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Computer Accessories

Best Digital-to-Analog Converters

Updated October 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Schiit Modi 3+ D/A Converter
Schiit
Modi 3+ D/A Converter
All-Around Excellence

With its sleek looks, rave-worthy performance, and boutique brand reputation, the Schiit Modi 3+ is a fantastic desktop DAC.

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All-Around Excellence
Bottom Line

With its sleek looks, rave-worthy performance, and boutique brand reputation, the Schiit Modi 3+ is a fantastic desktop DAC.

Pros

Uses the AK4490 delta-sigma chip. Accepts audio from 16/44.1 kHz to 24/192 kHz via coaxial SPDIF, Toslink SPDIF, and USB inputs, and analog stereo single-ended RCA output. Plug-and-play from Windows 8 and MacOS 10.7 on up. Can operate on any micro-USB power source.

Cons

No physical volume control. Will not work with Windows 7.

Best Bang for the Buck
Monolith 124460 Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC
Monolith
124460 Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC
Budget Performance

Famed discount audio brand Monoprice’s Monolith DAC is the size of a battery pack and can handle almost any high-end audio format.

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Budget Performance
Bottom Line

Famed discount audio brand Monoprice’s Monolith DAC is the size of a battery pack and can handle almost any high-end audio format.

Pros

Built around the AKM AK4493 chip with a THX AAA 788 amplifier. Accepts PCM inputs up to 768 kHz and a direct stream digital (DSD) input of 2.8/5.6/112 MHz. Offers Dirac Sensaround enhancement. USB and 3.5mm Optical input. Analog 3.5mm stereo input.

Cons

Occasional static related to USB connections.

RME Signal Converter (ADI-2 DAC FS)
RME
Signal Converter (ADI-2 DAC FS)
High-End Sound

For those wanting to start a serious audiophile equipment setup, RME’s pro-level component DAC is a great option.

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High-End Sound
Bottom Line

For those wanting to start a serious audiophile equipment setup, RME’s pro-level component DAC is a great option.

Pros

Designed on AKM's AK4493 chip in a special circuit variant. Accepts optical, coaxial, and USB (2.0) inputs. Low jitter for lower noise. Transparent sound signature. Offers full DSP processing. Physical controls for volume, bass, treble, and loudness. Five-band equalizer.

Cons

Expensive. Not portable.

Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC
Audioengine
D1 24-Bit DAC
Small & Stylish

This compact desktop DAC from Audioengine is a simple, affordable, and powerful way to get started with serious audio.

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Small & Stylish
Bottom Line

This compact desktop DAC from Audioengine is a simple, affordable, and powerful way to get started with serious audio.

Pros

Equipped with the AK4396 chip. Plug-and-play on most Windows and MacOS machines with no drivers needed. Accepts USB and optical inputs. Offers analog mini plug and RCA output. USB-powered. Handles up to 24 bits and any sample rate to 192 kHz. Has a front volume knob.

Cons

Occasional static related to USB connections.

iFi Zen Blue V2
iFi
Zen Blue V2
Bluetooth Champ

If you still think Bluetooth isn’t good for high-end audio quality, iFi’s elegant, retro-futuristic wireless DAC may convince you otherwise.

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Bluetooth Champ
Bottom Line

If you still think Bluetooth isn’t good for high-end audio quality, iFi’s elegant, retro-futuristic wireless DAC may convince you otherwise.

Pros

Uses ESS Sabre chipset and Qualcomm QCC5100 series Bluetooth chip supporting Bluetooth 5.0 in all current and future formats such as AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, and HWA up to 24 bits and 192 kbps. Connects wirelessly to any Bluetooth source, including streaming. Pairs up to 7 devices.

Cons

Bluetooth-only input. Not particularly portable.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
October 12, 2021
30
Models
considered
18
Hours
researched
Category cover
Our Top Picks
Schiit
Best of the Best
Schiit
Modi 3+ D/A Converter
Bottom Line
With its sleek looks, rave-worthy performance, and boutique brand reputation, the Schiit Modi 3+ is a fantastic desktop DAC.
Shop Now
Monolith
Best Bang for the Buck
Monolith
124460 Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC
Bottom Line
Famed discount audio brand Monoprice’s Monolith DAC is the size of a battery pack and can handle almost any high-end audio format.
Shop Now
RME
Top Pick
RME
Signal Converter (ADI-2 DAC FS)
Bottom Line
For those wanting to start a serious audiophile equipment setup, RME’s pro-level component DAC is a great option.
Shop Now
Audioengine
Top Pick
Audioengine
D1 24-Bit DAC
Bottom Line
This compact desktop DAC from Audioengine is a simple, affordable, and powerful way to get started with serious audio.
Shop Now
iFi
Top Pick
iFi
Zen Blue V2
Bottom Line
If you still think Bluetooth isn’t good for high-end audio quality, iFi’s elegant, retro-futuristic wireless DAC may convince you otherwise.
Shop Now
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