Affordable and high-quality USB DACs.
You might not even realize but most of us use at least one digital-to-analog converter, also known as DAC daily. If you use any device that transmits digital audio, then you’re among those who deal with DAC. It doesn't matter if you're using a console, Blu-ray player, portable speaker, or smartphone, audio output requires conversion to an analog signal, which is what the DAC is responsible for. Without a digital-to-analog converter, all music is just a lot of “0s and 1s” (we'll talk about this later), only the digital realm gives meaning to these “0s and 1s”. As you’ve understood, DAC is essential for digital music production.
Although this technology is neglected by the majority, in our article we will talk about the best USB DAC options. We’d recommend taking a closer look at what a digital-to-analog converter is, what effect it has on the quality of the produced sound. Besides, we offer you a list of decent models that are available today.
Using DACs, you can convert digital audio to analog formats to get sound perceivable by our ears. Let's take a closer look at these wonderful devices to understand which DAC is best for you.
Inputs: USB Type C | Outputs: 3.5 mm | Bluetooth: No | Max sample rate support: 24-bit / 96kHz PCM
AudioQuest Dragonfly USB Chipset / Headphones amplifier is a new product by Audioquest that has been developed with the "going digital" in mind. AudioQuest has a long history in the industry and has designed, developed, manufactured, and supplied audio products to a wide market including professional studios, home theaters, podcasting enthusiasts, home offices, and every place where you turn to listen to music. AudioQuest technology has an advantage over many other brands and models currently on the market, including common digital media players like the iPod and the iPhone.
AudioQuest Dragonfly Black USB adapter fits into virtually any modern laptop or desktop computer and offers professional sound quality as well as affordability. The built quality of this product is excellent; the cables and connectors are sturdy and the overall build of the product is very solid. The dragonfly series features a USB connection, which offers fast and simple data transfer abilities. In our review of the Dragonfly Black USB adapter, we found that the build quality and the cables of the product are above average for this price point; the audio quality of this adapter is also very good.
Inputs: USB Type C | Outputs: 3.5 mm | Bluetooth: No | Max sample rate support: 32-bit / 384kHz PCM
CLIPTHAT HiFi is one of the new products from CLIPT Corporation, a company that deals in high-end audio/video equipment. Their latest product is the USBADIC Hi Fi PCI. It is quite compact and has all the features you would expect out of a high-end device. This review will look at what the advantages of using this type-a USB adapter are and whether it is as good as the conventional type-c to mini-type-c or mini-mini types. This device will also explore how the audio quality is compared with conventional types and discover whether the audio adapter delivers adequate sound quality. The advantages are discussed in detail below.
One of the major advantages of using this USB adapter for recording hi-res music files on your computer or laptop is that it is compatible with the majority of common computers and laptops. This is a good benefit, since you do not have to buy a separate driver software program to use this type-a USB adapter since the device itself is USB ready. You can just use the normal USB cable to connect it to your computer. The advantage here is that you can directly record without having to use external recording software like the Windows Media Player. The sound quality delivered by the Clip tha Hi Fi PCI is high-quality and comparable to conventional types with the same sample rate and bandwidth.
Inputs: Bluetooth | Outputs: USB-C, USB-3.0, 3,5 mm Jack | Bluetooth: Yes | Max sample rate support: 32 bit / 384 kHz PCM
FiiO BTR5-384K for example has five different channels, easy to use controls, and even a high-resolution lossless player with aptx hd, ldac hifi Bluetooth, and a radio. It also comes with a stand by remote control that allows you to enjoy your favorite media without worrying about turning off your home entertainment system. You will love the fact that the BTR5-384K is small and compact so it easily fits on your desk top or even in your briefcase.
When it comes to sound quality, the FiiO BTR5-384K provides you with high resolution audio that rivals even the most expensive ipods and phones. Even, with the built in speakers it provides you with excellent sound quality. You get the same great sound that you would get from a high end sound system without spending so much money. The fact that it comes with a remote control as well as two ear buds means that you can continue to enjoy your favorite tracks even when you are traveling.
Inputs: USB-3.0 | Outputs: 3/5 mm mini Jack | Bluetooth: No | Max sample rate support: 24-bit / 96kHz PCM
The XtremePro X1-1 is a USBADC digital audio interface amplifier with four line outputs for connecting a mixer, an audio interface or as an input for connecting a direct recording into your computer. This review concentrates on the advantages and disadvantages of this product for professional users and amateur audio hobbyists. For professional users, there are basically two advantages you should consider if you are planning to buy this product. First, it is designed for professional recording studios that require multiple input options. It has a high FET power supply and a very sensitive amp with low impedance.
Second, you should consider its compatibility with the best usb dac amplifier around. This feature determines the quality of your sound and the compatibility of your device with the XtremePro X1-1. It is designed with a USB converter that lets you convert any standard USB A to DC output for use with any type of devices. Therefore, you need to make sure that your chosen USB dac amplifier can work with this device.
Inputs: USB/Coaxial/Optical | Outputs: RCA/Headphone | Bluetooth: No | Max sample rate support: 24-bit / 96kHz PCM
The FX-Audio DAC-EK is a new product from Audio-IQ that looks at things in a slightly different way than other USBDACs. It is made out of high-grade, brushed aluminum, has nice metal knobs you never suspect it costs so little. You also get a headphone amplifier with volume knob that really feels good to use, especially with the built-in noise canceling feature.
Another great thing about the FX Audio DAC-EK is that it works extremely well with all of your current recording software. It supports the latest popular versions of Pro Tools and Cubase, both of which are quite popular amongst digital audio producers. So if you use any of those programs on a regular basis, this is an excellent product to consider. Another pro is that it works very simply and can drive any pair of headphones from AKG to Insomnia without any noticeable clipping. For those that may be concerned about this, you should know that the audio interface also eliminates interference from other components on the device.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt
Our Choice
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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CLIPTHAT HiFi
Compact
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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FiiO BTR5-384K
Budget
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CHECK PRICE → |
Synchronous USB DACs are inferior to other models in terms of quality. Typically, this USB DAC is used in the cheapest devices, so we don’t recommend considering the option. Because the USB Synchronous DAC receives packets each time the data sends them, it causes crashes every couple of seconds due to the difference between the two clocks.
The adaptive type means that a DAC adjusts its clock to receive data from the device each time it sends the information. Due to the constant adaptation of the DAC clock, it lacks a consistent and accurate master clock, resulting in jitter in the audio stream.
In the case of using both types, the computer determines the time of sending the data packets.
Asynchronous is the best USB DAC, albeit the most difficult to implement. Data packets are sent on a schedule, depending on the timing of its clock, which results in minimal jitter and delivers high-quality audio. Asynchronous USB is used in all latest DACs as the CX and 851 ranges.
