Often life confronts us with difficult choices. We have to look for some gadget. At the same time, it should be cheap, the best and flawless. Naturally, we understand that this is practically impossible. Therefore, we have to choose according to the criteria that suit us, and also to sacrifice something. Today we will try to choose a good DAC.
What is this?
Before dealing with some models of this device, it is worth explaining what it is, for those who do not know. The digital-to-analog converter is designed to process a digital code into an analog signal. So, the device can be considered a kind of "conductor" from one world - digital, to another - analog.
This device also has an "antagonist". He does the same thing, but in reverse. In general, the audio converter works on the principle that in order to work, it needs to receive a digital signal, which is based on pulse code modulation. If we have a compressed format, working with it is to use codecs.
Destination
Of course, in order to buy a good DAC, you need good reasons for this. Hardlyan ordinary user will spend money on such devices. Typically, a gadget is needed for those who want to convert signals from the digital "world" to analog. As an example, it is used in a CD player.
Classification
Depending on the purpose, it is possible to distribute DACs into groups. The simplest of all is pulse-width. Most often found in Hi-Fi devices or where you need to control electric motors. This type of operation is based on a pulse train that passes through a low-pass filter. To get it, you need to wait until the converted digital code is proportional to the time for which the stable current source works.
Next we encounter resampling. It is based on the fluctuation of the pulse density value. This type is intended for the correct operation of a device that has a lower capacity with a device with a higher capacity. It is believed that such a DAC is visualized in a one-bit model. So, according to this technology, there is an exchange of impulses with negative feedbacks.
The weighting type assumes that the source current value will be proportional to the bit weight. Non-zero bits in this case can be summed. Ladder type received a special circuit, which consists of several resistors, has two types of inclusion.
Features
To choose the best DAC, you need to understand its characteristics. So, it is necessary to highlight a couple of basic parameters. It is important to understand the meaning of bit depth,maximum sampling rate, monotonicity, dynamic range, static and frequency response. So it is possible to determine the desired output levels, frequencies of stable operation, the ability of the device to increase the analog output signal.
Rating
Ranking the best DACs is not easy. There are so many of them, they are all different. Some are distinguished by external characteristics, others by technical ones. Some were equipped with a large number of technologies and functions, others are aimed at specific tasks. Therefore, making a list and sending each model to a specific place is a thankless task. Therefore, in a free order, we will consider a couple of models from Matrix, Meridian Audio, Esoteric and others.
Versatile
Choosing a good DAC is not a problem. There are many transducer options on the market that can suit you in terms of color, shape and size, as well as technical characteristics.
Matrix Mini-I Pro was created by a Chinese company. Many experts believe that this manufacturer suddenly appeared on the market and always creates a resonance that, although it does not scare competitors, makes them work harder. The company has a large selection of equipment and audio equipment. Moreover, among the models there are both budget options for $200 and expensive options for $1000.
Middle gadgets include the Mini-I Pro. It is compact, and most importantly - combined. Helps to amplify the headphones, but at the same time has a DAC. For only $520 audiophileget the gadget of your dreams. It should be understood that the dimensions of the model are really very small. Therefore, as one of the PC components, the option is ideal.
A display is located on the front panel of a small device. To the left of it there is a place for connecting headphones, to the right is a volume control. If you click on it, you can go to the options menu, where there is an output signal channel, digital filters, etc. There is a control panel included. The rear end is occupied by all the necessary interfaces. Available USB, AES/EBU, XLR, etc.
Reviews
Those who chose the best headphone DAC were incredibly happy with the appearance of this model on the market. It is not only beautiful and compact, but also balanced and versatile. Perhaps, each user will be satisfied with the fact that he will receive a clear, accurate and sophisticated sound. The frequencies are heard well, both low and high sounds are noticeable.
Customers noted comfortable control, saturation, three-dimensional bass, nice tone. Those who really understand everything in audio really appreciated this inconspicuous and functional device.
Upscale
Another representative of this manufacturer is Matrix X-Sabre. It has standard dimensions, which in general does not prevent it from being compact, but noticeable. Height - about 5 centimeters, width - 26 cm, and depth - 20 cm. And although at first glance we have a compact box, its weight is 4 kilograms. For those who encounter such a device for the first time, this is just a ton, but for connoisseurs, this is a standardweight.
The front panel is occupied by the necessary adjustment components and connectors. Everything is generally clear and noticeable. There is no optical output, although this will not be a drawback for everyone. There is AES/EBU which is rare.
Reviews
If you do not go into the digital component, then the real indicator of a quality DAC is the sound. In this case, users noted purity, good resolution, smooth and lingering high frequencies. Highlighted a great tone with balanced tones.
Buyers noted among the features the fast operation of the DAC, the absence of "roundness", high bass and hyperbolic sound coloring. The melody has no roughness or roughness, and the frequencies are noticeable and clean.
Sounding
Esoteric D-07X is a good DAC that many will find too expensive - about 6 thousand dollars. But connoisseurs understand why such a price for such a compact equipment. This version has a good quality case, a large selection of functions and modes, and most importantly - a super-high-quality sound. A similar model that came out a little earlier had a problem with the USB receiver.
The novelty seems to have lost this bug. It was equipped with file broadcasting, the ability to turn off the digital filter and a brand new headphone slot. There is also an independent volume control. Despite the large number of innovations, they had little effect on the increase in cost.
Of course, you can recommend some-then certain settings and adjustment of equipment, but, most likely, it would be more correct for the owner to independently deal with each function in order to set the modes that are optimal for themselves.
Reviews
It is clear that it is impossible to find the best DACs in the world. It all depends on the individual needs of the owner. But this option has never been more successful, although not very cheap. It is not easy to find reviews about this model, since not every ordinary buyer will decide to buy such a DAC that is difficult to set up. Those who did leave comments noted excellent sound quality, many features, technologies and work with different sources.
If you are a beginner user of these converters, you may come across new features and slots that you have not seen before. The setup can lead you to a dead end, which naturally leads to poor sound quality.
New standards
Those who are familiar with expensive audio devices have at least once come across products from Meridian Audio. Some believe that it is among them that you can find the best reference DAC. Of course, the opinion is subjective, but not groundless.
Relatively recently, users got acquainted with Meridian Ultra Digital to Analogue Converter. This model has become the main "brainchild" of the company. At the presentation, a loud statement was made that this option is the culmination of all the work that has been carried out over 20 years. The novelty has ample connectivity, many user functions, support for a variety of formats. Equipped Ultra DAC with a number of new technologies thatincrease the sound quality, use a series of filters, increase frequencies.
Actually, this model is really a great option because it can connect via USB, AES3, TosLink, S/PDIF. There is an excellent music platform that has won many awards. In addition to these interfaces, balanced and unbalanced analog outputs can be used.
Reviews
Both the manufacturer and the users of these models considered that these are the best DAC amplifiers. Once again, Meridian Audio proves its dominance in the market and that it can create a high quality product.
Customers responded positively to the availability of features, including PC setup, LipSync and RS232. Thanks to them, it became possible to integrate the device with systems from other manufacturers. We noted the presence of three oversampling filters, which are often used at frequencies of 44kHz and 48kHz.
Conclusions
It's hard to choose a good external DAC. This will have to be de alt with. If you need it for work, then most likely you are already familiar with certain models and manufacturers, and it is easier for you to make a choice. If you, on the contrary, decided to purchase a DAC for the first time, then you will have to understand for what purposes you choose equipment, what you expect from it. Of course, it is necessary to study the reviews, since the characteristics do not always correspond to reality, or in fact they turn out to be true. Well, you can’t “rush” at a beautiful model. If you have a nice design in front of you, this does not mean that the sound of you is completelysatisfies.
