Best DACs Reviewed

A DAC that serves as a headphone amplifier is a small device that connects a set of headphones to the music-playing device. Although all modern headphones come with a built-in DAC, using a headphone amplifier is the best way to improve the quality of sound.

The absolute best DAC 2019 device is the PS Audio Sprout100. This HiFi DAC amp features high resolution, high fidelity, and is compatible with digital, analog, vinyl, and Bluetooth. Some reviewers are even calling the Sprout100 the "gateway device to a life of audio nirvana." The design of this DAC is elegant and easy to use, and it even comes with a handy remote control.

The main reason this device has been dubbed the best DAC is its endless connectivity options. On the backside of the device, you’ll see inputs for every connection option you could ever imagine. You can even bring your favorite old-school vinyl back to life with the help of the Sprout100. The sample rate/bit depth reaches 24-bit/384kHz, which is an extremely high rating when it comes to audio transmission.

Tons of Sprout100 reviewers love the fact that this device can stream music from a smartphone. The Bluetooth capabilities mean you can easily access Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and other popular music apps of today. This device was built for listening to music at loud volumes; it features a 100-watt-per-channel power amplifier and a high-performance headphone amp.

The only downside of this DAC is that it lacks portability. Unlike some of the DAC units we'll review later, this one is by no means small enough to fit in your pocket. However, it's the best possible choice for listening to music at home. A mission of the PS Audio company is to bring high-end music into the lives of its customers. And this is precisely what they've done. 

The best DAC amp combo is the Chord Electronics Mojo. Chord Electronics is a UK-based company that has been producing high-quality DACs for years. Their focus is on developing DACs that are portable enough to fit in a pocket. This is exactly what they have done with the Mojo DAC amp combo. Not only is it small enough to fit in your pocket, but you can also hold this lightweight device in the palm of your hand.

This is the ultimate amplifier for listening to music from your iPhone or Android smartphone. It can also be used for a PC or Mac; simply connect your device of choice to the Mojo DAC and start listening. The crystal clear audio can be attributed to the massively powerful headphone amplifier that is contained within this DAC. It features an extremely high sample rate - 32-bit/768kHz - and a DSD of 256.

The battery-operated Mojo utilizes the latest technology allowing the battery to charge within 4 hours fully. When fully charged, the Mojo offers 8 to 10 hours of continuous use. When you use this DAC between your smartphone and headphones, you'll hear music in a whole new way. If you're looking for something portable enough to carry around while jamming out, the Mojo DAC is the perfect solution.

The standalone Marantz HD-DAC1 is the best DAC under 1000 dollars. $1000 might sound like a lot of cash to spend on a DAC, but you’ll see (and hear) that it’s completely worth it. This multidimensional amplifying device comes equipped with a quality headphone amp and a stereo preamp. This allows you to connect a variety of audio sources and speakers for a complete home theater system.

The versatile connections plug-in allows nearly any audio source to be used with this DAC, including CD players, gaming consoles, and digital music players. You can even stream music via your laptop, desktop, or smartphone with the 2 USB ports. In addition to the way this DAC sounds, reviewers love the way that this DAC looks as well.

The design of this DAC blows all other sound conversion devices out of the water. This device features a timeless and retro look that looks stunning on any bookshelf, desktop, or coffee table. If you’re still wondering “Why Marantz?”, learning that the company has been in business since 1953 gives you the answer.

Since the company started back in the 50s, it has been on the pursuit of pure musical production. This is the entire concept behind the HD-DAC1; this device improves sound quality by removing jitter and increasing acoustic accuracy. The only downside is that it lacks portability - some reviewers describe it as “bulky” - but that is the only flaw of the Marantz DAC.

If you plan on using your DAC for a desktop or laptop, the Schiit Modi 3 is currently the best DAC for PC. It delivers great sound for a great price, so we also feel that it is one of the best DACs under 200 dollars. With its included USB to micro cable, the Modi 3 can be plugged into virtually any computer. If you’re connecting to a coaxial digital source or a mobile device, the included wall power supply will come in handy.

Selecting different inputs for using a variety of devices is easy. All you have to do is use the toggle switch that is located on the front side of the DAC. The backside is where you’ll find the different input options, including Coaxial SPDIF, Optical SPDIF, and USB inputs, and single-ended RCA output. Along with every Modi 3 purchase comes a USB to Micro USB cable plus a universal 5V USB wall power adaptor.

Many reviewers assume that the low price of this device means that it was manufactured in China. This is not the case; the Schiit Modi 3 was designed and assembled in the USA. Reviewers rave about the company’s customer service. It’s even possible to find DAC shopping guides created by Schiit. The company believes that simplicity is essential when choosing a DAC, which is why their Modi 3 device features a simple design with clean lines.

The only potential drawback to purchasing this DAC is if you’re working with an outdated PC. The Windows 10 operating system is highly recommended and works flawlessly with this device. However, if you have something as old as a Windows 7, you might need to purchase extra accessories to get the full effect of the Schiit Modi 3. But as long as you have a relatively updated version of the iOS, Windows, Mac OSX, Android, or Linux device, you’re good to go.

Any music lovers looking for a DAC that is lightweight, small, and convenient to use, check out the AudioQuest DragonFly. This is the best USB DAC on the market today, and not just because it’s small enough to take anywhere. The DragonFly works with nearly any set of headphones and plays anything from MP3s to high-res audio files. It works best with Apple and Android devices when paired with a simple adaptor.

If improving sound quality is your main priority, you'll love how the DragonFly transforms dull noise into high-quality audio. It does this by enhancing the detail, immediacy, tone, richness, and transparency of an audio file. This plug-and-play USB DAC acts as a preamp and headphone amp that connects to laptops, tablets, and smartphones to deliver fantastic sound to a pair of headphones. It can play any file type - MP3, MQA, Hi-Res - regardless of resolution.

After you fill out the AudioQuest warranty registration, your device will be covered for one year from the purchase date. Some reviewers feel that this isn’t a sufficient warranty period, but keep in mind that the DragonFly is quite a bit cheaper than the other DAC devices on this list. But the affordable price tag is no reflection on its ability to enhance sound quality. Since this is a USB device, you won’t need any additional accessories for connectivity, just a pair of headphones and your music device.

EarStudio ES100-24-bit is the only audio-enhancing device on this list under $100, which makes this the best budget DAC on our list. This 24-bit Bluetooth receiver was designed to deliver only the highest quality sound imaginable. All this is done through a wireless connection, allowing you to use your existing headphones, earbuds, and speakers.

This device is small, lightweight, and highly portable. When fully charged, you'll get 14 hours of continuous playback. To pick and choose music and audio files with ease, you can use the app for even more convenience. EarStudio has partnered with the Radsone Music Player App, which can be downloaded at the iOS App Store or Android Google Play store.

For optimal audio performance, you can use the analog volume control; even when listening at a low volume, you won't lose out on sound quality. The Programmable Gain Amplifier PGAs is to thank for this. PGAs are known to be the best method for controlling volume. Another cool feature is the built-in microphone that allows users to answer calls while listening to audio with headphones or earbuds.

All in all, this is an innovative music-listening device that is perfect for jamming out with a mobile device. When you download the app, you can easily control what you listen to while the DAC is connected to your phone’s Bluetooth. Not only is it one of the most innovative portable DACs on the market, but it is also the best DAC for the money.

We’ve already covered a few top-rated portable devices on this list of DAC reviews, but if portability is your main priority, check out the NextDrive Spectra. This device does not resemble any other DACs on the market. Rather than a boxy design, the Sectra features a slim design that requires no batteries whatsoever. The device weighs less than 5 ounces, making it the ideal choice for the best portable DAC.

NextDrive refers to this product as the "portable concert hall." As soon as you start listening with the help of the Spectra, you'll see exactly how it got that nickname. For being such a small device, it packs a powerful punch with its 32-bit/384kHz chipset and amazing sound across bass, mids, and treble. All aspects of listening are controlled from your original device (not the DAC), so you’ll never have to fumble around for volume control or audio file selection.

NextDrive has provided a long list of DAC FAQs to help out newbie DAC users. Reviewers say that the company offers amazing customer support. If you have any questions at all about a NextDrive device, they are just one call or email away. 

There is, however, one flaw to be aware of. Although the Spectra is compatible with a variety of devices, iOS 12.1 introduces an update that may not be compatible with this DAC. Some iPhone users have claimed to experience difficulty while using the Spectra. Luckily, all is not lost for iPhone users; just be sure to purchase the USB-A version and Apple USB 3 adaptor (sold separately).

Most DACs are compatible with mobile devices in one way or another. If you’re specifically looking for a DAC that supports an iOS device, consider the best DAC for iPhone: the FiiO Q1 Mark II Native DSD. This DAC works well all Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Mac computers. It comes with 2 balanced output headphone jacks and a micro USB input port.

No matter if you input a phone, tablet, or computer, this DAC can determine the device that is being used. This means you'll never have to manually switch the settings each time you switch devices, which leads to a seamless listening experience. Each purchase comes with a variety of audio accessories, including a lightning-to-micro USB short cable, micro USB long data cable, 3.5mm audio cable, 2x long silicone bands, 2x short silicone bands, silicone pad, and carrying pouch for the device.

This device is highly portable, so you can listen to music stored on your iOS device while on the go. It is smaller in size than the iPhone you’re using, so you can easily keep it in your purse or pocket while listening. It comes with the official Apple MFi certification, which basically means this is the one and only DAC to buy if you intend to use it with an Apple device.

In addition to the Apple certification, the FiiO device has been given the Hi-Res Audio Certification. This certification is handed out by the Japan Audio Society to devices that are highly capable of converting high-resolution audio files. Controlling volume is possible on the device with the stylish volume knob, which is one of the most-loved features of the Q1 Mark II. 

Looking for the best headphone DAC amp? Nothing quite compares to the desktop Monolith 124459 Headphone Amplifier. This device was developed by the Monoprice manufacturer, a company that has been in the electronics business for nearly two decades. Their Monolith DAC device features the world's most linear amplifying technology. It offers a no-compromise headphone audio experience with a 100% balanced operation. 

If you’re unfamiliar with advanced audio technology, this DAC might seem overwhelming at first. On the backside, you’ll see tons of input and options for both digital and analog. Things can quickly get confusing, but you’ll get the hang of everything in no time with the help of the Monolith User Manual. On the front of the device, you’ll have access to balanced and single-ended output headphone jacks. This output system is compatible with all headphone types.

Although you can use essentially any headphones or earbuds, you'd be doing this DAC a disservice by pairing it with low-quality headphones. It is highly recommended that you use a high-quality pair of headphones with the best headphone DAC amp. This is the ultimate way to take advantage of this DAC’S full potential. WIth top-of-the-line headphones, your listening experience will be exceptional with the Monolith.