does not exceed 40 thousand rubles, allows an ordinary music lover who does not write music on a professional basis and does not organize concerts, to get hold of the device. At the same time, this model is unlikely to suit him with something.

There is also a display here, but not the one that can display graphics. This screen displays only all sorts of settings, which are very few here. The device does not support superfrequency, it is limited to the usual 192 kHz. ESS ES9018 is used here as a microcircuit. Not ideal, but for that kind of money, you can't expect a more professional solution.

Unlike many other digital-to-analog converters, headphone connectivity is great here. The manufacturer has brought the corresponding socket to the front panel, so the process does not take any long. There is also a tuning knob and five buttons, one of which is responsible for turning on the device.

Please note the headphone jack is 6.3mm! If you are using a simple headset, an adapter may be required! Its purchase is not difficult.

As for the connectors for acoustics and digital signal reception, they are all located on the rear panel. If you look at it, it immediately becomes clear that Audi olab M-DAC can be used as a receiver. But only if all your devices produce digital sound, because there is no possibility to receive an analog signal here. It is noteworthy that two optical inputs are duplicated here with the same number of coaxial connectors.

There are even more outputs here! To begin with, there are coaxial and optical outputs. It is completely unclear whether they will be useful to the user. However, what if a customer will ever have excellent acoustics that perfectly process a digital signal? There are also XLR connectors for outputting analog audio to the left and right speakers. Balanced outputs are also available here. In a word, the buyer is unlikely to need any other nests.

Audi olab M-DAC can be easily connected to a computer using the same USB connector as in printers and MFPs. Using a computer, you can not only test the device, but also control it. However, it is much easier to use the knob and buttons on the front panel, or the complete remote control.

What can you find fault with? To a signal-to-noise ratio of 122 dB? It seems that this is a normal value for equipment of this class. The harmonic coefficient is also not annoying – it is 0.0008%. But the lack of RCA connectors will frighten someone. But this suggests that we are no longer an amateur converter. The lack of a regular USB port for a flash drive can also be confusing. This means that you still cannot do without connecting an external sound source.

Advantages

• Low harmonic distortion;
• Quick connection of headphones;
• Built-in two coaxial and optical inputs;
• It is possible to output a digital signal;
• Line and balanced outputs are available;
• It is possible to control the remote control using a computer.

disadvantages

• Someone could use the ability to connect a flash drive;
• The price tag may seem overpriced;
• There is no possibility of audio output via RCA connectors.

Atoll DAC 100SE

Rating: 4.6

Our rating ends with a digital-to-analog converter from a French manufacturer. Unlike the model reviewed a bit earlier, it only supports 24-bit audio. The sampling rate cannot exceed 192 kHz, which is quite predictable. Another oversimplification is the lack of any kind of LCD. That is why the number of controls is kept to a minimum. But they did not disappear at all – on the front panel you can find not only the power key, but also three more buttons. Also, there are light indicators indicating the presence of a connection to one or another connector.

This model can traditionally operate in preamplifier mode. In this case, the coaxial or optical output comes in handy – both are on the rear panel. But much more often such a device is used to convert digital sound into an analog signal – in this case, the speakers are connected to RCA jacks. Unfortunately, there are no other options. And if only a professional remembers about XLR jacks (this DAC is clearly not for him), then the headphone jack would definitely not hurt.

But what about the entrances? You can easily guess their number by counting the number of LEDs on the front panel. Yes, the manufacturer has built in three optical and coaxial inputs. You can also see a USB interface on the back panel, but it serves to connect to a PC. By the way, the DAC also has an infrared receiver that recognizes signals from the remote control.

That is, perhaps, all that can be said about this model. The Atoll DAC 100SE is not something out of the ordinary. This is a simple digital-to-analog converter of the stationary type. He uses TI / Burr-Brown PCM1796 as a microcircuit.

Advantages

• Not very high cost;
• Large number of coaxial and optical inputs;
• Can be used as a preamplifier;
• Simple to use.

disadvantages

• No XLR connectors;
• You cannot connect headphones without tweaks;
• LEDs can be annoying for someone.

Conclusion

Now you know which D / A converters are the best. They should be connected to a wide variety of devices. For example, some people use a DAC with an LCD TV. It is known that TVs that do not belong to the top end segment do not convert sound to 'analog' in the best way. This is why some users prefer to output sound to their speakers using an external DAC. Well, portable converters help you enjoy music that is played on your smartphone.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.