DAC Buying Guide
The humble DAC is currently enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity as more and more people are moving away from disc based audio playback, to the benefits of music libraries stored on hard drives for playback via a home computer.
For the uninitiated it can be a daunting task trying to navigate your way through the plethora of options available, and understanding the specifications and connection options can be mind numbing, so let's try to add some clarity to our range of DACs.
What is a DAC?
A DAC is a Digital-to-Analogue Converter, which means it is a device that takes a digitally stored data stream and converts it into analogue audio for playback. Your CD player has a DAC built in, your DVD player has a DAC built in, your iPhone has a DAC built in. The difference is in the quality of the DAC.
Like all things in audio, there are many options when it comes to making a DAC, at the heart is the DAC chip itself, and the big names in this arena are Burr Brown (Texas Instruments), ESS Sabre, Wolfson and Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM).
Most audiophiles have mistakenly found favour in a particular converter chips 'sonic signature' but a converter chip in and of itself does NOT determine a DACs sound. The analogue stage after the DAC chip ultimately determines the sonic signature of the DAC, so don't get too hung up on the chipset.
Lets clarify WHY you need one
All computes have a 'sound card' built in that provides analogue audio out, and some like most Apple computers also have optical digital outputs. However, the internal workings of a computer are very noisy environments electrically speaking and can interfere with the digital audio signal, and the resulting conversion to analogue on the internal sound card is affected by this electrical noise. Plus the quality of the sound cards inside most computers are not great to begin with...
This electrical interference causes 'jitter', which in very simple terms is timing errors in the flow of the digital data, resulting in harsh sounding audio, so an external DAC needs to be able to correct these timing errors for best results. For many people simply adding a nice external DAC will improve the sound enough to make computer playback enjoyable, however for the more serious listener, you MUST use a DAC with jitter correction.
While the primary reason for buying a DAC these days is for computer audio, if you have an old CD player that you simply love using, but want to upgrade the sound quality, then an external DAC is the only way to do that.
Accessing the digital audio from your computer?
As most computers do not have a digital audio output, we are left with the USB port as our best option. There are two ways the USB port can be used (Asynchronous or Adaptive) and for the past few years most DACs that featured a USB port worked in a very simple manner, with the USB port of the computer sending data to the DAC and the DAC decoding the data as it was received, complete with jitter. Older DACs like the Cambridge Audio DacMagic work in this manner.
For more on Jitter, see our interview with John Stronczer of Bel Canto.
HRT range of USB DACs
Our best value DACs are without a doubt the range of HRT and Firestone Audio DACs. All of the HRT USB DACs use an asynchronous USB connection and offer incredibly good sound for what can only be described as very little money when talking quality audio. They are simple to use, requiring only a good USB cable and a single pair of RCA cables, to connect to your computer and audio system. Nothing to set, no software to load, just sit back and enjoy quality sound from your computer. The entire range of HRT DACs are capable of high resolution audio files upto 24bit and 96kHz sample rates to allow you to enjoy the new wave of high res files available.
The differences between the models? Well, the base Music Streamer II offers superb sound for $199. The Music Streamer II Plus offers improved sound quality that is lower in distortion and noise. The Music Streamer Pro is the same as the Plus model, but it provides a balanced output in place of the unbalanced RCA outputs of the Plus.
So why would you look at any other option? Well, the HRT DACs are one trick pony's, they do one thing and do it very well, however your needs may extend beyond simply connecting your computer to your sound system. If you would like to also improve the sound of your old CD player or connect your digital TV to your sound system too, then the HRT range is not for you. Also, if you are after the last word in absolute resolution and have deep pockets, then read on, otherwise you can stop here and enjoy great sound now!
So why would you buy it?
You want a cost effective and simple way to get better audio quality from your computer, and do not need any other digital inputs to connect any other device, plus it offers high resolution 24bit/96kHz audio playback.
Reviews (1)
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The HRT Music Streamer II is a high performance audio interface that allows a computer and home entertainment system to become perfect partners.
$199.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Reviews (1)
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The HRT Music Streamer II+ is an ultra high performance audio interface that allows a computer and home entertainment system to become perfect partners.
$399.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Firestone Audio Spitfire DAC
Firestone Audio offer a range of DACs with multiple inputs to cover all of your digital needs. Starting with their very popular Spitfire DAC which is now in it's Mark II incarnation. This DAC was recently awarded the best sounding budget DAC by What Hi-Fi magazine, above the Cambridge Audio DacMagic. With a total of three inputs, USB, Coaxial and Optical the Spitfire can cover the above mentioned needs and provides very good sound. Although not an asynchronous DAC, it does still offer most people a significant improvement in sound quality over the standard computer audio output, and enough flexibility to make it a worthwhile investment.
So why would you buy it?
You want a small cost effective DAC to enable better sound quality from your digital TV, that old CD player and standard resolution audio from your computer.
Reviews (2)
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The Spitfire DAC from Firestone Audio is the perfect upgrade for that old CD player or to upgrade the audio from your computer system.
$349.00
$299.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Firestone Audio ILTW DAC
A newly released model from Firestone Audio aimed squarely at the computer audiophile is the ILTW DAC. It features a single asynchronous USB input and can playback high resolution audio files up to 24bit/192kHz. One trick pony yes, but what a pony! This little DAC offers excellent sound quality and is set to become the new king of budget DACs. The ILTW DAC ships with software drivers for Mac and PC to allow it to playback these very high res files, however it can be used driverless at data rates up to 24bit/96kHz in adaptive mode.
So why would you buy it?
You want a simple DAC for computer audio only, that is capable of playing high resolution audio files up to 24bit/192kHz data rates, that is also very affordable.
Reviews (4)
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The ILTW DAC is their finest offering yet, with asynchronous USB capability up to 24bit/192kHz data rates, the ITLW DAC offers native playback of all current high resolution music files available today, from 16bit 44.1kHz to 24bit/192kHz.
$399.00
$349.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Firestone Audio Fubar IV Plus DAC
The Fubar IV Plus takes a Spitfire DAC and adds a nice headphone amplifier to the mix. The DAC features upsampling to 192kHz and a USB port limited to 16bit/48kHz so is not suitable for high res audio playback via USB, but it's other two digital inputs can handle high res audio up to 24bit/96kHz. This DAC is suited to those looking for a one box solution to cover their DAC needs and headphone amplifier needs and provides very good sound quality for the price.
So why would you buy it?
You want a small cost effective DAC to enable better sound quality from your digital TV, that old CD player and standard resolution audio from your computer, with a quality headphone amplifier.
Reviews (0)
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The Firestone Audio Fubar IV Plus combines the Fubar II USB DAC and the Cute Curve Headphone Amplifier into one small and convenient unit.
$449.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Calyx Coffee
The Calyx Coffee is our newest DAC and offers incredible performance for a very low investment. Starting with asynchronous USB capable of data rates up to 24bit/96kHz using a Sabre DA Converter chip. Like the HRT Music Streamers, the COffee offers line outs for connection to your amplifier or powered speakers. In addition however the Coffee also offers a headphone amplifier, and a world first feature of 'host' control. What this means is that you can control your computers playback (iTunes/Foobar etc) via the buttons on the top of the Coffee.
So why would you buy it?
You want a high quality DAC capable of 24bit/96kHz data rates that offers a very smooth analogue sound, with a very high quality Headphone Amplifier. The Coffee's additional host control functions will appeal to the headphone user on the go.
Reviews (3)
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The new Calyx Coffee is a 24bit/96kHz USB DAC that offers both line level RCA output for direct connection to your sound system or powered monitors, as well as headphone output capable of driving more difficult headphone loads.
$299.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Firestone Audio Libby DAC
The Libby DAC is the king of Firestone Audio's DAC range. The best way to think of this DAC is this: A Spitfire DAC with Jitter reducing circuitry and selectable upsampling options on the front panel. In addition Libby features a Class A Headphone Amplifier, and as such is aimed at the serious headphone computer audiophile. The sound quality is excellent, particularly with the upsampling feature engaged. Data rates up to 24bit/96kHz can be handled by the optical, coaxial and AES/EBU connections, however the USB port is limited to standard audio files of 16bit/48kHz. Mac users of course can use the optical output to transfer high res files that way instead of the USB port.
So why would you buy it?
You want a high quality DAC capable of 24bit/192kHz data rates that offers multiple inputs including analogue, with a very high quality Class A Headphone Amplifier. You must also live with standard 16bit USB input.
Reviews (0)
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The new Firestone Audio Libby is a Class A Headphone Amplifier and DAC in one sleek new chassis. The DAC features inputs for USB, Coaxial and optical as well as AES/EBU for connection to professional grade components.
$799.00
$599.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Firestone Audio Rubby DAC
The Rubby DAC is just like the Libby DAC, only different! From the perspective of the DAC, it is identical to the Libby, however the headphone amplifier is gone, and in it's place a 50 watt per channel digital amplifier, making it the perfect all in one computer audio system. All the same input options are there as the Libby, simply add speakers to the high quality speaker binding posts, and you will enjoy very good sound quality from this all in one solution. I like it so much I have one at home!
So why would you buy it?
You want a high quality DAC capable of 24bit/192kHz data rates that offers multiple inputs including analogue, with a high quality integrated amplifier built in. You must also live with standard 16bit USB input.
Reviews (0)
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Firestone Audio's new Rubby is a Stereo Digital Power Amplifier with 50 watts of power per channel, with built in DAC and a single line level input, all in a compact half width chassis.
$899.00
$699.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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M2Tech Young DAC
The new M2TECH Young DAC is without a doubt the new star of high end DACs, featuring a staggering 32bit/384kHz asynchronous USB port plus optical, coaxial (2) and AES/EBU inputs to cover all of your digital devices. This is the highest spec USB DAC we offer, and provides sound quality second to none. Being such a high resolution device it does require software to be loaded onto your computer, but it handles almost any data rate including 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4*, 192*, 352.8**, 384** with the ** rates being USB only and * rates not available on the optical input.
So why would you buy it?
You want the very latest USB DAC technology in a small form factor with multiple inputs and superb sound quality. Capable of data rates of 24bit/192kHz, and 32bit/384kHz via USB means this DAC is very much future proof and an industry leader.
Reviews (6)
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The M2Tech Young is a high performance, very high value-for-money D/A converter capable of handling up to 384kHz sampling rate and 32 bits resolution (USB input).
$1,399.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Calyx DAC
The Calyx DAC is part of a new breed of DACs, sporting the hot new Sabre ES9018 DAC chip (8 converters!) with extraordinary execution. Designed primarily as a USB DAC, the Calyx provides asynchronous USB connection with data rates of 24bit/192kHz. A single coaxial digital input is provided as well. Powered by the USB port, it has a clean power re-generator inside to ensure there is no noise introduced from the computer. Milled out of a solid aluminium billet, the Calyx is as cutting edge as it gets in 2011.
So why would you buy it?
If your primary need for a DAC is for computer based playback and you can live with a single coaxial input, then think about this DAC very seriously. When used via the USB port, there is no power supply required so less cable mess, it is compact and sounds superb. So the Calyx or the M2TECH Young? This is a question many are asking themselves right now, the Calyx is a touch warmer than the Young, and it offers balanced XLR output as well which may well sway you, but the only way to know is by an in store demo!
Reviews (7)
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The Calyx DAC 24/192 is a leading edge product using the very latest digital conversion technology, in a simple aluminium enclosure that is so easy to use, and even easier to enjoy!
$2,099.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Bel Canto DAC1.5 DAC
The Bel Canto DAC1.5 is one of our most popular DACs and with good reason. It offers 24bit/96kHz via USB with low jitter, and 24bit/192kHz via it's other digital inputs which include coaxial, optical and AES/EBU. In addition the DAC1.5 features a high quality headphone amplifier and can be switched into pre-amplifier mode enabling the purest path from digital to analogue in any high quality system.
So why would you buy it?
You want a high quality DAC capable of 24bit/192kHz data rates, and 24bit/96kHz via USB, that offers multiple inputs, with both balanced and unbalanced outputs, a very high quality Headphone Amplifier, and pre-amplifier capability.
Reviews (3)
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The Bel Canto DAC1.5's musical performance rests on the solid foundation of the Master Reference Ultra-Clock, which provides jitter performance 50x better than other clocks.
$1,549.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Bel Canto DAC2.5 DAC
The Bel Canto DAC2.5 takes all the features and benefits of the DAC1.5 and adds a couple of excellent upgrades. Firstly, the power supply has been upgraded to an internal LNS1, which provides better low level resolution and noise floor. In addition there is a single analogue input, which is converted to 24bit/192kHz for internal processing, and allows for the DAC2.5 to add a single legacy source such as a tape deck, for listening via headphones or for when you use the DAC2.5 as a pre-amplifier too.
So why would you buy it?
You want a high quality DAC capable of 24bit/192kHz data rates, and 24bit/96kHz via USB, that offers multiple inputs including analogue, with both balanced and unbalanced outputs, a very high quality Headphone Amplifier, and pre-amplifier capability.
Reviews (4)
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The Bel Canto DAC2.5's musical performance rests on the solid foundation of the Master Reference Ultra-Clock.
$2,199.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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SOtM dAC-200 HD DAC
The SOtM dAC-200 HD is our newest DAC offering, and it offers much to like in terms of features compared to all other DACs we sell. Firstly, it is truly USB 2.0 and offers 24bit/192kHz resolution which on a Mac, is plug and play. In terms of technology the SOtM features a AKM DAC chip in contrast to the Burr Brown and Sabre chips in other devices. Up-sampling is a user definable feature and can be done from the armchair via the included remote control. Inputs include three coaxial, one optical, two AES/EBU and USB. Output is via unbalanced RCAs or balanced XLRs.
So why would you buy it?
If you are looking for a very modern DAC that is USB 2.0 compliant, has plenty of inputs, offers sublime midrange detail (if a little forward) and both balanced and unbalanced outputs. Also, if upsampling options are your thing then you will love the SOtM which allows you to select the upsampling rate.
Reviews (0)
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The SOtM dAC-200 HD DAC is a 32bit digital to analogue converter developed for premium sound systems where shear honesty is a prerequisite for any component.
$2,199.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Bel Canto DAC3.5VB DAC
The top of the line DAC3.5VB is Bel Canto at it's absolute best. By using an external VBS or LNS power supply, the DAC3.5VB has the best resolution and lowest noise floor of all the Bel Canto DACs. It does however forgo a couple of features of it's more affordable siblings, namely the headphone amplifier and USB input. For the later Bel Canto offer the USB Link 24/96 or USB 24/96 Lightllink to add USB input with low jitter at data rates up to 24bit/96kHz.
So why would you buy it?
You want a high quality DAC capable of 24bit/192kHz data rates, extremely low noise, ultra detailed, that offers multiple inputs, both balanced and unbalanced outputs and pre-amplifier capability.
Reviews (3)
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The Bel Canto DAC3.5VB MkII's musical performance rests on the solid foundation of the Master Reference Ultra-Clock. With a 24bit/192kHz analog in, it is the ultimate Control Center.
$3,849.00
Incl. 10 % TAX
and FREE SHIPPING
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Need to know more? Please give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have.
