Lots of people began to care about “high resolution” digital audio when Apple launched its upgraded music service to the lots. Name that the “Apple effect,” as infuriating as it could be, however the iPhone maker isn’t the one one within the hi-res audio recreation: Qobuz, Tidal and Deezer have been doing it for some time, and Spotify has been toying with releasing its personal model for some time. Nonetheless, as many have been fast to level out, a few of Apple’s personal merchandise don’t essentially help the upper pattern charge 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 the very best DACs listed on this information will play good with any of the aforementioned providers (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 typically 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 gear.
The perfect DACs are usually light-weight, making them extra appropriate for cell use, though it nonetheless will get slightly difficult 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 help 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 — during which case anticipate a success to your battery life.
Finest DACs for 2024
HiFiGo
Outputs: 3.5mm singled-ended | Inputs: Out there in USB-C and Lightning variations | Max file help: 32-Bit/384kHz | Bluetooth: No
When you’re on the lookout for the only strategy to hearken to Apple Music Lossless, then the corporate’s personal $8 dongle is tough to beat in phrases or high quality to cost. But it surely has a most decision of 24-bit/48 kHz. If you wish to break into Hello-Res Lossless then the KA11 from Fiio — with help for audio at an eye-watering 32bit/384KHz — is the simplest method. At $30, it’s additionally fairly inexpensive, too.
Fiio’s years of expertise making transportable hi-fi has been distilled into this tiny little dongle. Out there in each Lighting and USC-C fashions (love the colour of the Apple mannequin), the KA11 packs quite a lot of punch for one thing so small. On prime of the help for very excessive audio resolutions, the KA11 additionally has a a lot increased 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 pricey headphones with a low sensitivity (as many increased finish fashions are usually) then the KA11 will seemingly nonetheless be capable of drive them. You would possibly even contemplate 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 truth, it’s seemingly a good improve over the built-in sound for nearly something you plug it into. That’s true for the entire merchandise really useful on this information, however you is likely to be stunned to seek out that one thing this small may give your PC’s audio system a severe increase. If there was a minor detrimental, it could be that the KA11 doesn’t help headset microphones, so should you have 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 are not any bodily controls, so that you’ll modify quantity instantly on the cellphone or laptop. The one suggestions you might have is a single LED that can change shade relying on the audio it’s receiving (yellow signifies Hello-Res). Fiio additionally has a cell app to entry further settings for its cell merchandise which, proper now does embody the KA11, however solely on Android at time of publication.
- Inexpensive
- 32-Bit/384kHz help
- Gives loud music output
- Is available in USB-C and Lightning fashions
$30 at HiFiGo
Inventive
Outputs: Bluetooth | Inputs: USB-C | Max file help: 24-Bit/96kHz | Bluetooth: Sure | Weight: 0.16 ounces
Whereas most Android gadgets help some type of aptX, your PC won’t. When you have an iPhone, it undoubtedly doesn’t help aptX and neither will any Macs — Apple gadgets solely provide normal Bluetooth with AAC encoding (320 kbit/s max bitrate). If you wish to be sure to’re getting extra bits (as much as 430 kbit/s) out of your music, throughout all of your gadgets, Inventive’s BT-W5 Bluetooth adapter is each sensible and inexpensive.
The BT-W5 affords aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive (which helps as much as 24-bit/96 kHz) and it’ll mechanically select the very best one to 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 excellent for streamers or taking part in video games on Swap, for instance, with none lag.
When you have an iPhone with a Lightning connector, the BT-W5 gained’t work with out an adapter, nevertheless it’s a neat strategy to get probably the most out of your headphones with out having to improve every part else. The BT-W5 can keep in mind as much as 4 units of headphones, too, so in case you have a pair for the commute and one other set for the gymnasium, 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 Swap
- Is not going to work with Lightning iPhones with out adapter
$53 at Amazon
Fanmusic
Outputs: 1x 3.5mm single-ended, 1x 4.4mm balanced | Inputs: USB-C | Max file help: 32-Bit/384kHz | Bluetooth: No | Weight: 1.1 ounces
When you can squeeze a powerful quantity of audio tech right into a headphone adapter, a barely larger 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 appear 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 the usage of 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 traditional 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 positive with 3.5mm headphones, however some choose the 4.4mm connector because it gives extra energy and potential sign advantages, particularly should you’re utilizing a headphone amp.
With the Moonriver T2i you might have a pair extra sensible benefits. For one, there are bodily quantity controls on the gadget itself. When you 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) get rid of any worries about setting the music to the proper degree. In case your headphones have an in-line microphone, the excellent news is that this dongle will go that via 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 brilliant and daring. You’ll hear audiophiles discuss sound stage, element and width, all you should know is that this DAC ticks off all of the buzzwords and serves up brilliant, sturdy sound that’s going to make any lossless/hi-res music actually shine.
- Fashionable design
- 32-Bit/384kHz help
- Onboard quantity controls
- Nice sound high quality
$190 at Amazon
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 help: 32-Bit/768kHz | Bluetooth: No | Weight: 10.8 ounces
When you’ve had some expertise with DACs and wish 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 value contemplating for severe 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 cell gadgets first, the Mojo 2 is extra of a hybrid gadget. The cell dongles above all take their energy from the participant you join them to, which is handy, however clearly is much less variety to your cellphone’s battery life. The Mojo 2 has an inner 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 subject 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 acquire reputation in gaming circles for its capability to mimic numerous consoles, however that very same flexibility is what makes it fascinating to the audio engineers at Chord.
When you want one thing that’s capital L loud, then the Mojo 2 is not going to disappoint. Proceed with warning right here. It’s truly 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 vary sound profiles with an excruciating degree of element.
The Mojo 2 has normal USB-C, microUSB, optical and coax inputs so it’s extra versatile than quite a lot of its competitors on this regard. Though it’s value noting you could solely cost the Mojo 2 by way of microUSB. In fact, there’s a cable supplied for this, however should you’ve absolutely made the change to USB-C, it’ll imply you must guard the charging cable carefully.
- Gives loud music output
- 32-Bit/768kHz help
- Onboard controls to vary sound profiles
- Costly
- Should cost gadget utilizing microUSB
$650 at Amazon
FiiO
Outputs: 1x 3.5mm singled-ended, 1x 4.4mm balanced | Inputs: 1x USB, 1x optical, 1x coaxial, 1x AUX | Max file help: 32-Bit/384kHz | Bluetooth: No | Weight: 2.51 kilos
When you do most of your listening at residence, the K7 from Fiio is a good place to start out. 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 features as each a DAC and a headphone amp, making it a strong 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 virtually any excessive constancy supply. Most conventional desktop audio interfaces help 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 – excellent for individuals 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 an enormous 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 offer it a pop of shade (it additionally adjustments shade relying on the “quality” of your audio supply).
There are two variations of the K7, and should you plonk down one other $50 you get Bluetooth receiver performance. This doesn’t imply you’ll be able to join wi-fi headphones, quite you’ll be able to hearken to music from wi-fi sources, reminiscent of 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 may possibly’t, learn concerning the BT-W5 above) you’ll be able to hearken to it via the K7.
- An excellent number of inputs
- 32-Bit/384kHz help
- Just for desktop use
- Should pay further for Bluetooth connectivity
$200 at Amazon
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. Gadgets that present sound, like a CD participant, Blu-ray participant, TV field, and so forth, require good DACs in order that the digital recordsdata may be decoded to be able to output audio. More often than not, a DAC is built-in to those gadgets, however typically 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 take pleasure in higher sounding music at a better pattern charge and bit-depth (aka decision), you’ll want an interface that helps it and wired headphones, doubtlessly utilizing a headphone amp for an enhanced expertise.
It’s value stating that “lossless” and “hi-res” are associated phrases, however not the identical factor and can fluctuate 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 have been typically 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 basic consensus is that hi-res is something with a pattern charge above 44.1kHz. More and more, although, the time period is getting used for something 96kHz and above.
This, in fact, isn’t solely about Apple’s new streaming codecs. Exterior DACs and audio interfaces are a good way to get the very best sound and improve your listening expertise typically. Particularly if you wish to get into the world of extra unique (learn: expensive) headphones, as they typically even require a DAC to supply sufficient clear digital sign to drive them. For audiophile headphones, a cellphone or laptop computer’s inner sound chipset typically 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 typically is an audio interface and many of the ones you’re shopping for for $7 (or that come free within the field) don’t help 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 inner 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 wi-fi headphones (thanks, Apple). The world of Bluetooth headphones adjustments issues slightly relating to searching for 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 strategy used to ship the musical information over to the headphones. It’s value checking to see in case your headphones help aptX and which model — aptX HD, aptX Adaptive are higher than normal and turning into extra frequent. Different methods exist, like Sony’s LDAC, however Qualcomm’s AptX has wider help 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.
