However, the DAC and amp that are included with most devices are intended to fill a bare-minimum requirement. Cheap DACs can causing whining, whirring, hissing, static and other audible issues when music- and video-based audio is processed through them; meanwhile, a mediocre amp will yield a low volume ceiling. Audiophiles, producers, musicians and tech-happy souls make it a point to use external DAC and amp combinations that are larger, more powerful and certainly more capable of converting those audio signatures into clean-sounding analog acoustics while playing them loud and proud.

On today’s list of hidden technologies that you never knew you needed or used, we’re discussing the(DAC). If you own any computer device that can play audio media, you’re already employing a DAC in some form. In this way, you’re not actually listening to “digital music” but the true analog form of it. Additionally, most DACs come with anon board for user volume control. Without these nifty little devices, nobody would be able to play audio from digital files, which makes them animportant part of day-to-day technology.

Sound cards are different in that they contain a DAC and an amp in addition to other hard- and software that adds specialized effects and processing to improve audio delivery. Choosing an external DAC or internal sound card is essential for those who want to maximize music quality in home cinema settings and parties as well as quiet playback in study zones and noisy public locations like coffee shops. A poor DAC and amp combination will result in overly quiet, off-tune playback with audio judders, popping, squealing and the “tin can effect” — none of which are desirable.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the comparisons and see which DACs do the job best.



Best Desktop DAC AMP Combo Comparison Table

Best Portable DAC AMP Combo Comparison Table

Questyle CMA600i-S — Best DAC/Amp Headphone Combo

We’re just going to lead off with the straight-up best DAC/amp combination on the list: Questyle’s CMA600i-S. We think the “S” must stand for “Super”, but speculations aside, the price tag definitely speaks volumes about the kind of tech they packed under the hood.

Conversely, the specs are breath-taking. Support for high outbound wattage allows high-profile audio systems to be linked up and consume as much as they need. There are two headphone jacks next to an RCA out, and it goes without saying that this is the type of DAC that you’ll find in a studio environment. In other words, you’re getting the absolute best audio quality and volume output that any standard DAC/amp combination can give you.

Micro iDSD Black Label — Best Portable DAC/Amp Combo

If we’re going off aesthetics alone, this DAC is probably the top dog on this list. But that’s not what you’re concerned with when you’re rocking out to the Burr Brown support for PCM786, Octa-DSD512 or Double DXD raw formats on your audio files.

Even better is the portable nature of this beast, packing a 12-hour juicer with a 1.5A charge output for your smart device. With enough output for high-consumption headphones and a bevy of onboard software features to tweak your portable audio experience, this is the most well-rounded bang for your buck.

Micro iDSD Black Label — Best DAC/Amp Combo for Sennheiser HD650

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the best portable DAC/amp combination would also win the top spot for the audiophilic Sennheiser HD650 crowd, which probably forms a good chunk of those who are here to read about this.

Naturally, you’re getting support for top-end raw files for on-the-go decoding in a sleek, pocket-sized unit that charges your phone while powering your headset for hours on end — what’s not to love about that? There’s also software-enhanced surround sound and a bass booster on top, both of which do the job nicely on this DAC. Sennheiser users should find that this is the most sensible option to use with their headsets.

For starters, this machine is anything but portable. With the one and only downside out of the way, it’s time to focus on the complete array of supported connections going in and out along with a Bluetooth receiver and an inbuilt screen to adjust the software options on board.

The chassis is built to last and feel sturdy, but more importantly, you’re getting high-wattage, benchmark-level audio decoding, pre-amp, tuning and playback on Emotiva’s emotional DAC.

FiiO E18 KUNLUN — Mid-Range Portable Choice

While tailored toward Android devices specifically, the right adapters can make this compatible with Apple products as well.

This DAC/amp combination is a natural pick for smartphones and tablets due to the portable nature of it, packing reasonable battery life and the ability to send power to the media device that’s connected to it. It also supports USB On-The-Go (OTG), expanding the connectivity options between it and your portable smart device.

The only hang-up is the audio quality: While 96kHz and 24 bits is fine in general, 32 bits and up to 384kHz would feel more at home here. However, this is more or less made up on the synergy that the E18 shares with smartphones, which makes it one of the most convenient power-and-play DACs on this list.

SMSL M6 — Mid-Range Desktop Choice

If you’re trying to keep things on the less expensive side of the fence while serving a wide spectrum of needs, this little DAC/amp combo should do the trick.

With USB input support for 32-bit, 384kHz files, the ability to accept fiberoptic inputs and an RCA output for 6.35 headphone jacks, this device manages to hit a sweet spot between amateur and professional usage.

This is intended to be an exceptional decoding powerhouse for the price, and despite its pocket-capable size, it doesn’t have a battery built in for one-the-go power. Regardless, at the given cost, there shouldn’t be any complaints about fidelity.

FiiO E10K — Best Inexpensive Desktop Choice

Quality doesn’t always have to come with an inflated price tag in tow — not that the other options on this list aren’t worth it, but some people just don’t need that level of power.

For the thrifty among us, there’s the FiiO E10K: low noise floor and input support for 24-bit, 96kHz PCM files inside a brushed aluminum chassis that slides right in your pocket. You’re also getting a variety of connection inputs to support just about any portable or stationary output device that your heart desires, making this little beast well worth its cost.

Best DAC AMP Combo Reviews

Now we’re going to review the most powerful DAC we found: the Questyle CMA600i-S.

That’s the second time we’ve prepared a grand introduction for this device, the first being none other than the top spot in our Best In Category section. Let’s get one detail out of the way, however: The CMA600i-S is anything but portable or cheap.

The connection array isn’t the largest on this list — that honor goes to Emotiva’s entry. However, it supports up to three pairs of headphones, switchable voltage settings for international travel, and a sound-to-noise ratio that might as well lay flat on the floor.

There’s no interference or distortion with Questyle’s offering, complementing the complete array of top-end file support. The other noteworthy aspect here is the mere 18W that goes into the onboard processing in addition to high-output power for multiple devices to run simultaneously. We’d like to know how they pulled that one off.

The interesting array of power hookups entails that this is probably the most portable stationary DAC on the list. We’re not sure why this should be a selling point since the outbound power can’t possibly support stage-sized speakers unless a separate amp is used, but it’s not exactly a drawback either.

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Verdict

With that said, this is a solid package that should be used by those who are seriously into the quality playback way of life. For anything less, this probable isn’t worth the price, but it fills its role effectively if you can tap its potential.

Pros Extremely high-quality decoding and playback

Extremely high-quality decoding and playback Nonexistent noise floor

Nonexistent noise floor Easily supports multiple devices

Easily supports multiple devices There’s no file type or quality level that this thing can’t handle

There’s no file type or quality level that this thing can’t handle Supports international electrical inputs Cons More than a little expensive

More than a little expensive Definitely not portable

This is definitely reminiscent of a DVD player or old set-top box in its design, which should tell you a few things off the bat.

Firstly, it’s not going anywhere — find a comfortable place to set it down. Next, a device that emplaces itself so confidently probably has a lot going for it, and here’s the good news: It has just about every connection you could need in addition to Bluetooth of all things. Seriously, look at the back side of this thing — you won’t know where to begin.

Next up, there’s the sound quality. It goes without saying that supporting so many connections will involve a powerful outbound charge for simultaneous speakers and headphones, which would lead one to wonder how terrible the noise must be until you notice the sound-to-noise ratio is over 115dB. You get all this and an inbuilt screen for menu navigation, allowing you to work all the extras of a high-end sound card into your audio experience. Nope, this isn’t just a great DAC with an explosive amp on board; this sucker is practically a PC in its own right.

To top it off, the solid and attractive design makes the sizable chassis forgivable and even welcome in any studio setup. This should be a device that you can look at with pride, and that’s what Emotiva has provided at a shockingly affordable price. While the audio is immaculate, however, some say that the tuner is the sole downfall of the BasX TA-100, but others cite that it functions at its price, so your mileage may vary.

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Verdict

This DAC/amp combo is recommended for anyone who’s serious about professional-level studio production and playback.

Pros Flawless sound

Flawless sound There’s an input for probably every audio device imaginable, including Bluetooth

There’s an input for probably every audio device imaginable, including Bluetooth Inbuilt menu interface

Inbuilt menu interface Large but attractive design Cons Tuner may be a bit lacking

Tuner may be a bit lacking Far from portable

A two-time winner of oursection, there are many kind words to speak of this device.

First off, let’s discuss the Burr Brown chipset, which blows open a whole new world for decoding high-quality and raw files that aren’t commonly supported: PCM768, DXD, and DSD512. Those numbers are, by the way, frighteningly good at this point in the review since none of the other DACs so far have been able to touch this level of compatibility or quality. But that doesn’t go without noting how expensive the Black Label is. Make no mistake: You’re getting what you’re paying for .

There are on-board software control features that make this DAC behave more like a complete sound card. It supports bass-boosting, surrounds sound and anti-noise measures that keep your RCA and USB inputs as clear as can be. Like that wasn’t good enough, they went even further and added an inbuilt 4,000mAh battery that supports up to 12 hours of playback and can be repurposed as a charger for your phone or tablet on the go. As such, it appears to be more of a headphone DAC than anything, but at this quality level, it’s good for cinema-level speakers in your home theater as well.

The main issue with the Black Label is the lack of support for Windows 10. Oddly, it works just fine with other Windows operating environments in addition to Android, iOS, and Mac, but that’s not going to be good enough at this price level. With Windows 10 still gaining in market share, more people will find themselves longing for a well-rounded decoder that handles everything they can throw at it, and this would have been it.

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Verdict

At the end of the day, if you’re not relying on Windows 10 in particular for your media source, you shouldn’t have any issues with the Black Label. It’s highly portable, brings an excellent battery in tow, can charge USB devices and delivers top-notch clarity with support for a wide spectrum of file types.

Pros Supports several high-quality file types

Supports several high-quality file types Excellent output

Excellent output Small form factor

Small form factor Respectable 12-hour battery life with outbound charging for media devices Cons Pricey

Pricey May experience compatibility issues when receiving files from a Windows 10 media device

The name is quite a mouthful, but the simplicity of this DAC isn’t anything to sneeze at.

Supporting microUSB file transfer and leaning on a 120V power source, you have limited connectivity, but it plainly says on the box that it’s intended for headphones. Interestingly, there’s also a gain knob next to the volume control.

While the price is on the heavier end for a simple headphone amplifier, it offers a rather incredible punch for the buck. The only complaint is the lack of an RCA port, which is understandable given its ubiquity in other decoders.

Verdict

Mayflower’s offering is recommended for anyone who needs a stationary but well-rounded headphone amplifier that punches beyond its weight.

Pros Excellent clarity, volume and gain refinement for headphones Cons No RCA port

This isn’t theAune X1 device on the market. To be precise, this is the fifth edition of it, bringing the latest in sound quality and amp updates to support professional-level audio media refinement.

This is spoken for in its decoding horsepower handling 384K.DSD128 at 32 bits over USB although the price makes this specification more expected than surprising.

In truth, what sells Aune’s box is the distortion control with an effective range of -110dB, keeping the noise floor deathly low to the ground — a good thing to be sure. Additionally, a much-sought coaxial port accepts files up to 24 bits and 192kHz, and there’s an optical input thrown in for good measure.

There are a couple issues worth noting, one being that the sound output can be grating when the optical port is used. Users report that this is mainly an issue with Macs, so it may not come down to the DAC itself.

The amp is also cited to be less than perfect, pushing audio into the colder end of the spectrum with some grain on top, ruining some of the distortion control that comes with this device. Collectively, users agree that this isn’t the biggest bang for your buck, but if the array of connectivity options is down your alley, you shouldn’t find yourself wanting.

Verdict

The X1S is recommended for those who need a super-low noise floor with coaxial and optical connections that support 192kHz and 384kHz respectively, which is seldom found on DACs in this price range. However, the amp leaves something to be desired.

Pros Excellent noise floor

Excellent noise floor High-end file decoding

High-end file decoding Supports coaxial and optical connections Cons Amp distorts music when turned up, defeating the point of the low noise floor

Amp distorts music when turned up, defeating the point of the low noise floor Price is a little bit high on the whole

The price tag isn’t exactly, but neither is the performance. This black box from Fostex is capable of supporting input fileswhile a 32-bit converter works from a USB power source to provide ultra-clear music and movie audio.

It has a pretty standard gamut of connections ranging from USB and RCA to Toslink, and it can forward digital audio to optical for a little flexibility. It’s not the most versatile DAC ever, but it’s a flawless piece of tech within the boundaries of its design.

Users note that the amp that’s built into this DAC is incredibly loud if you want it to be, and the system manages to hold the quality together despite that, which is a claim that other converters here can’t stake. Really, there’s nothing to nitpick about. The design is straightforward but functional, and there’s enough power to sustain anything you hook up to it.

Verdict

The HP-A3 is recommended for anyone who needs a rock-solid decoder that works with everything 100 percent of the time.

Pros Simply reliable

Simply reliable Good amp

Good amp Sound quality doesn’t degrade at high volumes Cons For the price, there aren’t a lot of connection options

Right off the bat, the simple design would fool anyone into believing that the offerings underneath are mediocre, but in truth, it’s just a utilitarian approach to the “black box that does things”.

When you notice that it supports up to 32 bits of 384kHz audio over USB asynchronous transference, it’s a more compelling offer at the asking price, and there are plenty of connections to spread the love with. A PC USB in is even included, and who sees that around much these days?

Now, this is a small set-top solution for stationary, high-output decoding, so while it fits in your pocket, don’t plan on taking it in the car without a power adapter. However, once you decide that crystal-clear decoding makes a fine complement for your desktop rig, this is very difficult to beat for the price. It doesn’t offer much else, but we’re not complaining.

Verdict

This is definitely recommended for those who need an excellent DAC without much emphasis on an inbuilt amp.

Pros Incredible sound quality for the price

Incredible sound quality for the price Supports a wide range of connections Cons Not portable

Not portable Doesn’t offer much else

As the winner of the Best Inexpensive Desktop Choice, there are kind words to say about FiiO’s little decoder.

The module comes with a convenient volume dial that works the amp half of the setup while a 3.5mm headphone jack graces the front side along with a bass booster to boot. The device is small enough to tuck right in your pocket, and while the output quality isn’t top-of-the-line, it exceeds expectations for the price tag. You can effectively hook this little beastie up to any PC, smartphone or tablet for instant results. Just plug your headset or speaker system into the jack and make the magic happen.

The reviews don’t say much against the E10K. It’s cited as reliable and “just working”, taking up nearly no space to provide an exponential boost over the typical OEM DAC chips that the untrained ear would call “nice”. One of the common points that the E10 gets people on is the complete lack of distortion when playing front-and-center audio bites at higher volumes.

Verdict

All said and done, this is a great beginner’s DAC and will most likely push you to try out more expensive ones down the road if you’re intimidated to pay out of pocket for a reinvented sound experience.

Pros Reliable

Reliable Pocket-sized

Pocket-sized Impressively low noise floor with the amp raised

Impressively low noise floor with the amp raised Simplicity and support for standard connections makes this a great beginner’s DAC/amp combo Cons None

Alright, now we’re leaning into slightly more technical territory on the low-price end of the spectrum.

SMSL has delivered a decoding solution that supports AV- and microUSB-in for on-the-road audio enhancement. Packing a rechargeable battery that can route power to your phone or tablet for a little juice, the M3 makes a fine companion to carry around in your pocket throughout the day. The selling point, as SMSL pegs it, is the convenience factor: This is meant to be easy to plug in, use and put away when you’re finished.

There’s not much to show off on the front other than a knob for the amp and an LED grid that shows which inbound ports are being used and at what sampling frequency. Without even looking at a specs sheet, you can immediately see that different ports support different sample rates: 48, 96 and 192kHz for the microUSB, Toslink and AV composite respectively. It’s a nice surprise to see that it can convert rates that high, but there are drawbacks that offset this advantage — namely the M3’s penchant to quit decoding files on one particular port or all ports at once.

Verdict

At the end of the day, this DAC does great for the price and sells itself on convenience that holds up everywhere but in the strangely uneven footing that some units come with. This is recommended for beginners, but beware: The lemon rate on this one is a little higher than some might be comfortable with.

Pros Decodes up to 192kHz, which is great at the given price

Decodes up to 192kHz, which is great at the given price Convenient and portable little package

Convenient and portable little package Runs on a USB-rechargeable battery

Runs on a USB-rechargeable battery Can supply outbound power to connected media devices Cons The foot pads are sometimes a little uneven

The foot pads are sometimes a little uneven The ports are cited to fail early on for some units

Finally, we’re dropping back into the budget side of the fence with neat little DACs that provide knock-out decoding power in a

The SMSL AD18 almost won a Best In Category spot, but it was beaten by the M6 of the same brand. With this device, you’re getting coaxial input support in addition to USB and — surprise — Bluetooth. There’s a screen with a menu interface to adjust some of the settings, and there’s a multi-functional amp on board for both headphones and speakers.

We’re already looking at a good deal here, especially once you add in the 192kHz and 24-bit decoding support and powerful volume boost.

The downsides here include a mediocre remote and slightly cheap chassis construction, which makes some of the features jiggle in the frame. There’s also the annoyance of not having dedicated select and power buttons, which are built into the volume knob and controlled through the screen. Keep in mind that none of these are truly deal-breakers, and at the price, the most important part — audio quality — is profound enough to make you forget the small stuff.

Verdict

This device is recommended for anyone who loves the convenience of Bluetooth and could use a potent amp for headphones and speaker systems. Rock on!

Pros Excellent multi-functional amp with quite the kick

Excellent multi-functional amp with quite the kick Neat menu interface for those who fancy this control scheme

Neat menu interface for those who fancy this control scheme Highly portable

Highly portable Supports Bluetooth and coaxial inputs Cons The design, while beautiful, feels cheaply fit at times

The design, while beautiful, feels cheaply fit at times The included remote is forgettable

Best Portable DAC AMP Combo Reviews

Not to leave iPhone users out in the cold, but the KUNLUN advertises itself as strictly for Android users, and this is never more evident than in the highly USB-centric charging and quality audio conveyance that it supports.

In addition, there’s a smartphone-friendly amp onboard that supports USB OTG and allows the control keys on the side to function as an extension of smartphone controls. Topping it all off is a substantial charge life, and of course, it can share some of that power with your Android if the juicer starts to run dry.

The audio decoding is a bit weak at only 24 bits and 96kHz, but this is still potent enough to produce great-sounding audio for all your songs and movies.

Verdict

The KUNLUN is a solid recommendation for anyone who needs a DAC to use with their Android but keep in mind that some reviews have noted the presence of growing static over the product’s lifespan. However, the majority have found that it works perfectly, so this may not be an issue for you.

Pros Excellent array of control- and connection-based synergies with Android phones

Excellent array of control- and connection-based synergies with Android phones Awesome aesthetic

Awesome aesthetic Solid amp Cons May produce static or grain over time

Portability is the name of the game with Oppo’s offering, which comes inside a slim, sleek and stylish package with an onboard battery and outbound charging

High-resolution USB support and charging frankly makes this a better pick for Android users, but adapters can circumvent this for those on Apple’s side of the fence. There are two gain controls built in for headsets and speakers, and a miniature volume dial gives you a little amp on the side for that much-needed kick.

The one and only fall here is that the HA-2 isn’t all that easy to hold and use. In fact, in most portable settings, you’ll find yourself accidentally punching knobs, keys and wheels, unfavorably altering volume and other settings in ways that can scare you out of your headphones or make you ask where the music suddenly went. It’s an irritating way to lay out a device that’s dedicated to the portable playback game, and the notebook style doesn’t help it.

Verdict

This makes a fine audio refinement solution if you’re keen on using your Android with it to boost a headset on the fly, but beware of the awkward controls.

Pros Portable

Portable Can charge media devices through USB

Can charge media devices through USB Clear and detailed audio Cons Highly inconvenient layout of knobs and keys makes it too easy to bump them out of place

Mojo is an interesting brand that carries itself with an undeniable spunk, and if that much wasn’t clear just looking at the DAC itself, you’d have figured it out once you turned it on.

For starters, the amp on this thing is amazing — loud, crisp and punchy without distortion, grain or flattening. Add support for any desktop or mobile device, a plethora of connections and support for up to 768kHz over 32 bits of sound depth, and you have a well-rounded package that holds its charge for 8-10 hours on the go while two 3.5mm headphone jacks let you and a pal listen together.

The two problems to look out for are usage while charging, which is said to produce screeching, and product lifespan, which is cited to take a seat within 12 months or sooner. It could just be that Mojo has a blind spot for lemons, but that’s not where it ends: Some say that Mojo won’t even support the devices inside their warranty windows. Chalk it up to the vocal minority, but these aren’t good signs, and the screeching could be related to an electrical issue that leads to premature death.

Verdict

This DAC is recommended for the highest quality roadside music with headphones, but we wouldn’t use it while charging to be on the safe side.

Pros 768kHz/32-bit support

768kHz/32-bit support Wonderfully powerful and crisp amp

Wonderfully powerful and crisp amp Charges quickly and holds it for the better half of the day on nonstop usage

Charges quickly and holds it for the better half of the day on nonstop usage Two 3.5mm jacks Cons Playback while charging may result in screeching noises that can damage eardrums

Playback while charging may result in screeching noises that can damage eardrums Device doesn’t seem to last long for some people

From the outside, it looks like a flask or vape pen, but on the inside, it’s all hi-fi sound and a 1,400mAh juicer for out-and-about playback.

This is a simple device that supports a 3.5mm connection to headphones and lasts a jaw-dropping 30 hours despite the tiny battery inside. The sample rate is what you’d expect at this price point, delivering only 96kHz over 24 bits.

The only thing to watch out for is the lifespan, which is cited to be disappointingly short for some people. Aside from the occasional unit spontaneously dying without recourse, its performance is solid across the board and does the portable gig with grace and style.

Verdict

If you have an Android or iPhone device that needs a little boost, give the Q1 a look.

Pros Reliable amp and decoding quality

Long-lasting battery Cons Has a tendency to suddenly quit working

Last on this list is: the K1. Unsurprisingly, there’s little to discuss since it only supports the basics.

You’re getting a 3.5mm jack and 96kHz/24-bit decoding — easy as that. For anyone who must know, the driveability is pegged at 16-100 Ohms, so keep that in mind when plugging your headphones in.

This DAC is incredibly tiny and slides right into your pocket with almost unnoticeable weight, and without any real drawbacks to discuss, we can confidently recommend this for anyone who needs small and affordable with reliable decoding including.

Pros Tiny

Tiny Affordable

Affordable Reliable Cons Doesn’t really do anything beyond decoding files through USB and then outputting them through a 3.5mm jack

Best DAC AMP Combo Buyer’s Guide

Noise Floor

This is a measurement of how much interference is in the audio. When you listen to any form of audio that has an unintended hissing, whirring, popping or other background noise, this is the observable form of a higher noise floor, which is a bad thing.

A “low noise floor” means less general interference or background noise during playback.

Sample Rate

This metric is measured in kilohertz (kHz) and determines the fineness of audio detail when it’s stored as a digital file. As an analog format, audio is infinitely qualitative and limited only by the laws of physics. However, data can only store that infinitely detailed signal with a limited level of fidelity due to space and processing constraints.

Because data only stores and processes in timed bursts as opposed to analog’s sustained waveform consistency, a digital audio file must plot out the continuous waveform using a series of update ticks called samples. This can be thought of as how deeply the digital file describes the analog representation of the audio.

A higher sample rate ( more kHz ) means more recorded points along the waveform, which yields a more accurate audio experience.

Bit Rate

Also called bit depth, this metric describes the range of audio expression that a file or system can support. Where sample rate measures how deeply the audio is described, bit rate measured how well it’s described.

A higher bit rate means the audio has more range of motion to exercise all of the ups and downs of the many sounds that are captured within, which leads to a crisper and more detailed audio experience.

Decibels (dB)

This is a unit of volume measurement. While this is rarely seen on volume control interfaces short of industrial or professional equipment, it’s always relevant to the concept of how loud your audio can be.

A higher dB means louder potential audio.

File Support

The chip inside each DAC is limited in the kinds of files that can be supported, which affects the DAC’s ability to decode the digital signature of certain files into an analog signal. Much like WAV video and DNG photography, PCM audio is a lossless, ultra-fidelity format that’s commonly used with DACs because the quality is far higher.

Naturally, a DAC that supports PCM files in addition to MP3 and other types will be desirable.

Lossy/Lossless

A lossy file type is a format where the audio data has been compressed to save drive space at the expense of sound quality. MP3 and AAC are two of the most popular lossy file types, and while they sound great through a decent set of headphones, there’s a totally different world out there when you step into lossless territory with audio files like PCM and DXD. These files haven’t been compressed, meaning they’ve retained 100 percent of the content that was originally captured and stored. These provide the fullest quality range for bit and sample rates. But they need to be utilized by a DAC that supports them and output hardware that can let the full range of data be expressed.

Best DAC AMP Combo FAQ

A) “Wait, so why do I need an external DAC if there’s already one built into my PC, laptop and smartphone?”

The DACs that are built into your devices are usually not nearly as potent as a dedicated, external one. This means that the audio that’s projected from your headphones, phone speaker or PC will have more of that tin-can sound, whirring, popping and other interference in addition to generally flat-sounding music.

External DACs are a beefier version with support for higher bit, sample and refresh rates, yielding a more clean, crisp and detailed audio experience when played through speakers or headphones that can support audio quality of that level.

B) “How do you use a DAC with headphones or speakers?”

Most portable DACs will employ a USB input for linking with the media source — a phone, tablet, laptop and so on — to receive the signal and convert it into audio. Some DACs will also support AV, fiberoptic and coaxial inputs. This is where the audio-out port is important since this is what connects the DAC to speakers or headphones for playback.

Usually, the audio-out employs an RCA analog, coaxial or 6.35 jack output for studio-level materials, but a 3.5mm auxiliary jack is also quite common for normal day-to-day use.

C) “What’s the difference between a sound card and a DAC?”

Although people sometimes use them interchangeably, they’re not quite the same thing:

A DAC is any chip that takes the digital expression of audio and turns it into an analog signal that speakers and headphones are capable of playing.

is any chip that takes the digital expression of audio and turns it into an analog signal that speakers and headphones are capable of playing. A sound card is a larger concept that includes a DAC in addition to other features that improve or modify the analog result.

This can be compared to a simple chair versus a recliner: The chair is made for sitting, but a recliner is a chair that also has a reclining function and sometimes includes a foot rest to improve the sitting quality. Sound cards are like recliners while DACs are simple chairs. However, not all chairs have to be recliners in order to be comfortable, so DACs on their own can be excellent without additional processing, filtering or other components.

D) “Is there any reason to use a discrete amp instead of one that’s combined with a DAC?”

Amps that are included with DACs are typically more than enough to boost volume to desirable levels. It’s often not necessary to invest in an entirely separate amp unless you’re pushing concert-level audio.

E) “Does the quality of my headphones or speaker have any bearing on the quality of the DAC’s output?”

In a nutshell, yes: If the output device is unable to accommodate the level of quality that the DAC is converting, then the DAC’s output will just be dumbed down to whatever can be supported. This is why you’re not recommended to use a DAC with cheap earphones or speakers. They won’t allow any of the DAC’s advanced decoding to come through where you can appreciate the difference.

F) “What bearing does the file type have on audio quality?”

There’s a major difference between lossy formats (MP3 and AAC) and lossless types (PCM or DXD), but you need the right equipment to make the difference apparent. In the way that cruddy speakers can defeat the point of a DAC, a lossy file type will render studio-level equipment pointless all the way down the line.

Your audio is only going to be as good as your narrowest choke point, which means that in order for one high-quality component to count, all components (file, DAC, and speaker) need to have comparable quality.

Conclusion

Generally speaking, not everyone who listens to music needs a DAC, let alone one with an amp built in. It’s not all that uncommon to purchase a multimedia device that already packs a quality DAC, and for most people, that’s good enough. With the levels that our operating systems and silicon chips are reaching, the high end of audio technology has been brought well within reach of the average consumer, and many of them don’t even realize that they have it in the more expensive smartphones, tablets, and PCs.

Still, what comes inbuilt with these devices can usually be improved by routing the data through an upgraded sound card or an external decoder.

One of the biggest problems that people face with DACs is that it’s never enough to upgrade one component. The whole system has to be improved with it, especially if you’re starting to leave the basics behind. In this way, purchasing a DAC can be costly because a new headset and even media device might be necessary to make it count, and even then, you need to procure lossless files to make the most of what’s available.

Regardless, introducing a DAC to your media hardware collection can only help. In the way that smartphones are gaining on PCs and smartphone cameras are gaining on DSLRs, mobile sound cards are creeping up on DACs and pushing them into a state of diminishing returns.

Those who need professional-grade sound manipulation will definitely require the big guns here, but many listeners wouldn’t know the difference if you employed a standard OEM DAC chip in a high-end mobile device. That alone is already a testament to the closing technology gap.