What is a DAC, and why do you need one?
Digital to analogue converter is DAC. You are using a DAC in one form or another whether or not you use any audio or visual equipment. Digital formats (0s and 1s) save audio in all the digital devices—including music players, TVs, CD players, and gaming consoles). Human ears cannot decode this digital language since it is intended for the machines. To enable us to hear the sound, the digital signal must thus be transformed into analogue signal.
A digital-to- analogue converter (DAC) serves to translate digital impulses into audible sound for human use. DACs found in modern computers, tablets, smartphones, LED TVs, Blu-ray players guarantees that the sound is clear and understandable.
FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier
The FiiO E10K features the XUF208 microcontroller with an advanced multi-core RISC architecture for the USB decoding. This DAC and headphone amplifier has a high/low gain switch and bass boost to suit every listener’s preference. High gain is useful for the high impedance headphones that need more power to produce louder sound, while the bass boost is useful to increase the low end response for most music genres. The PCM5102 DAC chip of the E10K enhances sound quality and boasts powerful output with a very good transient response. The E10K features an 1/8” headphone jack, 1/8” rear line out and a coaxial digital output which makes it compatible with many devices. Experience better sound quality with the FiiO E10K.
Features
- Equipped with low pass filter to reduce noise levels
- Internal silence on changing tracks
- Its slim and portable design allows portable use
- PCM supports up to 32bit/384kHz to capture every tiny detail of audio
The FiiO E10K is a USB DAC and headphone amplifier with two gain levels and features a Type-C connector and a variety of headphone/coaxial/line outputs.
iFi Hip-DAC Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier
The iFi Hip DAC is a portable headphone amplifier that is engineered to enhance your music with a handy design that can be easily carried around when traveling. This compact device can easily outperform other subpar DACs and amplifiers for your smart device, PC or Mac. This DAC has individual knobs to set the impedance to the type of headphones used and a bass knob that boosts the bass when listening to music. It is fitted with a Burr-Brown chip from Texas Instruments and this gives it excellent sound quality. For portability and flexibility, the iFi Hip DAC has a balanced 4. 4mm and S-Bal 3. It has standard 5mm headphone jacks for easy plugging into any USB device that you may have. Get crystal clear sound with the iFi Hip DAC, a portable and high-performing device.
Features
- Compatible with Tidal to stream MQA (Master quality authenticated)
- High definition audio format to enjoy music from online media to MP3
- This amplifier offers a maximum output power of 400 MW
- Supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256
iFi Hip DAC is a pocket-sized headphone amplifier equipped with the latest components to prevent unwanted noise and deliver flawless sound. Its sleek and compact design gives it a charm of its appearance.
Donner DAC Headphone Amplifier
Donner, a popular company in the musical instruments and accessories, has recently introduced a new high-quality, mid-range, 96K/24Bit multipurpose headphone amplifier. This amplifier has a dynamic OLED display that displays the audio frequency, volume control, and other functions that you can set easily. To support a variety of devices, the Donner DAC headphone amplifier comes with three audio output ports: It has an RCA port, a coaxial port, and a USB-C port for connecting iOS/Android mobile phones and computers, etc. One interesting aspect of this amplifier is that it can supply power to your phone or tablet when connected, thus you will not need to carry an adapter or a power bank. It also has pre-set bands like the rock, pop, classical, jazz, and EDM to ensure that you get the right beats for your music.
Features
- Build with the CS4344 DAC chip for high-quality signal production
- 5-band equalizer to adjust the music bass and treble of the audio signal
- OLED display to display five-segment equalizer
Donner DAC Headphone Amplifier is used to amplify the audio signal from headphones. If you are a music lover looking for better music beats, this is the device for you as there are five built-in frequency bands to enjoy different beats of musical instruments.
HIDIZS Ultra-Portable Amplifier
The HIDIZS Ultra-Portable Amplifier is a portable dongle which is used to boost the sound output from different mobile gadgets. It supports almost all the mobile operating systems such as Mac OS, iPad OS, iOS, Android, and Windows to name a few. Certified by JAS and CEA for supporting digital audio resolution up to 24 bit / 96 kHz, the HIDIZS amplifier provides the original sound output and high quality music. It supports MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) while consuming less power and producing almost no noise. It comes with a high quality silver cable that transmits high quality sound to the headphones or speakers. It also has three pre-set melodies that are suitable for all music enthusiasts and makes the listening experience even better with crystal clear sound quality.
Features
- Panasonic capacitor integration for a better listening experience
- The LED display shows different colors depending on the audio frequency
- Support S3 Pro phone to enjoy TIDAL Masters, HiBy Music, and Apple Music
- Ability to receive calls without turning off the device
It is one of the latest and smallest high-resolution DAC devices (20 mm diameter and 90 mm), equipped with the ESS9281C PRO chipset, which supports ultra-low distortion and PCM (pulse code modulation) up to 32 bit/384 kHz.
FiiO K3 Headphone Amplifier
The FiiO K3 is a portable headphone amplifier that has earned its reputation for its high-quality DAC. With the latest chips and features, it guarantees a better audio signal with low noise output. The device uses XMOS chip for PCM bit decoding up to 384 kHz and native DSD256 and the dual crystal oscillator provides accurate digital to analog conversion, improving sound quality without any loss. The interior design of the FiiO K3 consists of two main sections: It has digital processing, which is done by the AKM AK4452 chip and the analog signal processing through the use of the amplifier circuit. These sections are powered independently to minimize interaction and interference and to give a clearer sound. The OPA 926 operational amplifiers used in the FiiO K3 provide high output, low noise and low distortion, which is perfect for the audiophiles who want a portable device that delivers quality sound.
Features
- High performance with 32-bit VELVET sound technology
- Integrated with surge protection and dual filters for current stability
- USB Type-C input for connecting all the latest electronic devices
- ADC volume control for smooth and even audio output, regardless of headphone sensitivity
The K3 headphone amplifier works with a wide variety of headphones. Its new hardware bass amplifier enhances the dynamic frequency range to provide additional themes for songs, games, and movies.
Conclusion
As for the headphone amplifier, most DACs come with it, and that would be the most suitable because getting a separate DAC and an amplifier is costly and cumbersome. Here, your smartphone or Personal Computer may not have a high-precision DAC since it is built-in. In such a situation, a DAC with a built-in headphone amplifier is a great upgrade. If you’re searching for a portable DAC for your phone or the ultimate system for your home, you have to get a good one.