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6 best digital to analog converters
DAC - and your signal is converted!
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Author: Vladislav Samoshkin
Modern audio technology can not exist without a DAC. This element serves to transform a digital signal into an analog one. After all, only the latter understands headphones and speakers, while modern players work only with the “number”. Most often, the DAC is embedded in smartphones, players and other equipment in the form of a chip. But sometimes a digital-to-analog converter may be required as a separate device. About the best DAC read in our ranking.
| Category | A place | Name | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Low Cost DACs | 1 | DENON DA-300USB | 9.9 / 10 | 29 990 |
| 2 | Arcam airDac | 9.4 / 10 | 44 490 | |
| 3 | BEHRINGER SRC2496 | 9.1 / 10 | 11 770 | |
| Top DAC Top Class | 1 | TEAC UD-501 | 9.9 / 10 | 58 800 |
| 2 | FOCUSRITE RedNet 2 | 9.9 / 10 | 231 990 | |
| 3 | ARCAM DAC33 | 9.8 / 10 | 224 990 |
Best Low Cost DACs
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29 990
This external DAC costs about half the price of a DCD-1520AE CD player, which has a digital-to-analog converter of the same class. The DENON DA-300USB DAC, of course, is not capable of reproducing CDs. In this regard, the device should be recommended only to those people who have already completely switched to listening to file music. This model can stand on the shelf both in a vertical position and in a horizontal position. It is curious that the orientation of the letters on the display varies depending on the type of installation. The device has the minimum number of controls. On the front panel there is only a tuning wheel, a power button and a 6.3 mm headphone jack. The fact of having the latter should please music lovers - serious headphones can be connected without an adapter, in which part of the signal can be lost. A simple headphones with a 3.5-mm jack adapter does not interfere.
Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.9 / 10
Rating
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44 490
Arcam airDac external D / A converter is similar to the router installed by many of us. It is a modest black box with four indicators and an antenna bolted from behind. The device is able to work in wireless mode. It uses Wi-Fi or Apple AirPlay technology, which involves the owners of the iPhone and iPad. The DAC is configured via the web interface. The device collects content not only through a wireless network - there are a large number of connectors on its back wall. There is no USB-port, which would help to play content from the flash drive.
Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.4 / 10
Rating
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11 770
If you don’t want to throw out big money on the DAC, then you should take a closer look at the BEHRINGER SRC2496. The appearance of the device can even scare - the front panel has received a lot of indicators and buttons. However, this model copes well with its direct tasks. The device converts the "number" in the analog and vice versa. Also in the composition of the device are components that serve to remove the split and jitter. The sampling rate is 24 bit / 96 kHz. The DAC has all the necessary analog inputs and outputs. Most of this model should be assessed by owners of digital studio equipment. BEHRINGER SRC2496 is able to synchronize with it in full.
Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.1 / 10
Rating
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Top DAC Top Class
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58 800
The device intended for professional use surprises with the made cost. Competently creators approached the design design. On the front panel of the device, made of aluminum, is the minimum number of controls. These are two handles, the switch and the button serving for transition to the menu. Also on the front wall there is a headphone jack and a modest display. All other sockets placed on the rear panel. Among them, two XLRs stand out in particular, it is they who speak of the professional purpose of this unit. It is difficult to find fault with the sound quality. The music is detailed, which is to be expected.
Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.9 / 10
Rating
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231 990
This DAC is intended for professional use. Having implemented a maximum of technology, however, the developers did not forget about the appearance - the front panel received a nice red color. A large number of indicators provides the user with maximum information about the current status of the DAC. On the back of the device are 16-channel input and the same output. The device can convert as a “number” into an analog signal, and vice versa.
Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.9 / 10
Rating
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224 990 (9.8)
This digital-to-analog converter has a very high price tag. This alone suggests that ARCAM DAC33 is intended for professional use. The manufacturer has invested in his creation all his experience and the maximum number of technologies. In this case, the design was in the background, because of what the DAC seems rustic in appearance. But do not be deceived - this model is able to connect to any source of digital signal. Special technology JetPLL eliminates errors in the entire spectrum of signals. This allows you to increase the clarity of sound images, while expanding the dynamic range. With the purchase of ARCAM DAC33, you can do without an amplifier - this element is already built into this device.
Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.8 / 10
Rating
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0
Updated: 09.01.2016
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