16 Best Dac of 2023 Reviews
David Raum Mar 28, 2023 8:42 PM
It seems like just a few years ago, we were only using headphones to listen to music or watch movies. Now, there are so many different types of devices that can be used to listen to music and watch movies. Whether you're a fan of streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, or you prefer owning your music and watching movies offline, there are plenty of great options out there for you. In this article, we'll be taking a look at the best DACs of 2023.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 S/PDIF Digital to Analog Converter DAC with Toslink Input, TV Compatible, 192kHz
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 S PDIF Digital to Analog Converter DAC is a high performance device that offers 192kHz playback for superior sound quality.
Best Budget: iFi Zen Blue V2 - HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver Desktop DAC for Streaming Music to Any Powered Speaker, A/V Receiver
Perfect way to enjoy your music on any powered speaker - The iFi Zen Blue V2 is a high-quality, desktop DAC that delivers pristine audio quality to your favorite powered speakers.
Best Value: Denon PMA-600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier | Bluetooth Connectivity | 70W x 2 Channels
The amplIFIer is available in Analog or Advanced Ultra High Current (AUHPC) modes. You can enjoy your music in various ways - with the built-in speaker, a external speaker, or using headphones.
Editor's Choice: Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M Stereo Digital to Analogue Converter DAC Preamp, Headphone Amplifier
Converts digital audio to analogue for superior sound quality. Optimized for use with Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M speakers
iFi Zen Blue V2 - HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver Desktop DAC for Streaming Music to Any Powered Speaker, A/V Receiver, Amplifier - Outputs - Optical/Coaxial/SPDIF/BRCA / 4.4 Balanced (US Version)
View on Amazon- SCORE9.4AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandiFi
- Prime
Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 S/PDIF Digital to Analog Converter DAC with Toslink Input, TV Compatible, 192kHz (Silver)
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandCambridge Audio
- Prime
Reiyin DA-Super DAC USB Optical Coaxial to Analog Audio 192kHZ 24bit Converter Decoder Optional Bass
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandReiyin
- Prime
iFi Zen DAC V2 | Desktop Digital Analog Converter with USB 3.0 B Input only/Outputs: 6.3mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced/RCA - MQA DECODER - Audio System Upgrade (Unit only)
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandIFI
- Prime
Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M Stereo Digital to Analogue Converter DAC Preamp, Headphone Amplifier, Built-in Bluetooth, Lunar Grey
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandCambridge Audio
- Prime
Denon PMA-600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier | Bluetooth Connectivity | 70W x 2 Channels | Built-in DAC and Phono Pre-Amp | Analog Mode | Advanced Ultra High Current Power
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandDenon
- Prime
Fosi Audio Q4 Headphone Amplifier Mini Stereo DAC 24-Bit 192 KHz USB Optical Coaxial to RCA AUX Digital-to-Analog Audio Converter Adapter for Home Desktop Powered Active Speakers
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandFosi Audio
- Prime
Soundavo HP-DAC1 Digital to Analog Converter / Headphone Preamp DAC with S/PDIF, Line, USB Input for PC/Laptop
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandSoundavo
- Prime
Topping DX3 Pro+ ES9038Q2M Bluetooth 5.0 LDAC Audio Decoder DSD512 DAC AMP NFCA Headphone Amplifier Pre Amplifier (Black)
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandFanmusic
- Prime
AIYIMA DAC-A2 Headphone Amplifier DAC with Bass Treble Controls PC-USB/Optical/Coaxial Inputs, RCA/3.5mm Headphone Ouput Digital to Analog Desktop Audio Converter 5V 24Bit 192kHz
View on Amazon- SCORE8.6AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandAOSHIKE
- Prime
Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Is a high quality DAC worth it?
It really depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for the best possible audio quality, then yes, a high quality DAC can be worth it. However, if you're just looking for something that gets the job done, then a less expensive DAC may be just as good. It really all depends on your needs and preferences.
Do expensive DACs make a difference?
An expensive DAC is not necessarily better than a less expensive one, but it is potentially better shielded against electrical noise and its DAC chip may perform closer to the manufacturers specs. Yes, you read that correctly. The same chip in a not well-executed circuit design will yield poor results.
Can you hear a difference between DACs?
Yes, you can hear a difference between DACs. However, the differences are so small that they may not be noticeable during casual listening. In general, DAC A will have a slightly warmer sound, while DAC B will have a slightly cleaner sound. DAC C will tend to be somewhere in between these two extremes. DAC D will usually have the best overall sound quality, but it will also be the most expensive.
Are portable DACs worth it?
Yes, portable DACs are worth it because they improve the quality of digital music. The biggest problem with DACs is that they are not very efficient, so they don't do justice to the original recording. However, portable DACs can help to improve the quality of digital music.
The best DACs of %year% will provide high-quality audio reproduction for both music lovers and audiophiles alike. Whether you're looking for a quality standalone DAC or a connected device, there are many great options available on the market. So whether you're a music lover or an audiophile, be sure to check out the best DACs of %year%!