DAC reviews
April Music Stello DA100 DAC
The Korean company "April Music" runs different brands for different price segments of its assortment. Stello brand usually offers n equipment for middle category which is always very well constructed and as in the case with 100 series has a small, half a standard width, aluminum case. Now there is quite...
The Korean company "April Music" runs different brands for different price segments of its assortment. Stello brand usually offers n equipment for middle category which is always very well constructed and as in the case with 100 series has a small, half a standard width, aluminum case. Now there is quite...
Audiolab 8000DAC DAC
Here we have a DAC that is cleverly designed, excellently made and well-equipped; which measures superbly and which has earned the enthusiastic approval of a broad spectrum of listeners. The fact that it is also competitively priced is the icing on an exceedingly fine cake. That's how we concluded...
Here we have a DAC that is cleverly designed, excellently made and well-equipped; which measures superbly and which has earned the enthusiastic approval of a broad spectrum of listeners. The fact that it is also competitively priced is the icing on an exceedingly fine cake. That's how we concluded...
Audiolab M-DAC DAC
Externally, the M-DAC is markedly different from all the converters, which are still offered the audio industry. It is relatively small and lightweight, powered by an external adapter, but at the same time looks like a very serious device. The rear panel of five digital inputs: a pair of coaxial, pair...
Externally, the M-DAC is markedly different from all the converters, which are still offered the audio industry. It is relatively small and lightweight, powered by an external adapter, but at the same time looks like a very serious device. The rear panel of five digital inputs: a pair of coaxial, pair...
Audiolab Q-DAC DAC
Following on from the success of the M-DAC a couple of years back, Audiolab recently launched a stripped-down version with a slightly cheaper DAC chip and no rotary volume control or balanced XLR audio output sockets. Effectively a DAC preamp, the Q-DAC is very well specifi ed by the standards of the...
Following on from the success of the M-DAC a couple of years back, Audiolab recently launched a stripped-down version with a slightly cheaper DAC chip and no rotary volume control or balanced XLR audio output sockets. Effectively a DAC preamp, the Q-DAC is very well specifi ed by the standards of the...
Audioquest Dragonfly v.1.2 DAC
A small Dragonfly USB DAC is one of the most compact devices of this kind on the market - its dimensions are comparable to a standard USB flash drive. The case is made of a nice non-slip plastic with an unusually designed multi-color status indicator that reminds a dragonfly. This is the second modification...
A small Dragonfly USB DAC is one of the most compact devices of this kind on the market - its dimensions are comparable to a standard USB flash drive. The case is made of a nice non-slip plastic with an unusually designed multi-color status indicator that reminds a dragonfly. This is the second modification...
Benchmark DAC1 DAC
A few years ago Benchmark has become one of the companies that gave an impulse to the current revival of DACs. The company's reputation spread across the network in the manner of the real viral marketing. And although the Internet sometimes gives popularity to absolutely marginal products, DAC1 is really...
A few years ago Benchmark has become one of the companies that gave an impulse to the current revival of DACs. The company's reputation spread across the network in the manner of the real viral marketing. And although the Internet sometimes gives popularity to absolutely marginal products, DAC1 is really...
Blacknote DAC 30 DAC
Italian DAC30 is made in a simple, even rude way. It has simple steel chassis, enclosed by stamped cover with slots, surfaces painted in black powder enamel, simple buttons with the fixation on the faceplate... But in spite of external primitive, the device causes a lot of respect. On the narrow 240-mm...
Italian DAC30 is made in a simple, even rude way. It has simple steel chassis, enclosed by stamped cover with slots, surfaces painted in black powder enamel, simple buttons with the fixation on the faceplate... But in spite of external primitive, the device causes a lot of respect. On the narrow 240-mm...
BLACKNOTE DSS 30 TUBE DAC
In front of us - a very unusual thing. CEO Bluenote (it owns the brand Blacknote) and one of the developers of DSS 30 Tube, Maurizio Aterini, confident that devices based on this principle, the future belongs. Completely agree with him. Abbreviation DSS stands as: Digital Static Source - digital static...
In front of us - a very unusual thing. CEO Bluenote (it owns the brand Blacknote) and one of the developers of DSS 30 Tube, Maurizio Aterini, confident that devices based on this principle, the future belongs. Completely agree with him. Abbreviation DSS stands as: Digital Static Source - digital static...
Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS DAC
The aim of the British developers was to create the most compact DAC that would be able to improve the sound of modern portable devices. DacMagic XS is a miniature USB-converter, combined with a high-quality headphone amplifier. It does not require additional power, and convenient non-slip buttons are...
The aim of the British developers was to create the most compact DAC that would be able to improve the sound of modern portable devices. DacMagic XS is a miniature USB-converter, combined with a high-quality headphone amplifier. It does not require additional power, and convenient non-slip buttons are...
Cary Audio DAC100t DAC
American Cary Audio has become widely known in audiophile circles thanks to a wide range of tube amplifiers that have been produced over the years. They are present in the current catalog of the company, but most of it is still high-tech products that meet the requirements of modern music lovers. I...
American Cary Audio has become widely known in audiophile circles thanks to a wide range of tube amplifiers that have been produced over the years. They are present in the current catalog of the company, but most of it is still high-tech products that meet the requirements of modern music lovers. I...
Chord Chordette Peach DAC
In due time Chordette Gem gave to people with little means the possibilities of Chord DACs and also its technology of Bluetooth use. Peach is essentially the same Gem but with added coaxial and optical inputs. There is the inscription "Gem Mk 2" on the circuit board inside and it is enclosed into the...
In due time Chordette Gem gave to people with little means the possibilities of Chord DACs and also its technology of Bluetooth use. Peach is essentially the same Gem but with added coaxial and optical inputs. There is the inscription "Gem Mk 2" on the circuit board inside and it is enclosed into the...
Denon DA-300USB DAC
Not so long ago the Japanese company Denon joined the ranks of manufacturers offering incredibly popular today compact DACs with USB support. The model was named DA-300USB and at an attractive price can boast an incredibly wide range of features. Judge for yourself: in addition to standard PCM (24/192),...
Not so long ago the Japanese company Denon joined the ranks of manufacturers offering incredibly popular today compact DACs with USB support. The model was named DA-300USB and at an attractive price can boast an incredibly wide range of features. Judge for yourself: in addition to standard PCM (24/192),...
Denon DA-500 DAC
As refinements in the design of conventional digital-to-analog (D/A) converters have narrowed the gap between actual performance and theoretical ideal, equipment manufacturers have increasingly sought unconventional means of expanding the performance envelope and, not coincidentally, differentiating...
As refinements in the design of conventional digital-to-analog (D/A) converters have narrowed the gap between actual performance and theoretical ideal, equipment manufacturers have increasingly sought unconventional means of expanding the performance envelope and, not coincidentally, differentiating...
Furutech ADL GT40 DAC
Despite its small size, Furutech GT40 is endowed with extremely wide functionality. In addition to the USB-converter, it has a built-in phono amplifier for MM and MC heads, a preliminary amplifier and an amplifier for headphones. The metal case is precisely made and, due to its compact size, an external...
Despite its small size, Furutech GT40 is endowed with extremely wide functionality. In addition to the USB-converter, it has a built-in phono amplifier for MM and MC heads, a preliminary amplifier and an amplifier for headphones. The metal case is precisely made and, due to its compact size, an external...
Hegel HD11 DAC
The assortment of mid-range DACs on the market is rather poor - this is affected by the orientation of manufacturers towards the young Internet generation of listeners. As for the uncompromising elite models, then they are not worth talking about. In the era of network technologies and computer formats,...
The assortment of mid-range DACs on the market is rather poor - this is affected by the orientation of manufacturers towards the young Internet generation of listeners. As for the uncompromising elite models, then they are not worth talking about. In the era of network technologies and computer formats,...
Hegel HD12 DAC
Hegel HD12 replaced HD11, although it looks more like a flagship HD20 with a large display in the center of the front panel. The main difference is the headphone jack. The signal is fed from the built-in high-quality amplifier, which makes the new DAC absolutely self-sufficient. Another feature of HD12...
Hegel HD12 replaced HD11, although it looks more like a flagship HD20 with a large display in the center of the front panel. The main difference is the headphone jack. The signal is fed from the built-in high-quality amplifier, which makes the new DAC absolutely self-sufficient. Another feature of HD12...
Hegel HD20 DAC
The Hegel HD20 DAC is notable for its performance - the compact case is made of metal with a significant margin of safety. The front panel has only the company logo and display - all switching is done with a miniature remote control. The rear panel has a jack for a standard power cable, power supply...
The Hegel HD20 DAC is notable for its performance - the compact case is made of metal with a significant margin of safety. The front panel has only the company logo and display - all switching is done with a miniature remote control. The rear panel has a jack for a standard power cable, power supply...
Hegel HD25 DAC
The Norwegian manufacturer refers HD25 to High End class, having done everything possible to attract the attention of demanding music lovers. The model harmoniously combines both time proved and innovative technical solutions. Although the device is made in the same case as the previous Hegel DACs,...
The Norwegian manufacturer refers HD25 to High End class, having done everything possible to attract the attention of demanding music lovers. The model harmoniously combines both time proved and innovative technical solutions. Although the device is made in the same case as the previous Hegel DACs,...
Lavry DA10 DAC
DA10 has no RCA outputs but you can find a curious feature inside: you can set each of pins 2 and 3 on the XLR outputs on "phase" or "earth", providing compatibility with imbalanced systems, and use RCA adaptors. Inputs include both types S/PDIF and AES/EBU. The selection is made by three-position switch...
DA10 has no RCA outputs but you can find a curious feature inside: you can set each of pins 2 and 3 on the XLR outputs on "phase" or "earth", providing compatibility with imbalanced systems, and use RCA adaptors. Inputs include both types S/PDIF and AES/EBU. The selection is made by three-position switch...
Luxman DA-200 DAC
Although this device is itemized as digital-to-analog converter in the documentation, and a full-sized, it has a first class telephone amplifier, borrowed from the specialized amplifier - Luxman P-200. Therefore, in the face of DA-200 you receive two, or rather three devices in one - the converter, designed...
Although this device is itemized as digital-to-analog converter in the documentation, and a full-sized, it has a first class telephone amplifier, borrowed from the specialized amplifier - Luxman P-200. Therefore, in the face of DA-200 you receive two, or rather three devices in one - the converter, designed...
Meridian Director DAC
Meridian, lest we forget, was one of the very earliest entrants to the DAC market, way back in the mid nineteen eighties. It has taken digital very seriously, and subsequently built much of its business around it. So when this Huntingdon-based company does a new digital convertor, the world sits up and...
Meridian, lest we forget, was one of the very earliest entrants to the DAC market, way back in the mid nineteen eighties. It has taken digital very seriously, and subsequently built much of its business around it. So when this Huntingdon-based company does a new digital convertor, the world sits up and...
Musical Fidelity V90-DAC DAC
This company's entry-level DACs have come a long way - not so long ago its V-DAC predecessor came in an unattractive metal box with lurid graphics, which rather undersold the respectable circuitry inside. Now though, the new V90 a very swish-looking affair - it looks like a high-end product that's shrunk...
This company's entry-level DACs have come a long way - not so long ago its V-DAC predecessor came in an unattractive metal box with lurid graphics, which rather undersold the respectable circuitry inside. Now though, the new V90 a very swish-looking affair - it looks like a high-end product that's shrunk...
NAD D 1050 DAC
As it is stated in the signature description of the NAD D 1050 DAC, it is "the best aid to connect your music computer to the Hi-Fi-system". Optimism is the inherent quality of the professional marketers, but the authority of the NAD still allows us to hope that this phrase has a big grain of truth. It...
As it is stated in the signature description of the NAD D 1050 DAC, it is "the best aid to connect your music computer to the Hi-Fi-system". Optimism is the inherent quality of the professional marketers, but the authority of the NAD still allows us to hope that this phrase has a big grain of truth. It...
NAD M51 DAC
The M51 DAC is made with the company's inherent solidity and extensive functionality. Despite the slim body, the device has a massive front panel made of aluminum. It is extremely laconic - power switch, display and input selection button. The remote control is included. The M51 is not only suitable...
The M51 DAC is made with the company's inherent solidity and extensive functionality. Despite the slim body, the device has a massive front panel made of aluminum. It is extremely laconic - power switch, display and input selection button. The remote control is included. The M51 is not only suitable...
Naim DAC-V1 DAC
Naim DAC-V1 is assembled in the branded casted body, has an unmistakably recognizable design and ergonomics. Among the digital inputs there is an asynchronous USB interface through which you can set a signal with a maximum resolution of 24/384. For this, you have to download and install the driver. In...
Naim DAC-V1 is assembled in the branded casted body, has an unmistakably recognizable design and ergonomics. Among the digital inputs there is an asynchronous USB interface through which you can set a signal with a maximum resolution of 24/384. For this, you have to download and install the driver. In...
NuForce DAC9 DAC
Californian company NuForce, despite the relatively modest experience on audio market, quickly gained recognition among audiophiles. Its engineers think progressively, prone to non-standard approaches in the design, use the most advanced electronic components. Looking at DAC9, and do not say that...
Californian company NuForce, despite the relatively modest experience on audio market, quickly gained recognition among audiophiles. Its engineers think progressively, prone to non-standard approaches in the design, use the most advanced electronic components. Looking at DAC9, and do not say that...
Nuforce Icon DAC DAC
A young American company never fails to amaze with advanced digital technology, combining non-trivial constructive solutions and catchy modern design. Nuforce Icon DAC is intended to work with a personal computer. On the rear panel, you can find analog RCA inputs, a USB 2.0 port, and a coaxial output....
A young American company never fails to amaze with advanced digital technology, combining non-trivial constructive solutions and catchy modern design. Nuforce Icon DAC is intended to work with a personal computer. On the rear panel, you can find analog RCA inputs, a USB 2.0 port, and a coaxial output....
Onkyo DAC-HA200 DAC
Digital to analog converters, as separate units, reversing the past few years have returned in a big way and allow users to listen to high quality music from your PC, on the other hand listening to music on the move remains mostly limited quality output on today's smartphones are by far the most popular...
Digital to analog converters, as separate units, reversing the past few years have returned in a big way and allow users to listen to high quality music from your PC, on the other hand listening to music on the move remains mostly limited quality output on today's smartphones are by far the most popular...
Parasound Zdac DAC
Parasound Zdac converter is made in 1/2U format. Despite the small dimensions of the body, you can find a fairly serious filling. The converter has a linear power supply based on decent in size toroidal transformer, with a margin providing clean energy for all circuits. The digital part is built on an...
Parasound Zdac converter is made in 1/2U format. Despite the small dimensions of the body, you can find a fairly serious filling. The converter has a linear power supply based on decent in size toroidal transformer, with a margin providing clean energy for all circuits. The digital part is built on an...
Primare DAC30 DAC
In the line of audio components of the Swedish company Primare clearly lacked a separate digital-to-analog converter. And such a device finally appeared, and at once the flagship of "thirtieth" lineup. But before I introduce him to you, I must warn - this model is able to change preconceived ideas about...
In the line of audio components of the Swedish company Primare clearly lacked a separate digital-to-analog converter. And such a device finally appeared, and at once the flagship of "thirtieth" lineup. But before I introduce him to you, I must warn - this model is able to change preconceived ideas about...
Pro-Ject DAC Box DS DAC
This Austrian brand is mostly famous for its turntables and it still makes a wide range of competitive designs. As far back as the mid nineties, the company made integrated amplifiers, but it's only recently that the electronics range has really taken off in the UK. The 'Box' series is now vast and confusing...
This Austrian brand is mostly famous for its turntables and it still makes a wide range of competitive designs. As far back as the mid nineties, the company made integrated amplifiers, but it's only recently that the electronics range has really taken off in the UK. The 'Box' series is now vast and confusing...
Quad Link D-1 DAC
The packaging, admittedly, looks quite impressive. But, as it turns out, the lion's share of the box is taken by the polyethylene foam tray, and the device itself is very tiny. However, it is very solidly made. The specialists of the British company Quad have put it in a solid enclosure made of metal...
The packaging, admittedly, looks quite impressive. But, as it turns out, the lion's share of the box is taken by the polyethylene foam tray, and the device itself is very tiny. However, it is very solidly made. The specialists of the British company Quad have put it in a solid enclosure made of metal...
Rega DAC DAC
The Rega DAC has been in production for quite a long time. The digital path is implemented on two Wolfson WM8742 chips and has much in common with the circuitry of the top-of-the-line Rega Isis CD player. In particular, the signal is fed into a buffer just before processing, which should noticeably reduce...
The Rega DAC has been in production for quite a long time. The digital path is implemented on two Wolfson WM8742 chips and has much in common with the circuitry of the top-of-the-line Rega Isis CD player. In particular, the signal is fed into a buffer just before processing, which should noticeably reduce...
Simaudio MOON 300D DAC
MOON 300D is not very specific power (power supply 10 V*A and the total capacity of the filter capacitors in the 13 200 uF), but it has as many as eight steps Input voltage adjustable. Digital stream inlet exposed eight times oversampling for converter Burr-Brown PCM1793, a proprietary patented jitter...
MOON 300D is not very specific power (power supply 10 V*A and the total capacity of the filter capacitors in the 13 200 uF), but it has as many as eight steps Input voltage adjustable. Digital stream inlet exposed eight times oversampling for converter Burr-Brown PCM1793, a proprietary patented jitter...
T+A DAC 8 DAC
A complete description of all the technical details and solutions used in the T+A DAC 8, it would take up too much space, but it can easily be found on the manufacturer's website. If the outline is short, the digital to analog conversion takes four chip Burr-Brown PCM5142 with a resolution of 32 bit/384...
A complete description of all the technical details and solutions used in the T+A DAC 8, it would take up too much space, but it can easily be found on the manufacturer's website. If the outline is short, the digital to analog conversion takes four chip Burr-Brown PCM5142 with a resolution of 32 bit/384...
TAD DA1000 DAC
Advantage USB-converters to CD-players in that way from the studio original audio to the listener, a much shorter than in the records from the CD. But this is not the only advantage of this type of technology. DAC - it is, in fact, a computer, and here for imagination development is much broader than...
Advantage USB-converters to CD-players in that way from the studio original audio to the listener, a much shorter than in the records from the CD. But this is not the only advantage of this type of technology. DAC - it is, in fact, a computer, and here for imagination development is much broader than...
Tangent Booster DAC2 DAC
The portable Tangent Booster DAC2 combines a USB converter and headphone amplifier. The miniature aluminum thing is designed for connection to a computer via a microUSB connector and has an additional linear input for switching with various portable equipment. Thanks to the built-in lithium battery,...
The portable Tangent Booster DAC2 combines a USB converter and headphone amplifier. The miniature aluminum thing is designed for connection to a computer via a microUSB connector and has an additional linear input for switching with various portable equipment. Thanks to the built-in lithium battery,...
Wadia 151 PowerDAC mini DAC
For companies Wadia, which for two decades has developed and produced exclusively digital sources and converters, PowerDAC mini - first experience of creating integrated amplifier, also very unusual - in a miniature package and without the usual analog inputs. And mentally I was ready to take it easy...
For companies Wadia, which for two decades has developed and produced exclusively digital sources and converters, PowerDAC mini - first experience of creating integrated amplifier, also very unusual - in a miniature package and without the usual analog inputs. And mentally I was ready to take it easy...