Lots of people began to care about “excessive decision” digital audio when Apple launched its upgraded music service to the plenty. Name that the “Apple impact,” as infuriating as it could be, however the iPhone maker isn’t the one one within the hi-res audio sport: Qobuz, Tidal and Deezer have been doing it for some time, and Spotify has been toying with releasing its personal model for some time. Nevertheless, as many had been fast to level out, a few of Apple’s personal merchandise don’t necessarily support the upper pattern fee and bit-depths on provide. No worries, there’s a dongle for that, and there are alternatives for Android and desktop, too. We’ve examined dozens of those gadgets and one of the best DACs listed on this information will play good with any of the aforementioned companies (apart from Tidal’s MQA, which is a bit more particular).
What’s a DAC?
A digital-to-analog converter takes the digital (D) music out of your cellphone or laptop and converts (C) it into analog (A) sound you’ll be able to hear. All telephones and PCs have them, however since handsets moved to USB-C, Lightning or Bluetooth for music, the duty of changing that sign was usually outsourced to both your adapter or your wi-fi headphones.
DACs can be utilized with telephones, laptops and desktops however are usually a lot less complicated than an everyday exterior audio interface. One fundamental distinction is that DACs are normally for listening solely whereas an audio interface might need ports to plug in microphones and devices (however an exterior audio interface can be technically a DAC). Some high-end DACs even embody XLR outputs for higher connectivity with skilled audio tools.
The most effective DACs are usually light-weight, making them extra appropriate for cellular use, though it nonetheless will get a bit tough with the iPhone as you continue to would possibly want so as to add one other dongle to make it play good with Lightning. Additionally, not all DACs assist all the upper audio resolutions like DSD. Most standalone DACs require exterior energy or an onboard battery, although some can use the ability from no matter you plug them into — wherein case count on successful to your battery life.
Finest DACs for 2024
HiFiGo
Outputs: 3.5mm singled-ended | Inputs: Accessible in USB-C and Lightning variations | Max file assist: 32-Bit/384kHz | Bluetooth: No
For those who’re on the lookout for the only method to hearken to Apple Music Lossless, then the corporate’s personal $8 dongle is tough to beat in phrases or high quality to cost. However it has a most decision of 24-bit/48 kHz. If you wish to break into Hello-Res Lossless then the KA11 from Fiio — with assist for audio at an eye-watering 32bit/384KHz — is the best means. At $30, it’s additionally fairly reasonably priced, too.
Fiio’s years of expertise making transportable hi-fi has been distilled into this tiny little dongle. Accessible in each Lighting and USC-C fashions (love the colour of the Apple mannequin), the KA11 packs a whole lot of punch for one thing so small. On prime of the assist for terribly excessive audio resolutions, the KA11 additionally has a a lot larger output than most adapters — together with Apple’s. The result’s a lot louder music than your cellphone affords for many headphones, and with a greater DAC like this, you’ll discover a major enchancment in your audio system. If you have already got a pair of high-priced headphones with a low sensitivity (as many larger finish fashions are usually) then the KA11 will probably nonetheless be capable to drive them. You would possibly even take into account pairing it with a headphone amp for much more energy.
This little dongle isn’t restricted to telephones: the USB-C mannequin is suitable with laptops and PCs, too. In reality, it’s probably a good improve over the built-in sound for nearly something you plug it into. That’s true for all the merchandise beneficial on this information, however you is perhaps shocked to seek out that one thing this small can provide your PC’s audio system a critical increase. If there was a minor unfavorable, it might be that the KA11 doesn’t assist headset microphones, so in the event you had been hoping to have the ability to deal with calls together with your headphones then bear that in thoughts.
With the KA11 being so small, there aren’t any bodily controls, so that you’ll modify quantity straight on the cellphone or laptop. The one suggestions you will have is a single LED that may change shade relying on the audio it’s receiving (yellow signifies Hello-Res). Fiio additionally has a cellular app to entry further settings for its cellular merchandise which, proper now does embody the KA11, however solely on Android at time of publication.
- Inexpensive
- 32-Bit/384kHz assist
- Gives loud music output
- Is available in USB-C and Lightning fashions
Artistic
Outputs: Bluetooth | Inputs: USB-C | Max file assist: 24-Bit/96kHz | Bluetooth: Sure | Weight: 0.16 ounces
Whereas most Android gadgets assist some type of aptX, your PC won’t. In case you have an iPhone, it undoubtedly doesn’t assist aptX and neither will any Macs — Apple gadgets solely provide commonplace Bluetooth with AAC encoding (320 kbit/s max bitrate). If you wish to ensure you’re getting extra bits (as much as 430 kbit/s) out of your music, throughout all of your gadgets, Creative’s BT-W5 Bluetooth adapter is each sensible and reasonably priced.
The BT-W5 affords aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive (which helps as much as 24-bit/96 kHz) and it’ll routinely select one of the best one in your headphones. When you pair them with the adapter you’ll be able to plug the BT-W5 into any music supply with USB-C for improved Bluetooth audio — there’s even a low latency mode good for streamers or taking part in video games on Change, for instance, with none lag.
In case you have an iPhone with a Lightning connector, the BT-W5 gained’t work with out an adapter, nevertheless it’s a neat method to get probably the most out of your headphones with out having to improve every little thing else. The BT-W5 can bear in mind as much as 4 units of headphones, too, so when you have a pair for the commute and one other set for the fitness center, simply plug within the dongle and also you’re all set.
- Designed to be used with Bluetooth headphones
- Low-latency mode to be used with gadgets like Nintendo Change
- Won’t work with Lightning iPhones with out adapter
Fanmusic
Outputs: 1x 3.5mm single-ended, 1x 4.4mm balanced | Inputs: USB-C | Max file assist: 32-Bit/384kHz | Bluetooth: No | Weight: 1.1 ounces
Whilst you can squeeze a formidable quantity of audio tech right into a headphone adapter, a barely greater gadget affords a good step up in each specs and options. Moondrop’s Moonriver T2i DAC is barely bigger than a pack of gum, and it has a classy design that doesn’t seem like a boring, generic dongle.
Importantly, the Moonriver T2i builds on the success of the corporate’s Moonriver 2 DAC. The “2” partly refers to using twin DAC chips right here, which delivers a “balanced” sign. Every channel can deal with as much as 32bit/384KHz decision and there are two headphone ports. One for normal 3.5mm headphones and one other for 4.4mm connections — making use of that balanced output. If that is your first step into the world of Hello-Fi DACs, you’re completely tremendous with 3.5mm headphones, however some desire the 4.4mm connector because it offers extra energy and potential sign advantages, particularly in the event you’re utilizing a headphone amp.
With the Moonriver T2i you will have a pair extra sensible benefits. For one, there are bodily quantity controls on the gadget itself. For those who ever felt that the 16 ranges of loudness on the iPhone (I simply counted) weren’t sufficient, then the 100 steps of adjustment on the Moonriver T2i (by way of companion software program) remove any worries about setting the music to the right degree. In case your headphones have an in-line microphone, the excellent news is that this dongle will move that by way of to your cellphone or PC so that you gained’t want a separate gadget for calls.
Most significantly, the sound that comes out of the Moonriver T2i is vivid and daring. You’ll hear audiophiles speak about sound stage, element and width, all it is advisable know is that this DAC ticks off all of the buzzwords and serves up vivid, strong sound that’s going to make any lossless/hi-res music actually shine.
- Fashionable design
- 32-Bit/384kHz assist
- Onboard quantity controls
- Nice sound high quality
CHORD ELECTRONICS
Outputs: 1x 3.5mm singled-ended, 1x 4.4mm balanced | Inputs: 1x microUSB, 1x 3,5mm coaxial, 1x optical, 1x USB-C | Max file assist: 32-Bit/768kHz | Bluetooth: No | Weight: 10.8 ounces
For those who’ve had some expertise with DACs and need to ratchet issues up a notch or three, then the Mojo 2 from British firm Chord needs to have a phrase. At $650, that is undoubtedly within the high-end value vary, however the expertise and options it affords make it price contemplating for critical audiophiles. However the brains behind the Mojo 2 have been making digital to analog converters just about since there was digital music to even convert. That have is what makes the Mojo 2 a favourite amongst music followers.
Most choices on this information are designed for cellular gadgets first, the Mojo 2 is extra of a hybrid gadget. The cellular dongles above all take their energy from the participant you join them to, which is handy, however clearly is much less sort to your cellphone’s battery life. The Mojo 2 has an inside cell so gained’t tax the one in your cellphone or laptop computer. It’s sufficiently small to be transportable, however substantial sufficient to dwell in your desk.
Not like most DACs that use off the shelf chips to deal with the digital-to-audio conversion, the Mojo 2 makes use of area programmable gate array (FPGA) know-how to create its personal customized “chip.” It’s additionally highly effective sufficient to behave as each a DAC and a preamp, driving even power-hungry headphones with ease. We’ve seen FPGA achieve reputation in gaming circles for its skill to mimic numerous consoles, however that very same flexibility is what makes it fascinating to the audio engineers at Chord.
For those who want one thing that’s capital L loud, then the Mojo 2 is not going to disappoint. Proceed with warning right here. It’s really highly effective sufficient to drive two pairs of headphones on the identical time and has two 3.5mm ports so you are able to do precisely that. The curious round buttons can be used to alter sound profiles with an excruciating degree of element.
The Mojo 2 has commonplace USB-C, microUSB, optical and coax inputs so it’s extra versatile than a whole lot of its competitors on this regard. Though it’s price noting that you may solely cost the Mojo 2 by way of microUSB. After all, there’s a cable offered for this, however in the event you’ve totally made the swap to USB-C, it’ll imply it’s a must to guard the charging cable intently.
- Gives loud music output
- 32-Bit/768kHz assist
- Onboard controls to alter sound profiles
- Costly
- Should cost gadget utilizing microUSB
FiiO
Outputs: 1x 3.5mm singled-ended, 1x 4.4mm balanced | Inputs: 1x USB, 1x optical, 1x coaxial, 1x AUX | Max file assist: 32-Bit/384kHz | Bluetooth: No | Weight: 2.51 kilos
For those who do most of your listening at house, the K7 from Fiio is a superb place to begin. The world of desktop DACs and headphone amplifiers may fill its personal information, however the K7 is each succesful, feature-filled and fairly priced. It capabilities as each a DAC and a headphone amp, making it a stable all-in-one resolution for audiophiles constructing a house audio system.
With phono, coaxial, optical and USB inputs, the K7 from Fiio is ready to deal with music and audio from nearly any excessive constancy supply. Most conventional desktop audio interfaces assist playback of as much as 24 bit/48 kHz, the K7 can deal with recordsdata all the best way as much as 384 kHz at 32-bit – good for many who demand a greater DAC for high-resolution recordsdata, whether or not you are listening by way of headphones or a full audio system.
On the entrance you’ll discover two inputs: a 1/4-inch jack and a 4.4mm balanced headphone port together with a giant ol’ quantity dial. Whereas its Hello-Fi aesthetic won’t be probably the most razzle-dazzle, it does have an RGB LED across the dial to provide it a pop of shade (it additionally adjustments shade relying on the “high quality” of your audio supply).
There are two variations of the K7, and in the event you plonk down one other $50 you get Bluetooth receiver performance. This doesn’t imply you’ll be able to join wi-fi headphones, slightly you’ll be able to hearken to music from wi-fi sources, comparable to your cellphone whereas sustaining a bodily connection to your PC. In case your cellphone can serve up music in higher-resolution codecs like aptX HD, aptX Adaptive or LDAC (or if it might’t, learn in regards to the BT-W5 above) you’ll be able to hearken to it by way of the K7.
- number of inputs
- 32-Bit/384kHz assist
- Just for desktop use
- Should pay further for Bluetooth connectivity
DAC FAQs
What does DAC stand for?
DAC stands for digital to analogue converter. It’s a tool that takes digital recordsdata, saved on a laptop computer, laptop, and so on., and converts them into audio that we will hearken to with higher readability and depth. Units that present sound, like a CD participant, Blu-ray participant, TV field, and so forth, require good DACs in order that the digital recordsdata will be decoded with a view to output audio. More often than not, a DAC is built-in to those gadgets, however generally they’re exterior and require an influence provide.
Why do I would like new {hardware} to hearken to music?
The brief reply is, you don’t. You possibly can play “hi-res” audio recordsdata on most telephones and PCs, you simply won’t be getting the total expertise. In case your gadget’s audio interface tops out at 44.1 or 48kHz (which is pretty frequent and covers the overwhelming majority of music on-line) then that’s the expertise you’ll get. If you wish to get pleasure from higher sounding music at a better pattern fee and bit-depth (aka decision), you’ll want an interface that helps it and wired headphones, probably utilizing a headphone amp for an enhanced expertise.
It’s price declaring that “lossless” and “hi-res” are associated phrases, however not the identical factor and can differ from service to service. Apple makes use of ALAC encoding which is compressed, however with out “loss” to the standard (in contrast to the ever-present .aac or .mp3 file codecs). CDs had been usually mastered to a minimum of 16-bit / 44.1kHz which is the benchmark that Apple is utilizing for its definition of lossless. In audio circles, a common consensus is that hi-res is something with a pattern fee above 44.1kHz. More and more, although, the time period is getting used for something 96kHz and above.
This, after all, isn’t solely about Apple’s new streaming codecs. Exterior DACs and audio interfaces are an effective way to get one of the best sound and improve your listening expertise usually. Particularly if you wish to get into the world of extra unique (learn: expensive) headphones, as they usually even require a DAC to offer sufficient clear digital sign to drive them. For audiophile headphones, a cellphone or laptop computer’s inside sound chipset usually doesn’t have the oomph wanted to ship a hi-fi expertise, that means a greater DAC may make all of the distinction in sound high quality.
Okay, however can’t I simply use the headphone adapter for my cellphone?
No. Effectively, sure, however see above. A Lightning or USB-C to three.5mm headphone adapter usually is an audio interface and many of the ones you’re shopping for for $7 (or that come free within the field) don’t assist hi-res audio past 48kHz / 24-bit. Android is a bit more difficult, as some adapters are “passive” and actually simply join you to the cellphone’s inside DAC like old skool headphones. Others (energetic ones) have a DAC built-in and good luck discovering out what your particular cellphone and the in-box adapter delivers. (Trace: join it to a PC and see if it comes up as an audio interface. You would possibly discover some particulars there if it does).
What about Bluetooth headphones?
Likelihood is that over the previous few years you’ve migrated from wired to wireless headphones (thanks, Apple). The world of Bluetooth headphones adjustments issues a bit in terms of in search of higher audio efficiency. What issues right here is twofold, the headphones you’re utilizing (as these will technically be the “DAC”) and the codec — the tactic used to ship the musical information over to the headphones. It’s price checking to see in case your headphones assist aptX and which model — aptX HD, aptX Adaptive are higher than commonplace and turning into extra frequent. Different techniques exist, like Sony’s LDAC, however Qualcomm’s AptX has wider assist due to its prevalence in Android gadgets. Some high-end wi-fi headphones would possibly even include a headphone jack for wired connections when higher-quality audio is required.
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