If you’re in the market for a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC), you probably understand that there is a lot of room for improvement over the DACs that come in our smartphones and computers. A DAC is a device that converts digital signals from an audio source into analog sound waves that can be heard by the listener. It can be a small and easy-to-use device or large enough to sit on your desktop and have some advanced settings. They come in many different sizes to meet your various needs.
These days, all music is stored in a digital file unless you are using a turntable. The DAC is the magic part on the inside of almost all consumer electronic gear that translates the digital audio signal of 1’s and 0’s back into music for our ears to enjoy.
As we consume more music through streaming music services, DACs are being used in our lives more than ever before.
How well a DAC does this translation can have a substantial impact on how close the sound that comes out matches the original recording. Many factors are at play that can make the music sound harsh or even slightly out of sync. If you love great music, you want it to have that palpable quality you get at a live performance where you want to tap your toes and sing to the music.
Over the years, Chinese manufacturers have provided us with many cost-effective options, and these are our top picks.We’ve picked the best DACs we think do a remarkable job for different price from1-$200,$200-$500,above $500. Most of these have a simple way to connect them to your smart phone for improving sound on the go, and all of them can be used in your home audio system.
What are the factors that affect the quality of DAC?
DAC stands for Digital to Analog Converter. The quality of a DAC can be affected by several factors such as the quality of the DAC chip set itself, the design of the supporting electronics for the DAC and how well the DAC deals with timing.
The quality of a DAC chip set can be improved by using better components that offer higher bit rates, better accuracy and improved functionality. The design of the supporting electronics for the DAC can also affect its quality. Finally, how well the DAC deals with timing can also affect its quality.
Best DAC $50-$200
- 【AKM AK4493S Chip DAC】One pieces of AKM'S new AK4493S chip, and carefully adjusted it to an unprecedented 0.00013%.
- 【XMOS XU316 USB DAC】XMOS 3rd Generation USB solution. The latest XMOS XU316 scheme,Supports 32-bit 768kHz and DSD512.
- 【Support MQA Decoding】The USB input support MQA decoding. The C100 adopts MQA technology, which can receive and decode MQA audio and provide voice at the level of master band. The C100 MQA playback does not require the use of special playback software.
- 【the Budget king only 79.99$】Introducing the SMSL SU-1 MQA Audio DAC, a compact and powerful digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that offers high-resolution audio, MQA technology, and a wide range of connectivity options for an immersive listening experience.
- 【AKM AK4493S Chip DAC】One pieces of AKM'S new AK4493S chip, and carefully adjusted it to an unprecedented 0.00013%.
- 【XMOS XU316 USB DAC】XMOS 3rd Generation USB solution. The latest XMOS XU316 scheme,Supports 32-bit 768kHz and DSD512.
- 【Hi-Res audio and MQA】The SMSL SU-1 supports Hi-Res Audio, featuring the latest MQA technology, and MQA CD playback. With its advanced decoding capabilities, it ensures the highest quality audio reproduction, perfect for audiophiles seeking true-to-life sound.
- 【CNC aluminum alloy housing】The SU-1 features a CNC aluminum alloy housing, ensuring durability and excellent heat dissipation. This compact design is perfect for those seeking a high-quality DAC without taking up too much space.
 |
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| 119.99$ | 79.99$ |
| SMSL C100 BT DAC | SMSL SU-1 MQA DAC |
Tech Specs Compare
| Product Model | SMSL C100 | SMSL SU-1 |
| Price | 119.99$ | 79.99$ |
| DAC Chip | AK4493S | AK4493S |
| Input Mode | USB / Optical / Coaxial / Bluetooth | USB/Optical/Coaxial |
| USB Transmission | Asynchronous transmission | Asynchronous transmission |
| USB Compatibility | Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 / 11 etc. | Windows 7/8/8.1/10 /11 Mac 0S X10.6 above、Linux |
| Output Level | 2.0 Vrms | 2.0Vrms |
| THD + N | 0.00013 % (-117dB) | 0.00013%(-117dB) |
| Dynamic Range | 121dB | 121dB |
| SNR | 121dB | 121dB |
| USB | 1bit-32bit, PCM 44.1kHz-768kHz, DSD 2.8224-22.5792MHz | 1Bit-32Bit,PCM 44.1KHz-768KHz/,DSD 2.8224-22.5792MHz |
| Optical/Coaxial | 16bit-24bit, PCM 44.1kHz-192kHz | 16bit-24bit, PCM 44.1kHz-192kHz |
| Power Consumption | <5W | <5W |
| Standby Power |
<0.1W |
<0.1W |
| Size | 77.5 × 32 × 95mm (WxHxD) | 96 x 27 x 78mm (WxHxD) |
|
Weight |
190g/0.39lbs | 195g/0.43lbs |
|
Accessories |
1*C100, 1*Remote control, 1*Bluetooth antenna, 1*USB cable, 1*AC power cable, 1*User manual | 1*Su-1, 1*Remote control, 1*USB cable, 1*AC power cable, 1*User manual |
Best DAC $200-$500
SMSL Do100 $239
- 【Mini Size Design】: Compact and ideal for desktop use, ensuring convenience and space-saving.
- 【High-End D/A Chip ES9038Q2M】: Equipped with two pieces of ESS Technology's ES9038Q2M high-end D/A chips, delivering exceptional audio quality.
- 【Premium Components】: Features four high-end dual op amps (OPA1612) and a multitude of audio-grade components, enhancing audio performance.
- 【Advanced XMOS Solution】: The 2nd generation XMOS solution enables support for DoP256 and native DSD512, with PCM supporting up to 32bit/768kHz, providing superior audio processing capabilities.
- 【Audio Clock Processing Circuit】: Significantly reduces clock jitter, resulting in precise and accurate audio playback.
- 【DSD Transmission Support】: All input ports (except Bluetooth) support DSD transmission, while coaxial and optical connections support DoP64.
- 【Low-Noise Power Supplies】: Incorporates a specially designed low-noise switching power supply, as well as a discrete component linear power supply and multiple low-noise power supplies for analog circuits, ensuring clean and stable power delivery.
SMSL D300 $399.99
- 【Flagship DAC Chip BD34301EKV】: Utilizes Rohm's flagship DAC chip, the BD34301EKV, with optimized performance to achieve an impressive THD+N as low as -116dB.
- 【High-Resolution USB Connectivity】: Features the XMOS XU-208, a 32-bit USB solution, supporting PCM up to 768kHz and DSD up to DSD512, ensuring high-quality audio playback.
- 【CK-03 Clock Processing Circuit】: Incorporates the new CK-03 clock processing circuit, minimizing clock jitter to provide excellent clock stability for fiber coaxial and USB connections.
- 【Shielding and Low-Noise Power Supply】: Built-in shielding and low-noise power supply processing enhance performance while improving power efficiency and reducing power consumption.
- 【Stabilized Power Supply】: Includes a specially designed discrete component stabilized power supply, along with multiple low-noise stabilized power supplies, delivering clean and stable power to analog circuits.
- 【High-Quality Connection Terminals】: Equipped with gold-plated input and output connection terminals, ensuring reliable and optimal audio connections.
- 【High-Resolution Color Display】: Features a high-resolution fully-fitted color display screen with a screen-off function, providing clear and detailed information.
Best DAC From 500 USD or more
Do300-DAC Chip ES9039MSPRO
549$ now have discount on thehificat.com only 466.65$
- 【3rd Generation XMOS XU-316】: Incorporates the new 3rd generation XMOS XU-316, enabling PCM support up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD support up to DSD512, delivering high-resolution audio playback.
- 【Flagship DAC Chip: ES9039MSPRO】Utilizes the new generation flagship DAC chip, the ES9039MSPRO from USA ESS, with built-in MQA hard decoding, ensuring exceptional audio quality.
- 【Eight-Channel Parallel Circuit】: Designed with an eight-channel parallel circuit, achieving an astonishingly low distortion rate of 0.00005% (-125dB) for enhanced stability and audio performance.
- 【High-End Op Amps and Audiophile Components】: Features 11 high-end dual op amps and a large number of audiophile components, further enhancing audio quality.
- 【Jitter Elimination】: Implements the 2nd PLL to eliminate jitter during SPDIF transmission, ensuring accurate and precise audio reproduction.
- 【CK-03 Clock Processing Circuit】: Incorporates the new self-developed CK-03 clock processing circuit, effectively reducing clock jitter and improving overall audio performance.
- 【DOP Independent Display】: Supports DOP independent display function, providing accurate identification of the current decoding format.
- 【DSD Transmission Support】: Supports DSD transmission through USB, optical fiber, coaxial, AES, and I2S connections, with coaxial and optical fiber supporting DOP64.
- 【Color IPS Display】: Utilizes a fully-fitted tempered glass color IPS display, offering vibrant and detailed visual information.
- 【Low-Noise Power Processing】: Features built-in low-noise power processing, improving power efficiency while reducing power consumption.
D400ex-DAC Chip AK4499 959.99$
- 【3rd Generation XMOS XU-316】: Incorporates the new 3rd generation XMOS XU-316, enabling PCM support up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD support up to DSD512, ensuring high-resolution audio playback.
- 【Flagship DAC Chip AK4499EX】: Features the combination of AK4191 and 2 AK4499EX flagship DAC chips, tapping into the full potential of the chips for exceptional audio performance.
- 【Dual Mono Design】: Utilizes a dual mono design with one AK4499EX chip per channel, achieving an impressive distortion rate of 0.00006% (-124dB) for pristine audio reproduction.
- 【High-End Op Amps and Audiophile Components】: Incorporates 9 high-end dual op amps and a wide selection of audiophile components, enhancing the overall audio quality.
- 【Jitter Elimination】: Implements the 2nd PLL to eliminate jitter during SPDIF transmission, ensuring accurate and precise audio playback.
- 【CK-03 Clock Processing Circuit】: Utilizes the newly developed CK-03 clock processing circuit, effectively reducing clock jitter and improving audio performance.
- 【DOP Independent Display】: Supports DOP independent display function, providing accurate identification of the current decoding format.
- 【DSD Transmission Support】: Enables DSD transmission through USB, optical fiber, coaxial, AES, and I2S connections, with coaxial and optical fiber supporting DOP64.
- 【Color IPS Display】: Features a fully-fitted tempered glass color IPS display, delivering vibrant and detailed visual information.
Gustard R26
Gustard A26
1 comment
Hi, looking forward to S.M.S.L D-6s.
Should be interesting to mod. Hopefully Op-amps are easily accessible. If not, it’s a void warranty and flux situation.