Affordable and high-quality DACs for iPhone.
Android brand has invested lots of time and effort into developing smartphones with high-res audio support and such policy appeals to numerous users. Apple company doesn’t take steps in this direction with their phones running iOS, so no wonder people are searching for the best DAC for iPhone. That is a really strange tendency as initially iPhones have serious audio capabilities and can even surpass rival products when it comes to pure audio quality. If you complement your device with a decent DAC, you can expect the most remarkable sounding.
If you have already started your search for the best DAC for iPhone, you are likely to be overwhelmed with over 3000 available options. That makes the shopping process more complicated and time-consuming. If you don’t want to deal with all those offers on your own, read this article and choose from our top picks.
Inputs: USB Type-C, Type-A | Outputs: 3.5 mm | Bluetooth: No | Max sample rate support: 32 bit /784 kHz PCM
The innovative iFi Hip-Dac is a portable high-quality audio device with a simple yet elegant design and powerful abilities. Ideal for people on the move, the iFi Hip-Dac transceivers a range of frequencies which are easily retrieved by compatible I-Pod or iPhone devices.
With a rich and robust sound as richly detailed and flavourful as a fine single malt - the iFi Hip-Dac transceiver is a perfect choice for any music fan on-the move. Sleek, compact and perfectly balanced, the iFi Hip-Dac transceiver is also a perfect companion for any professional DJ. With the ability to transmit up to 8 channels of digital audio over a USB connection, the portable transceiver is perfect for any mobility need.
Inputs: Bluetooth | Outputs: 3.5 mm | Bluetooth: Yes | Max sample rate support: 24 bit / 192 kHz PCM
Ear Studios created the best cheap DAC with a unique feature that has never been done before in such a simple and sleek design. There are light indicators and directional buttons on the front which makes it easy for the user to change volume without much hassle.
One of the great features of the Earstudio ES100 Dac is that it acts just like an ordinary earphone yet provides a very high quality sound. The sound quality can be increased by plugging in the microphone into the USB port of the computer. Another great feature of the Ear Studio ES100 Dac is that it comes with a remote control feature which makes it very convenient to use and transfer data from the computer to the headphones.
Inputs: Bluetooth | Outputs: 3.5 mm | Bluetooth: Yes | Max sample rate support: 32 bit / 384 kHz PCM
When it comes to headphones, it's important to remember that the larger the driver, the better the sound quality. There are many models available from several top companies, but the best one for your needs is the Audiolab M-Dac Nano, which has a lightweight design and includes Audiolab's patented Noise cancellation technology.
With its powerful amplifier, the M-DC AC/DC Adapter allows you to connect to your iPod or iPhone with the assurance that your sound quality will not be negatively affected by any environmental factors. You can even go to the beach, hiking, or anywhere else and enjoy your music or talk with confidence, knowing that your sound quality is the best.
Inputs: USB Type-C | Outputs: 3.5 mm | Bluetooth: Yes | Max sample rate support: 32 bit / 768 kHz PCM
The unique feature of the FiiO Q5S is that it works just like a regular dynamic Bluetooth headset or earbud except that it also utilizes an advanced digital audio processor and therefore comes with a high definition audio output along with it. You can clearly hear the dialogue that is coming out of the phone even through your headphones even if you are traveling at five miles per hour or at a hundred miles per hour.
The Q5S's sound quality is not bad and is in fact comparable to most top-quality phones used in the workplace. Compared to a regular phone which has a low battery and no microphone, this kind of digital device will be a great investment especially if you are traveling. It has a very easy system of transferring files, as the device has a software CD burner that makes it very easy to transfer files from your phone using your laptop or other device of choice.
Inputs: Bluetooth | Outputs: 3.5 mm | Bluetooth: Yes | Max sample rate support: 32 bit / 384 kHz PCM
Lotoo PAW S1 Portable USB DAC-Amp is one of the top handphone recording devices available today. The device uses an innovative technology called Piezo Effect for superior sound quality. The device has a large, touch-sensitive display on the front which acts as a speaker volume control. The user just touches and holds the front of the device to control volume. The unit has two RCA inputs as well as one mono input with an XLR option. The dac connect adaptor connects the phone line into the unit for use with any electronic device.
The Lotoo PAW S1 Portable USB DAC-Amp can be used to record music from all types of devices including: iPods, PDAs, iPhone, Windows Mobile, and other mobile phones with the use of a short cable. The unit has a light weight design which makes it easy to carry. It also comes with a convenient carrying case that makes it convenient to use. It is also a lot lighter than most other dac converters on the market today.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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iFi Hip-dac Portable
Stylish
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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EarStudio ES100
Budget
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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Audiolab M-DAC Nano
Wireless
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CHECK PRICE → |
Portable USB DACs are meant for connecting to various devices, e.g. smartphones or tablets. You can also use them as small-sized headphone amplifiers for your desktop and as a PC DAC. Some types of USB DACs can draw power from a USB port of your computer, so you don’t have to worry about the power source. Compact dimensions of such devices are of tremendous importance for people, who travel a lot and want to get decent sound quality without carrying around bulky equipment.
If you frequently use headphones while watching movies, playing games or listening to music, you definitely should have a closer look at this type of DAC. It is usually budget-friendly and has an integrated amplifier that takes care of producing good quality sound. If you want to get the most out of your headphones and catch the slightest changes in sound tones, this model of DACs can be your ideal variant. Headphone amps can also be used as an efficient digital pre-amp if you plan to connect your home stereo system with headphones.
The variety of DACs is truly mind-blowing and you need to choose attentively to get a robust device that can improve the quality of your playback manifold. Most DACs are battery-powered and have small dimensions. Some models can’t offer multiple connection inputs, while others amaze with a plethora of connectivity features.
A DAC improves the audio quality of your iPhone by converting digital audio signals into analog signals with greater accuracy and precision, resulting in clearer and more faithful sound reproduction. It enhances the dynamic range, reduces distortion, and allows for a more detailed and immersive listening experience.
Yes, you can do it with the help of an adapter or dock that converts the port to a compatible connection. However, compatibility and functionality may vary depending on the specific adapter or dock you use, so it's important to research and ensure compatibility before making a purchase.
The ability to support high-resolution audio depends on the specifications and capabilities of the DAC itself, so it's important to check the specifications of a DAC to ensure it supports the desired audio resolution before making a purchase.
