For those who desire to cross to the dark side of the audio world, using a hi-fi headphone and amplifier will no longer be enough for such people. The need for an external digital to analog converter becomes necessary. The funny thing about digital to analog converters is they were looked down on decades ago.
Things have changed for a good reason now; external digital to analog converters bring out all of your audio recordings’ full worth. Everyone is pushing to enjoy good recorded audio quality sounds. An external digital to analog converter has all the answers. If you search for the best Dac for the money, indulging in this review is what you should do as it holds answers to all of your questions.
What Are DACs And How Useful Are They?
Digital to analog converters are devices with the ability to decipher analog signals from digital data. Nowadays, people store music on smartphones, PCs, and other storage devices like a CD. However, they are processed in analog waves when the human ear processes them.
Amplifiers have the ability to work on analog signals. As inputs, so few devices like smartphones, PC, and CD make use of external digital to analog converter for converting digital data to analog.
These same devices mentioned here all have internal DACs. However, these internal DAC are not produced obvious details like the external ones. Internal DAC is considered a component of either a smartphone or PC to be nothing more than an optimal circuit.
Having a badly designed circuit tends to produce noise in playbacks, and internal DAC is known to have jitters. An inaccuracy in the clock that triggers the digital circuit gives birth to jitters in internal DAC, but an external DAC, the clocks are more accurate and high fidelity. The external DAC is capable of eliminating distortion in blanketing or signals of beautiful details.
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Best DAC For The Money – Buying Guide And Recommendation
One known fact about external DAC is they have the power to bypass the ineffective internal DAC in every device. However, it will be interesting for you to know that there are types of DACs on the market today. There are about four types of DAC, and we will be showing you these types of DAC next.
Types Of DAC
Portable DAC – This type of DAC has a USB stick’s size, and its design enables them to be connected to a computer’s USB to power. Alternatively, they come with an in-built battery, making it easy for them to function without a power cord. They can be used with a headphone amplifier or a headphone.
Desktop USB DAC – The desktop USB DAC is smaller than the Portable DAC, and they are believed to have a walkman’s size. For power, they also require getting connected to a USB source, and just like the portable DAC, they come with an in-built battery. Connecting a PC or CD player can be done on this type of DAC, and they are known to possess line-level audio outs and few controls for ease of operation.
Phone DAC – Phone DACs are flat and small in size, and the beauty of this type of DAC is they can be connected with apple or android devices. They are quite portable and come with a battery power source. If you know about the phone DAC, you will agree that they are capable compared to the portable DAC type.
Hi-Fi DAC – These are considered full-fledged DACs combined with multiple connection options and an in-built amplifier. Apart from being used with headphones, this type of DAC supports work with hi-fi home theater systems, premium audio systems, and other speaker systems.
More ON DACs
The truth is so many people do not know what a DAC is, and the truth is they have used not just one but dozens of DACs in their entire lifetime. The moment audio went digital, everything we listen to has been stored in various formats like MP3s, CDs, FLAC, WAV, and more.
This tells you that every audio format available today has gone digital. However, we all know our ears can’t process 0 to 1 sound bites. To create audible sounds that will make sense to the ears, the digital audio files need to be converted to analog files. That is what the DAC design is set out to accomplish.
Why do you need an external DAC? It must be the question popping up on your mind right now. It will be interesting for you to know that in-built DACs are not effective or reliable. In-built DACs are not effective in decoding digital audio with accuracy and precision, so listening to these files will give you a noisy output with so much interference.
How To Setup DAC
DACs are USB devices that will replace line-out and internal headphones when connected. Furthermore, DACs are used for gaming, meaning your computer’s operating system will recognize it once it gets connected. Your computer’s operating system will also detect what they intend doing, and how they function.
- You might require drivers to install some DACs.
- The DAC will be displayed in the preferences/settings menu after connecting. Users will need to make the DAC their preferred playback hardware output.
- Every other physical connection from an existing output needs to be disconnected. The external output might be an amplifier, active speakers, and headphones. The external outputs should be reconnected to the DACs output.
A DAC with a headphone volume control and amplifier provides users with added flexibility. At the same time, other DACs require the playback device to have its own volume control. In advanced DACs, users will be offered various digital input choices, ensuring that users can switch between Blu-ray, USB connections.
Best DAC For The Money Review
1. FX-Audio DAC-X6 Mini HiFi 2.0 Digital Audio Decoder DAC
The FX-audio digital audio decoder DAC boasts of a unique design that makes it adaptable and compatible, and what we truly find impressive about this device is makes use of its RCA unit to connect other compatible devices to enhance sound quality.
A variety of output and input modes is another standout feature of this device, making it easy for users to connect to an active speaker, tube vacuum amp, and power amplifier. It boasts of a mini chipset that guarantees a strong and reliable tone input and output.
If you want a DAC that will last for a longer period, the FX-Audio digital audio recorder fits the bill as it is made using high-quality components. It also guarantees efficient protection against damage.
Specifications
- Brand – FX-Audio
- Item Weight – 1.39 Pounds
- Color – Black
Key Features
- Mini chipset
- DAC-X6 Volume control
- RCA Unit
What We Like
- This is the best in class DAC
- It boasts a solid build and has a good weight
- This unit sounds good
What We Don’t Like
- It looks longer than usual
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2. FiiO K5 Pro AK4493EQ and Native DSD 512 decoding Deskstop DAC
The next DAC is from the FIIO brand. Interestingly, this DAC boasts of having AK4493 DAC chips, which deliver the best in decoding performance. If you want to enjoy detailed, smooth, and pleasant sounds, this is certainly one of the best DAC to deliver the level of performance you want.
It comes with an ADC volume control feature used to eliminate channel volume imbalance and adjust volumes to finer and accurate degrees. Surprisingly, this DAC comes with a K5 switch used in switching between medium, high, and low gain levels.
This depends on the amount of driving power your headphone needs. Thanks to having an all-aluminum body construction, this DAC feels well textured and perfectly fits the hands.
Specifications
- Brand – FIIO
- Item Weight – 15.4 Ounces
- Color – Black
Key Features
- Powerful headphone amplification
- Line-in inputs
- Headphone jacks
What We Like
- This can be used for gaming.
- It has an excellent build.
- Its sound stage is crystal clear and amazing.
What We Don’t Like
- No Significant design flaw
3. FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Another DAC from the FIIO brand to make it to this well-detailed and explanatory guide. It would help if you did not look away from the fact that the FIIO brand can be trusted to make high-quality and reliable DACs.
This DAC comes with a PCM102 chip designed to handle PCM files and improve audio quality. This unit comes with a low pass filter that guarantees a low noise floor regardless of the state. It also uses its selectable bass boost circuit to achieve this.
Connecting with other devices is easy on these devices. It comes with connection varieties, making it easy and simple to send digital audio to other devices or destinations. Its USB port allows users to connect easily with a laptop, and the USB port also helps to power this device. Its brushed shell aluminum construction makes this device durable and portable.
Specifications
- Brand – FIIO
- Item Weight – 77 Grams
- Color – Black
Key Features
- USB Connectivity
- Rear panel coaxial digital output
- Headphone jack
What We Like
- This is a nicely made device with no sharp corners.
- It has a high gain for delivering good volume.
- It sells at the right price.
What We Don’t Like
- It is not for use with a desktop.
4. Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB Gaming DAC
Edging closer to the end of this interesting review, we have decided to bring you the Sound BlasterX G6 Gaming DAC, which delivers an impressive audio quality and easily accessible profile buttons. What gamers love about this DAC is it boasts of the industry’s best processing technology for an immersive gaming experience. Gamers will also enjoy a bass boost, accurate cues, and impressive audio enhancements.
You will be able to hear your enemies before they hear you while gaming with the Sound BlasterX G6 DAC. Audio is streamed in high-level fidelity and details. Looking at all of these features, the Sound BlasterX G6 Gaming DAC is for gamers looking forward to upgrading their gaming experience.
Specifications
- Brand – Sound BlasterX
- Item Weight – 7.1 Ounces
- Color – Black
Key Features
- 7.1 Virtual Surround
- Sidetone Volume Control
- Discrete Headphone amp
What We Like
- It is better than the G5 model
- It offers the best in sound quality
- Gamers are impressed with this DACs looks
What We Don’t Like
- Its bass is very poor
5. Fosi Audio Q4 – Mini Stereo Gaming DAC & Headphone Amplifier
The last DAC we want you to look at when you go out shopping for a reliable DAC is the Fosi Audio Q4 mini stereo gaming DAC and headphone amplifier. This DAC is easy to set up as it requires no special drivers or installation process.
It boasts of an RCA input that allows for connecting with other compatible devices, and what we find interesting about this DAC is its treble and bass control that serves as a volume controller or preamp for computer, MAC, and PC.
This is a mini compact DAC that gamers can transport with ease. Thanks to having an output protection circuit, users rest assured that this device is safe for any expensive audio system.
Specifications
- Brand – Fosi Audio
- Item Weight – 1.05 Pounds
- Color – Black
Key Features
- USB power supply cable
- User manual
- 18 Months warranty
What We Like
- This is a multi-purpose DAC
- Its design gets rid of annoying sounds
- It offers a good sound output
What We Don’t Like
- Gamers get a cracking sound when playing games
Importance Of A DAC Chip
For a DAC to perform a digital to analog conversion, it must possess a DAC chip. Processing digital input differently and processing digital output differently is the function of a DAC chip. In the end, they result in various sound qualities.
However, some DAC chips find it difficult to process a higher sample audio rate. It will be interesting to know that a DAC chip is one of a DAC’s parts. A DACs analog stage is as important or more important than the DAC chip itself.
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