Best DACs

Product Strengths

• Improved battery management offering faster charging rates and better efficiency than its predecessor
• Features a new USB-C data input for greater flexibility alongside other inputs
• Offers the world's first lossless DSP for tone adjustments without degrading sound quality, providing customization options
• Excellent resolution and dynamics with a large soundstage and extreme detail

Product Considerations

• The Mojo 2 can get warm when in a pocket for a period of time
• Complicated menu navigation with color-coded buttons that may require the manual
• Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated

Takeaway: The Chord Mojo 2 is an exceptional DAC/headphone amplifier for those seeking high-resolution audio and customized sound in a portable format that is easy to move. Its sonic accuracy, detailed soundstage, and improved features provide a versatile and enjoyable listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for audio enthusiasts.

Product Strengths

• Delivers a different sound, often bigger and meatier with more detail, compared to cheaper DACs
• Detail retrieval is a consistent strength, digging out details missed by other DACs
• Offers clear, precise, and subtle performance, and improves clarity, precision, and subtlety
• Provides excellent timing and rhythmic dexterity
• FPGA technology and custom programming allows it to deliver a sound that is both neutral and incisive
• Compared to previous designs, it has additional isolation from external vibration, which further improves sound quality

Product Considerations

• The default switching power supply is inadequate and limits performance, with reviewers recommending an upgrade to a linear power supply
• Lacks features such as Bluetooth connectivity, a headphone amplifier, and a remote handset
• The sound can be 'sterile' and without emotions, which might not fit some user's preferences for a warmer, more 'analog-like' sound
• The small size and lack of a display–relying on color-changing buttons and a window–might not appeal to all users
• Tonality can feel leaner compared to some DACs, and some found that it sounded a bit thin and etched in the midrange and below when new
• Industrial design can be polarizing, and some find the looks ridiculous

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs PS Audio DirectStream, differences are more of a sideways move, with the Qutest preferred in some aspects, though the PS Audio was preferred for its larger soundstage
• Vs Chord 2Qute, Qutest offers more resolution, and a slightly bigger and more spacious presentation
• Vs Mytek Brooklyn, sound is very similar, though the Brooklyn's low frequencies may be a little leaner
• Vs iFi Audio Pro iDSD, Qutest has better low-frequency definition, but the iFi offers a palpable midrange and warmer lows
• Vs Denafrips Ares II, Qutest sounds tidier, more controlled and defined

Takeaway: The Qutest is a small but mighty DAC that delivers great detail, clarity, and a precise sound, and its custom design results in high-quality audio, offering musical enjoyment that is never harsh or flat. With its enhanced resolution and a touch of warmth, it can elevate the listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Awesome detail and clarity in sound reproduction
• Excellent selection of inputs and outputs, making it versatile for both portable and desktop setups
• Filters allow users to shape the frequency curve to tailor the sound based on listening preferences
• Solid construction with top-quality components and craftsmanship
• Fantastic dynamics—isolating moments of silence beautifully and giving them more room to breathe between notes

Product Considerations

• The colored-ball control design can be confusing and requires decoding the instruction manual
• It's a big box, making it a struggle to get behind Chord's suggestion that the Hugo 2 displays "obvious portability"
• Some reviewers find the treble a little too sharp and punchy, and the balance is simply off
• Some reviewers mention the Micro USB ports are flimsy
• The default setting sound doesn't sound musical, and is cold and inhuman, according to some reviewers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs original Hugo: The Hugo 2 has huge improvements in dynamic range, overall power, noise reduction, and timing accuracy
• Vs Benchmark DAC3 HGC: The Chord Hugo 2 doesn't quite deliver the best sound in this price range
• Vs Chord Mojo: The Hugo 2 is undefeatable in resolving image, and has greater emotion and musicality and better soundstage and imaging
• Vs Schiit Yggdrasil: The Hugo 2 is a more attractive and versatile package that sounds better
• Vs Astell&Kern A&ultima SP1000: The Hugo 2 clearly wins on resolution, instrumental placing, soundstaging, and imaging
• Vs ALO Audio Continental Dual Mono: The Hugo is more resolving and neutral than the CDM

Takeaway: The Hugo 2 is a well-equipped DAC/Amp combo capable of delivering a premium hifi sound quality with features, functionality, and sound quality. It offers awesome detail and clarity, and it has the determination to dig deep and hit hard.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional transparency, detail, and purity put performances on full auditory display
• The soundstage is vast, holographic, and immersive, creating a 'you-are-there' experience
• Tone/timbre and texture are natural, beautifully realized, and engaging
• Astounding dynamics, with swift transients and impressive contrasts
• The design is sculptural art masquerading as a superb headphone Amp/DAC
• Absence of unbalanced (RCA) outputs may require XLR-to-RCA adapters for some setups

Product Considerations

• The digital volume control might not be ideal for all systems, and can result in a less engaging sound compared to using an analog preamplifier
• Some found the pairing dry, so a Makua preamp was added
• As a standalone front end, it might not be ideal, but is great when an analog preamp is in the chain

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Tambaqui is just as resolving as the Bartók, but a bit more forgiving, while the dCS is bigger, pushing out soundstages deeper and wider
• On piano recordings, Tambaqui sounded true in the same manner as the HoloAudio May in OS mode, but with more dynamics and tonal brilliance, tighter, quicker bass, and denser images
• Soundstages were consistently deeper and wider than those projected by the DAC in the Hegel H590
• The Aqua Formula xHD is slightly leaner and also a little brighter than the Tambaqui
• It delivers every crunching guitar and bassdrum wallop on a massive stage, with scorching energy

Takeaway: The Mola Mola Tambaqui is a top-tier DAC known for its exceptional clarity, detail, and immersive soundstage, bringing recordings to life. It's a beautifully designed piece of equipment that can elevate any high-end audio system.

Product Strengths

• Rich feature set is its ace card
• Presents a very clean, detailed, and dynamically punchy sound
• Tonal smoothness and expansive soundstage
• Balanced and unbalanced outputs, plus a headphone output

Product Considerations

• Front fascia is a wee bit cluttered
• Lacklustre feel of the volume control
• No remote control
• The headphone output is a useful convenience feature, but it doesn't live up to the unit's performance in other areas
• Auto-shut-off feature turns it off after a little while of not being used

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Chord Mojo: Chord edges ahead in performance, delivering even greater subtlety and rhythmic precision, but it can't match the DacMagic 200M's impressive feature versatility
• Vs Schiit Bifrost: Bifrost offers more meat on music's bones, making the DacMagic 200M sound comparatively lighter weight, presenting a skinnier version of the music at hand
• Vs Denafrips ARES II: The DacMagic 200M sounds pale as it does its best to tease out music's kaleidoscope of tone colors
• Vs Audiolab M-DAC+: Rhythmically the DacMagic 200 does a good enough job, it can't compete with the next tier up of DACs costing close to twice its price
• Vs Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital: The sound of the Pro-Ject DAC was not as different from that of the DacMagic

Takeaway: The DacMagic 200M is a feature-rich device with good sound, offering balanced and unbalanced outputs, plus a headphone output. Its versatile feature set makes it a great all-rounder at its price point.

Product Strengths

• The NEO iDSD 2 functions as a versatile all-in-one (AIO) solution, working as a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier
• It has a significantly more powerful amplifier section than its predecessor, making it better at driving a wider range of headphones
• Includes sound-shaping features such as XBass and XSpace, plus selectable digital filters, allowing users to customize the sound
• Comprehensive connectivity options include USB, S/PDIF (coaxial/optical), Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, and both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs

Product Considerations

• The amplifier section may not be powerful enough to drive some very power-hungry headphones to their full potential
• The Nexis app only works with a 2.4ghz WiFi signal
• There is a slight click or noise when switching inputs as a pre-amp
• Some reviewers would have preferred the inclusion of the iPower X power adapter instead of the iPower V2, considering the unit's price
• The variable volume output may not save the last used settings

Takeaway: The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 combines a high-quality DAC with a significantly improved headphone amplifier, making it a good all-in-one solution for desktop audio. With its wide range of features, solid build quality, and pleasing sound, the NEO iDSD 2 is a worthwhile upgrade.

Product Strengths

• The DO300 is packed with features like XMOS XU-316, PCM support up to 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD support to DSD512, I2S input, and Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC
• Offers a wide range of input and output options, including USB, Optical, Coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, RCA, and XLR
• Provides a clean, detailed, and neutral sound signature with a smooth texture and no audible distortion or background noise
• Offers a variety of digital filters (PCM and DSD) and 'Sound Color' DSP settings to tweak the sound characteristics to personal preferences
• Good build quality, featuring a solid, well-built aluminum chassis

Product Considerations

• Stage depth and microdynamics are lacking compared to higher-end DACs
• Issues with DSD file playback have been noted, citing high replay gain and reduced dynamic range
• The matte black coating of the chassis tends to attract fingerprints and grease
• The rotary encoder (volume knob) is described as feeling cheap and mushy
• Lacks an auto-standby feature and a status LED when the LCD screen is turned off, potentially leading to the device being left on unintentionally

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the SMSL SU-9 Pro, the SU-9 Pro has a more laid-back midrange and a tidier bassline, while the DO300 has a more forward presentation, fuller bass, and warmer midrange
• Compared to the Topping E70 Velvet, the E70 Velvet is tonally somewhere in between the SU-9 Pro and DO300, slightly warmer than the SU-9 Pro but not as warm as the DO300
• Compared to the HIFIMAN EF400, the EF400 is more natural-sounding, making instruments sound more like themselves, but it's not as quiet or detailed as the DO300
• Compared to the SMSL M400, the DO300's treble is not as etched as the M400's, and it doesn't push upper-mids forward as much
• Compared to the SMSL DO200 MKII, the DO300 provides more nuance, separation, depth, and detail
• Compared to the Pro-Ject DAC BOX DS, the SMSL DO300 has better connectivity, detailed, dynamic, impactful sound, a wider soundstage, and better instrument separation

Takeaway: The SMSL DO300 is a feature-rich DAC that delivers a clean and enjoyable listening experience. It could be a great addition to an audio setup to provide versatile connectivity and a customizable sound.

Product Strengths

• Excellent sound quality, often described as clear, neutral, transparent, detailed, and dynamic, aiming for accuracy and sonic transparency
• Versatile, functioning as a DAC, headphone amplifier (with two outputs), and preamplifier
• Compact size, making it suitable for environments where space is limited
• Well-engineered with good build quality and robust construction, common with pro-audio equipment
• High SNR, retaining its full signal/noise ratio of 128dB, A-weighted
• Functions as a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier

Product Considerations

• Aesthetic appearance may be considered utilitarian or lacking a luxury feel, resembling lab equipment more than premium hifi
• User interface relies on a series of LED lights, which some reviewers find confusing and requiring constant reference to the manual
• Some advanced features or settings require physically moving jumpers inside the unit
• The included remote control may feel cheap or less refined compared to the unit itself
• Lacks some modern features such as streaming capabilities or app control
• It only takes DSD up to DSD64, meaning those looking for super high resolution audio may need to look elsewhere

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Benchmark DAC1/DAC2: DAC3 offers improved tonal balance, with both the clarity of the DAC1 and the refinement of the DAC2
• Vs Chord DAVE: While DAVE is superior, DAC3 offers closer performance than expected at a fraction of the cost
• Vs Schiit Yggdrasil+: Similar price point, but DAC3 is described as different, as the Schiit Yggdrasil+ is more atmospheric and has a deeper soundstage
• Vs Sony TA-ZH1ES: The DAC3 performs its preamp functions better than the Sony

Takeaway:

The Benchmark DAC3 HGC is a versatile and well-engineered component that delivers excellent sound quality and value, combining a DAC, headphone amp, and preamp into one compact unit. If a DAC with clear and accurate sound is desired, the DAC3 HGC is worth considering.

Product Strengths

• Excellent sonic performance, characterized by neutrality, transparency, and detail retrieval
• The MA Remote app is intuitive and feature-rich, offering access to various streaming services and settings
• Solid build quality with an aluminum chassis, though the sides are plastic, and a bright, clear LCD screen
• Versatile connectivity with a wide array of inputs, including USB-C for external storage, HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, and analog RCA inputs

Product Considerations

• Lacks wireless connectivity—no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
• Does not come with a physical remote, the RM5 is sold separately
• Some users have experienced issues with navigating large local music libraries
• Some reviews mention the touch screen controls being a bit fiddly
• No digital output to support an external DAC

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Bluesound Node (2021): Mini-i 4 has better detail retrieval and is cleaner sounding
• Vs EverSolo DMP-A6: DMP-A6 sounds more natural with bolder bass and better soundstaging, while Mini-i 4 sounds tonally and spatially flatter
• Vs Matrix Audio Mini-i 3 Pro: Mini-i 4 has a wider range of source repositories and USB storage reader

Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Mini-i 4 is a great sounding device for anyone wanting a DAC and streamer that can do it all. With its comprehensive set of features and focus on audio quality, enjoying music becomes easy.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional build quality, with a premium feel thanks to the aluminum chassis and attention to detail
• Clean, crisp, and clear sound, with a neutral presentation that resolves detail well
• Well-implemented headphone amplifier that can drive a wide range of headphones, and the headphone level reverts to the last used
• Bright and crisp LCD screen with VU meters adding to its visual appeal
• Versatile connectivity with USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth inputs, as well as balanced XLR and RCA outputs

Product Considerations

• Lacks HDMI ARC input, which would be useful for hybrid setups
• Some reviewers find the treble a little aggressive and fatiguing with certain recordings or speakers
• No Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity, meaning a computer or other network streaming device is needed
• No dedicated subwoofer output
• Not a tone control, those looking for a colored or editorialized sound should look elsewhere

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Z8 has a more nuanced presentation and better separation than the Cambridge Audio DACMagic 200M
• The Z8 is smoother with a darker background on the headphone output, but the SMSL M500 MKII is warmer and fuller sounding on the line outputs
• The Z8 has a cleaner sound, darker background, and deeper soundstage on the line-outs than the Topping DX5, but the DX5 has more powerful headphone amplification
• Java Hi-Fi gives a slightly cleaner presentation with more authority in the bass than the Z8

Takeaway: The Eversolo DAC-Z8 is a well-built and versatile DAC that delivers a clean and detailed sound. It is a great option for users looking for a high-quality DAC with a range of features, including a headphone amplifier and preamp capabilities.

Product Strengths

• Startling clarity
• An extraordinarily clear view of the 'reality' of the recording
• Subtlety is exposed, which made listening a fuller, more complex experience
• Sound quality is unmatched in terms of technology, design, build and finish
• A very fluid, massive and somewhat dynamic soundstage

Product Considerations

• The dCS Mosaic app is starting to feel clunky
• Basic display
• Some holes when it comes to features
• Audiophile sound is mostly faint clouds hovering between boxes
• It is wished the streamer had Wi-Fi compatibility, but dCS sees this as compromising on sound quality

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Denafrips Terminator Plus—it replaced the Denafrips Terminator Plus
• Vs Chord Dave DAC—the Chord Dave gets very close in sound to the Lina, but the Dave leans a bit leaner and sharper where the dCS Lina is fuller, thicker, smoother with more density
• Vs Weiss 501—the dCS is a smooth sounding DAC indeed, but it is not one of those that sound overly smooth, the Weiss 501 sounds closest to an in-studio experience, where we get the master tape kind of sound
• Vs HiFi ROSE 150b—the ROSE feels and looks to be built to a similar level (at least the outside), and is gorgeous as well, it's not nearly as refined or together in the DAC department when comparing it to upper echelon products
• Vs dCS Bartok Apex—compared to the Bartók Apex, the Lina's sound (without the Master Clock) had a slightly different textural quality, not coarser or finer grained but as though performers were viewed under a different quality of light, the Lina's light felt slightly more brilliant than remembered with the Apex and maybe 3o cooler

Takeaway: The Lina DAC is a small but very technologically advanced DAC and delivers music with a bonafide life-force behind it. This DAC brings a larger soundstage and bigger sound to the room and is well worth the cost if you have a system that can stand toe to toe with it.

Product Strengths

• Rare ability to reproduce acoustic music, on a level with some of the best DACs.
• Modular design allows for a significant degree of future-readiness and upgradability.
• Instrument timbre is presented evenly, providing more musical data from instrumental tones to overtones, attacks—and decays.
• Clear sonic details without brightness, especially in the upper registers, result in a sound that is right.

Product Considerations

• Audible ticks and clicks may occur, although they do not affect the music and only occur during pauses or between tracks.
• A full-sized component, which may be a concern for those with limited space.
• Some perceive the Yggdrasil Less is More's presentation as sonically balanced and more evenly sorted per the recording, at the cost of the energy that presents a recording in ways emphasizing certain things in a recording.
• Sound differences between the different versions are nuanced and much harder to detect.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Benchmark DAC3 HGC: The reviewer prefers the Yggdrasil over the Benchmark, but notes that the Benchmark is relentlessly accurate to the signal it receives.
• Vs iFi Audio Pro iDSD Signature: The Yggy is slightly more detailed, slightly less warm, and also better dynamically.

Takeaway: The Schiit Yggdrasil is a well-regarded DAC known for its ability to reproduce music and its upgradability, making it a potentially smart choice for audiophiles. Different versions cater to different preferences, so doing some research is important.

Product Strengths

• Precise, accurate, and musical sound, delivering what the disc or file was created to sound like
• Excellent jitter suppression, getting the most out of digital sources
• Versatile, it can be used as a digital format converter
• Weighty, full-bodied—tape or vinyl-like—sound

Product Considerations

• The stock power supply can be improved with a higher quality 6 to 9 volt supply or the Weiss PSU-102
• High-resolution sampling frequencies via USB of 352.8 and 384 are down sampled to half their value at 176.4 and 192
• May be a bit too harsh, even for some systems

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Some reviewers preferred the Weiss DAC204 to the Chord Dave due to impressive detail and holographic 3D imaging, although the Weiss is not as sharp or dynamic
• The DAC204 is considered to be on the same level of sound quality as the Chord Hugo 2 and Chord Cutest
• The DAC204 sounds just like the 501, despite being significantly less expensive and lacking the DSP, preamp, display, and remote control features
• The Weiss DAC204 is more open, dynamic, and punchy, while the Meitner is all about the midrange with beautiful and rich vocals
• The Weiss DAC204 brought more of everything making music sound more present, more physical, and more engaging in comparison to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt DAC
• The main difference noted between the Weiss and the Totaldac d1-unity was one of body and weight

Takeaway: The Weiss DAC204 is a compact and versatile DAC that delivers high-end sound quality. A good fit for those who want a DAC that provides natural, realistic reproduction and accuracy without extra features.

Product Strengths

• Very detailed and resolving sound, capable of revealing nuances in music
• Fast, punchy, and dynamic sound, especially good for electronica, rock, and metal
• Produces a holographic soundstage with good depth and focus, better than some entry-level R2R DACs
• Has a very low noise floor, making it easy to focus on faint sounds
• Tonally neutral and linear frequency response, revealing the quality of the recording

Product Considerations

• The plastic remote control may feel cheap compared to the unit
• Some reviewers would prefer more warmth and life in the midrange
• Can sound analytical at times, lacking some refinement or lushness compared to some other DACs

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• D90 Discrete is more detailed and resolving than the D90 SE/MQA
• D90 Discrete has higher resolution, dynamics, and snappiness, than the SMSL SU-10
• D90 Discrete has greater resolution, inner tone textures, and is snappier and punchier, than the Chord Cutest
• D90 Discrete is faster, more precise, and punchier, than the Holo Audio Scion 2
• D90 III Sabre has better transparency and dynamics, and is more forward-sounding, than the Topping D70 Pro Octo
• D90 III Sabre is more neutral, with a tidier and quicker bassline, and more etched tone edges, than the SMSL SU-10

Takeaway: The D90 offers impressive resolution, dynamics, and a holographic soundstage, making it a great option for those seeking a detailed and accurate listening experience. It has an honest, ultra-linear sound, especially good for audiophiles who don't want colorations.

Product Strengths

• Neutral sound signature, detail retrieval, and overall transparency praised.
• Versatile and extensive feature set is highlighted, including parametric EQ, customizable digital filters, crossfeed function, and various I/O options.
• Excellent build quality and robust construction are noted, with suitability for both professional and audiophile applications.
• The quality of the headphone output is also noted, particularly for IEMs and sensitive headphones, with reviewers praising its low noise floor.
• The included remote control and its functionality are liked.

Product Considerations

• Some reviewers found the headphone amplifier to be dynamically constrained, particularly with planar magnetic headphones, noting a lack of drive and a potentially bright character.
• The device's menu system and multi-knob navigation can be complex and require a learning curve to fully use its features.
• A few reviewers felt that the soundstage depth was limited compared to some competing DACs, describing it as relatively flat.
• Some reviewers stated that the stock power supply is not of audiophile grade.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs SMSL VMV-D1SE: The ADI-2 is more natural and fluid in its presentation, with a wider soundstage, while the SMSL VMV-D1SE is more analytical and etched in detail.
• Vs Denafrips Pontus II: The Denafrips Pontus II offers a more enveloping soundstage, refinement, and micro-detail retrieval.
• Vs Chord Mojo: The Chord Mojo offers greater soundstage depth but cannot match the ADI-2 in terms of resolution.
• Vs Matrix X-Sabre Pro: The Matrix X-Sabre Pro has more incisive high-end detail, but the ADI-2 still delivers a smooth presentation and better three-dimensionality.
• Vs Schiit Modi 3: The ADI-2 offers more detail and smoothness with a cleaner sound than the Schiit Modi 3.

Takeaway: The RME ADI-2 DAC FS is a versatile and well-regarded DAC that provides a clean and detailed sound, making it a great centerpiece for both headphone and speaker setups. Its flexibility and comprehensive feature set allow users to tailor the sound to their preferences and equipment, providing a customized and high-quality listening experience.