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A DAC cannot substitute for an amplifier and an amplifier cannot substitute for a DAC. The Hugo 2 now provides a superior sound over just the SR15 by itself. For example, if you own the Astell & Kern SP2000 you can use it as the digital source with the Chord Hugo 2. However, upgrading from a Stereo Receiver to a separate Preamp and Amplifier can elevate the sound performance of the system, so too can using the DAP as a digital source and adding a higher performance DAC. Most digital audio players come equipped with a high-end digital to analog converter, which attributes to the premium cost of the device. You will not need a DAC for your DAP, or Digital Audio Player. There are many kinds of DACs for varying usage scenarios.
#Digital to analog audio converter reviews portable
Do you like to listen to music in the comfort of your home, or perhaps you have a designated space for your sound system? A desktop or table-top DAC would be a good fit the Hugo TT 2 is a great option, and the Chord Hugo 2 is a powerful portable DAC that can also serve as a dual purpose DAC in your home system as well. Do you travel frequently or do you like to listen to your music while on the go? Then perhaps a portable DAC like the Chord Mojo would be appropriate for your personal use. The differences really depend on how you listen to your music. Each circuit design is unique and provides a different coloration or flavor of the sound. There are a number of DACs designed for specific purposes and/or sound signatures. To learn more about DACs and how they work, check out our “What Is A DAC” guide. It processes the digital data of your music collection and converts it to an analog sound so that your amplifier can play the music to a speaker or headphone. For more technical information on how digital-to-analog converters work, head over to our “ What Is A DAC” page.ĭAC stands for Digital to Analog Converter. Chord Electronics, Matrix Audio and Bricasti Design are the top branded DACs that we recommend for home system use. There are a number of brands that make some remarkable desktop DAC components. iBasso is another great brand that makes portable DACs. The Chord Mojo is probably one of the best and most versatile options when it comes to portable DACs. Chord Electronics is a very popular brand that specializes in both portable and desktop digital-to-analog converters. Portable variations are much smaller than their desktop counterparts, but provide just as good performance and either run off an internal battery or USB power if connected to a computer or device. That is why external or standalone DACs will always sound better than the factory or stock internal options on most consumer devices.ĭACs, fortunately, come in many shapes and sizes. Having a standalone DAC is preferred because that DAC is created to do one thing only: to be the English to Spanish translator, or in this case, convert your digital signal to an analog one. In a device like your smartphone, where it can do a million-and-one things, having to convert your digital signal to analog is an afterthought for many phone manufacturers, and they often include subpar converters. Most of your electronic devices have built-in DACs already. They help process your digital music at a higher level of performance compared to an all-in-one device such as your phone or computer (see “ What is a DAC?”). External DACs, or Digital to Analog converters, are an essential part of your audiophile setup.