8 best D / A converters

Music lovers acquire a large number of audio equipment. They can not do only with speakers and headphones, they will definitely have at their disposal other devices that work with sound. In particular, digital-to-analog converters are in demand in online stores. Such devices serve for competent conversion of digital audio into analog - believe me, not all the equipment solves this problem perfectly. DAC can be both compact and stationary - we will tell about those and others.

Rating best digital-to-analog converters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Compact D / A Converters	1	M-Audio Super DAC	17 150 ₽
	2	Arcam miniBlink	11 990 ₽
	3	FiiO DO3K Taishan	2 320 ₽
	4	ORIENT DAC0202N	1 213 ₽
Best Stationary Digital to Analog Converters	1	Audio Note UK DAC 5 Fifth Element	10 000 000 ₽
	2	Boulder 2120 DAC	7 390 000 ₽
	3	Audiolab M-DAC	35 150 ₽
	4	Atoll DAC 100SE	28 800 ₽

Best Compact D / A Converters

M-Audio 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 the “digit” into an analog signal needed by headphones or speakers. The entry of "analog" is possible, but only end-to-end - the signal will not be digitized. This feature is useful when connecting to the smartphone of large speakers - in this case, the DAC will play the role of a preamp.

M-Audio Super DAC has a very compact size. On its top panel there is a mechanical regulator. Most often, it will be used to select the sampling rate - as much as possible, by the way, 192 kHz are supported, which not all portable D / A converters can boast.

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 here. It should be noted that it supports the ASIO driver.

Despite the tiny size, the device received not only the standard 3.5-millimeter, but also a full-size audio jack. In this case, it is possible to simultaneously connect the speakers and headphones - using the above-mentioned switch will not be difficult to turn off the signal in the speakers. It should be noted that the main power is derived exactly on the 6.3-millimeter connector - in the acoustics connected via a mini-jack, the sound will be quieter. Please note, the 3.5mm input is duplicated here. This means that for the simultaneous connection of speakers and headphones with a “mini-jack” you will not need to search for an adapter.

On the back of the device are RCA line-outs. There was also a place for digital outputs - optical and coaxial. In short, the buyer is unlikely to lack a connector. Here is the socket for connecting the power supply.

Complete with a converter comes the RCA-RCA cord, suitable for most existing speakers. If you want to use a digital audio output, you will need your own cable.

We can safely say that the company M-Audio has turned out an excellent DAC, which has a headphone amplifier. It is relatively inexpensive, especially in comparison with stationary models. Well, support for ASIO drivers indicates that this model will be used even by professionals who earn by writing electronic music.

Arcam miniBlink

Rating: 4.8

Another digital-to-analog converter in our rating, belonging to a portable form factor. This device measures 6x3x7.5 cm. In a word, it turned out to be absolutely tiny. The manufacturer gave it a round shape. On the one hand, it made him very pretty. On the other hand, the converter cannot be called sustainable - it is not difficult to accidentally drop it on the floor.

Unlike the model discussed above, the Arcam miniBlink can be considered a wireless digital-to-analog converter. It receives an audio signal exclusively via Bluetooth. It means that it will not be possible to transmit sound to it through 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, in the direction of this model, most often the owners of smartphones. Not for nothing is it portable!

I am glad that the device is supplemented with support for the aptX digital codec. If the source of the sound understands it, the music will be transmitted without any serious losses. 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 integrated PCM5105 chip is not the limit of what you want. But most buyers are quite satisfied with the characteristics of this chip. The 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 “shoals” of this format. Yes, lossless files take up more space in the memory, but they will allow you to squeeze the maximum out of the D / A converter. This, of course, subject to the availability of a smartphone with support for aptX (without this codec, the sound in any case will be transmitted in a fairly strongly compressed form).

Of course, not everyone will have enough of the capabilities of this device. We have already said that there is no signal reception function on the wire. Another limitation is only one audio output - you can connect both speakers and headphones at the same time. Finally, there is completely no setting here, which is also somewhat distressing. But the sampling frequency is brought to 384 kHz! Another distinctive feature of a DAC is low cost - it’s unlikely for 11 thousand rubles you will find a more functional converter (if we talk about products from well-known companies).

FiiO DO3K Taishan

Rating: 4.7

One of the most affordable digital-to-analog converters in our rating. For this baby they ask only 2-3 thousand rubles. Of course, one should not expect impressive indicators from such a small and cheap device. This is evidenced by at least the sampling rate, which is limited to the standard 192 kHz.Also, some people will be upset by the lack of a Bluetooth module. This means that a wireless connection is not possible - this device is not intended to be used together with a smartphone at all.

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

So, what kind of connectors does the FiiO DO3K Taishan have? Here you will find a pleasant surprise. Despite the low cost, the device received both coaxial and optical inputs. That is, the user will receive both popular now digital audio input! The device cannot accept analog sound - there is no corresponding connector here. This is exactly what prevents FiishO DO3K Taishan from being used in tandem with a smartphone, player, and some other similar gadget.

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

Interestingly, the digital-to-analog converter still has one control. 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 converter can be powered using any network adapter. It is connected via a USB interface, so it’s unlikely that you will encounter any problems. In short, the device turned out as simplified as possible in all senses. But the sound he gives is not very rich. A regular user will definitely not make any claims to him, but the music lover will want more.

ORIENT DAC0202N

Rating: 4.6

This digital-to-analog converter can also be called extremely compact. A small box fits easily in your pocket, and in a women's bag or backpack, the product can even get lost. In Russian stores for such a miniature device they ask only 1300 rubles. It is clear that for such money you hardly expect to get a wide-functional device. The absence of serious opportunities hints at the minimum number of connectors. However, reading our rating, you may have noticed that some digital-to-analog converters may have a smaller number of sockets. But there is no Bluetooth support, so it could not do without digital inputs.

This box accepts a sound signal on optical and coaxial sockets. Next to them is the indicator of the converter. It will turn red when you power on 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 a big problem.

Well, what about audio outputs? The device converts the digital signal to analog without any problems. It uses a sampling frequency of 192 kHz. For audio output, only RCA connectors are used. Most often it is through such nests that the speakers are connected. And even if this is not your case, finding the appropriate cable will not be difficult. But with the connection of headphones can be difficult. You will need either the appropriate wire or an adapter. However, it should be noted that most often digital-to-analog converters are needed to connect speakers. For example, in favor of the ORIENT DAC0202N, PlayStation 4 and low-cost speaker owners make their choice.As it is known, budget acoustics receive a signal only via RCA connectors, while a game console outputs it via an optical output - that is why it cannot do without a converter in this case. Buying an expensive model does not make much sense - inexpensive speakers simply do not reveal the potential of the top-end DAC.

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

Best Stationary Digital to Analog Converters

Audio Note UK DAC 5 Fifth Element

Rating: 4.9

Unique product. And not just 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 of well-known rock and pop artists. But the most striking thing is not even the characteristics of the DAC, but its cost. We did not check, but it is unlikely that we ever considered such an expensive product. In the Russian online stores for this "box" asking for 10 million rubles! What do you get for the device, rated in a good apartment in Moscow?

Inside this device is the Analog Devices AD1865N chip. Also under the body used lamp equipment. That it provides the very warm tube sound. In this case, the manufacturer got rid of the main drawback of the previously existing tube amplifiers - the performance of the components will be maintained for many years. You can disable this or that lamp only, probably, by dropping this device from a great height. However, even in this case it will not be difficult to make 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 the complete absence of sound loss. Also inside the DAC can find expensive Black Gate capacitors WKz, NX and N. One can not fail to note the presence of carbon film resistors Audio Note. In short, here you will find a full stuffing! Although an unprepared person, having opened the case, will think that there is too much free space here. Indeed, all components could be placed in a smaller device. But in this case, they could negatively influence each other, and the device would no longer look expensive.

It is easy to guess that such a product has done without any amateur connectors. 3.5 mm jack? What are you speaking about? There is not even a full-sized 6.3-mm "jack". Silver XLR connectors are used instead. And this is correct, since such sockets are used to connect professional acoustics used in organizing concerts. There is also an RCA output here, but if its buyer uses it, it is only to test the device for operability. As for the entrance, the usual S / PDIF is embedded here.

It remains to add that this digital-to-analog converter has dimensions of 560x260x540 mm. Weight is 20 kg. Find in the sale can be a device not only with silver, but with a black case. However, the second option is less common.

Boulder 2120 DAC

Rating: 4.8

Another representative of our rating, which is hardly affordable for most readers of expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/. However, many visitors to our site are still interested to find out what a device worth € 44,500 can offer. If you think about it, then for such money you can buy about 40 top-end smartphones endowed with the maximum amount of memory. By the way, this DAC can really be compared with modern phones, because there also has a full-fledged LCD display. Yes, this is a digital-to-analog converter with a screen, and even with a 12.3-inch! It serves to select musical compositions and work with settings. However, a lot of money is not asking 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 frequency of 284 kHz. Do we need to say that something like this is realized only at concerts and other significant events? Also, such a device is useful in the studio, where the recording. DSD128 support is implemented here.

Boulder is known to some professionals for their power amplifiers. She has long been proven that its experts know a lot about audio. Boulder 2120 DAC is another example of how you can make a reference signal converter as high as possible. The manufacturer even made the power supply in a separate case so that it does not affect the incoming or outgoing signal! Also here is a built-in pre-amplifier. By the way, although it is called this way, in some cases you can 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 the concert stage.

Well, what about the connectors? There is everything that can be required. The device can receive a digital signal in almost any modern way. Here, even the HDMI-interface is present, which only receivers are usually able to boast! The display is useful when you connect a USB-flash drive, when reading data from this media. Perhaps here, and streaming video from popular online services like YouTube or Netflix - to obtain pictures using the above-mentioned HDMI-interface. In short, the manufacturer thought out absolutely everything! He did not forget about the convenient remote control.

In short, this is a smart device, which some professionals can only dream of. And yes, this is exactly professional equipment, so all analog connectors here belong to the XLR type! There are no jacks and mini jacks!

Audiolab M-DAC

Rating: 4.7

Of course, stationary digital-to-analog converters are not necessarily studio monsters. Such a relatively simple model as the Audiolab M-DAC also got into our rating. Its cost, not exceeding 40 thousand rubles, allows the usual music lover to get hold of a device, who does not write music on a professional basis and does not organize concerts. At the same time, this model is unlikely to suit him with something.

Here, too, there is a display, but not the one that can display graphics. This screen displays only all kinds of settings, of which there are very few. The device does not support ultra-frequency, it is limited to the usual 192 kHz. ESS ES9018 is used as a chip here. Not ideal, but for the money you can not expect any more professional solutions.

Unlike many other digital-to-analog converters, the headphone connection is great here. The manufacturer brought the corresponding socket to the front panel, so the process does not take much time. Also here there is a settings knob and five buttons, one of which is responsible for turning on the device.

Note, the headphone jack is 6.3 mm! If you are using a simple headset, you may need an adapter! His purchase does not cause much difficulty.

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

There are even more exits here! Let's start with the fact that there are coaxial and optical outputs. It is completely unclear whether they will be useful to the user. However, what if the buyer ever has excellent acoustics that perfectly process a digital signal? There are also XLR-connectors for outputting analog audio to the left and right speakers. There are also balanced exits. In short, it is unlikely that the buyer may need some more nests.

Audiolab M-DAC can be easily connected to a computer - it uses the same USB connector as on printers and multifunction devices. With the help of a computer, you can not only test the device, but also manage 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? For a signal to noise ratio of 122 dB? It seems that for equipment of this class is a normal value. The harmonic coefficient is also not annoying - it is 0.0008%. But the lack of RCA-connectors scare someone. But this suggests that we are already not amateur converter. Another may confuse the lack of a conventional USB port for a flash drive. This means that you cannot do without connecting an external sound source.

Atoll DAC 100SE

Rating: 4.6

Our rating is completed by a digital-to-analog converter from a French manufacturer. Unlike the model considered earlier, it only supports 24-bit sound. The sampling rate can not exceed 192 kHz, which is very predictable. Another simplification is the lack of at least some kind of LCD display here. That is why the number of governing bodies is kept to a minimum. But they did not disappear completely - on the front panel you can find not only the power key, but also three more buttons. Also here there are light indicators indicating the presence of a connection to certain connectors.

This model can traditionally operate in the preamp mode. In this case, you need a coaxial or optical output - both of them are on the rear panel. But more often, such a device is used to convert digital audio to an analog signal — in this case, the speakers are connected to RCA jacks. Unfortunately, there are no other options. And if only a professional will remember about the XLR jacks (this DAC is clearly not for him), then the headphone jack would definitely not hurt.

Well, what about the inputs? 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 the signals from the remote control.

Here, perhaps, and everything that can be told about this model. Atoll DAC 100SE is not something out of the ordinary. This is a simple digital-to-analog converter belonging to the stationary type. It uses TI / Burr-Brown PCM1796 as a chip.

Conclusion

Now you know which D / A converters are the best. Connect them to a variety of devices. For example, some people use a DAC paired with an LCD TV. It is known that TVs that do not belong to the top price segment convert the sound into “analogue” in a wrong way. That is why some users prefer to output sound to the speakers through an external DAC. Well, portable converters help enjoy the music that is playing on your smartphone.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.