Good DAC: review, rating, description, features and reviews

Often life confronts us with a difficult choice. We have to look for some kind of gadget. At the same time, it should be cheap, the best and the most impeccable. Naturally, we understand that this is practically impossible. Therefore, we have to choose according to the criteria that suit us, and even sacrifice something. Today we will try to choose a good DAC.

What is it?

Before you deal 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, in the other - analog.

There is this device and an "antagonist". He does all the same, but vice versa. In general, the sound transducer works in such a way that for operation it needs to receive a digital signal, which is based on pulse-code modulations. If we have a compressed format before us, working with it is to use codecs.

Appointment

Naturally, for a good DAC to buy, you need for this reason. It is unlikely that an average user will be wasted on such devices. Usually a gadget is needed for those who want to convert signals from the digital "world" into an analog one. As an example, it is used in a CD player.

Classification

Depending on the purpose, it is possible to distribute the DACs in groups. The simplest of all is the pulse width. Most often found in devices such as Hi-Fi or where you need to control electric motors. The principle of operation of this type is in the pulse sequence, which passes through the low-pass filter. To get it, you need to wait until the converted digital code is proportional to the time for which a stable current source operates.

Next we meet the oversampling. It is based on the fluctuation of the pulse density. This type is intended for correct operation of the device, which has a lower bit capacity, with a device with a higher bit capacity. It is believed that a similar DAC is visualized in a one-bit model. So according to this technology there is an exchange of pulses with negative feedbacks.

The weighing type assumes that the value of the source current will be proportional to the weight of the bit. The non-zero bits in this case can be summed. The ladder type received a special circuit, which consists of several resistors, has two types of switching.

Characteristics

To choose the best DAC, you need to understand its characteristics. So, it is necessary to select a couple of basic parameters. It is important to understand the value of bit depth, maximum sampling rate, monotonicity, dynamic range, static and frequency characteristics. So it is possible to determine the desired levels of the output signal, the frequency of stable operation, the ability of the device to increase the analog output signal.

Rating

To make a rating of the best DACs is not so easy. There are so many of them, they are all different. Some are distinguished by external characteristics, others by technical ones. Some have been equipped with a large number of technologies and functions, others are focused on 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 the company Matrix, Meridian Audio, Esoteric, etc.

Versatile

Choose a good DAC is not a problem. There are many variants of converters on the market that can suit you both in color, shape and size, and in terms of technical characteristics.

Matrix Mini-I Pro was created by a Chinese company. Many experts believe that this producer suddenly appeared on the market and always creates a resonance that does not frighten the competitors, but makes them work more actively. The company has a large selection of equipment and audio equipment. And among the models there are both budget options for $ 200, and expensive ones - for $ 1000.

To average gadgets it is necessary to carry Mini-I Pro. It is compact and, most importantly, combined. Helps to strengthen headphones, but at the same time has a DAC. In just $ 520, the audiophile will have a gadget of your dreams. It is worthwhile to understand that the dimensions of the model are really very small. Therefore, as one of the components of the PC version 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, on the right - a volume control. If you click on it, you can go to the options menu, where there is an output channel, digital filters, etc. There is a control panel in the kit. The back end is occupied by all necessary interfaces. There are USB, AES / EBU, XLR and others.

Reviews

Those who chose the best DAC headphones, were unspeakably happy with the appearance of this model in the market. It is not only beautiful and compact, but also balanced and versatile. Perhaps, every user will be satisfied with the fact that he will receive a clean, accurate and refined sound. The frequencies are audible well, both low and high sounds are noticeable.

Buyers noted convenient control, saturation, three-dimensional bass, a pleasant shade. Those who really understand everything in audio, really appreciated this inconspicuous and functional device.

Upscale

Another representative of this manufacturer is Matrix X-Saber. It has standard dimensions, which generally 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 first encounter such a device, it's just a ton, for connoisseurs it's a standard weight.

The front panel is occupied by the necessary adjustment components and connectors. Everything is clear and noticeable. There is no optical output, although not for all this will prove to be a disadvantage. 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 sound. In this case, users noted cleanliness, good resolution, flat and stretched upper frequencies. Allocated an excellent timbre with balanced tones.

Buyers noted among the features fast operation of the DAC, lack of "roundness", high bass and hyperbolized coloring of the sound. The melody does not have roughness or roughness, and the frequencies are noticeable and clean.

Sonorous

Esoteric D-07X is a good DAC, which will seem to many to be too expensive - about 6 thousand dollars. But connoisseurs understand what such a price is for such a compact equipment. This version was distinguished by a good quality body, a large selection of functions and modes, and most importantly - a super-high-quality sound. In a similar model, which came out a little earlier, there was a problem with the USB-receiver.

The novelty seems to have lost this bug. It was equipped with a translation of files, the ability to turn off the digital filter and a new slot for headphones. There is also an independent volume control. Despite the large number of innovations, they practically did not affect the increase in value.

Of course, you can recommend some specific settings and adjustments to the equipment, but most likely it will be more appropriate for the owner to deal with each function independently in order to set the optimal modes for himself.

Reviews

It is clear that it is impossible to find the best DACs in the world. Everything depends on the individual needs of the owner. But this option as ever has been successful, although not very cheap. Find reviews about this model is not easy, as not every ordinary buyer will decide to buy such a complex configuration in the DAC. Those who still left comments, noted excellent sound quality, many functions, technologies and work with different sources.

If you are a novice user of such converters, you may encounter new functions and slots that you have not seen before. Setting can drive you to a standstill, which naturally leads to poor-quality sound.

New standards

Those who are familiar with expensive audio devices, at least once faced with 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.

More recently, users have 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 works that were conducted in 20 years. Novelty has a wide connectivity, a lot of user functions, support for a variety of formats. Equipped with Ultra DAC series of new technologies that improve sound quality, use a number of filters, increase frequencies.

In fact, this model is indeed an excellent option, as it can be connected via USB, AES3, TosLink, S / PDIF. There is an excellent music platform, which managed to get many awards. In addition to these interfaces, you can use balanced and unbalanced analog outputs.

Reviews

Both the manufacturer and users of these models considered that these are the best DAC-amplifiers. The company Meridian Audio again turned out to prove its superiority in the market and the fact that it can create a high-quality product.

Customers responded positively to the availability of features, among which PC setup, LipSync and RS232. Thanks to them it became possible to integrate the device with the systems of other manufacturers. They noted the presence of three oversampling filters, which are often used at frequencies 44kHz and 48kHz.

conclusions

A good external DAC is not easy to pick. With this will have to accept. If you need it for work, then, most likely, you are already familiar with certain models and manufacturers, and you make the choice easier. If you, on the contrary, first decided to buy a DAC, you will have to understand for what purposes you choose the equipment that you expect from it. Of course, it is necessary to study the reviews, since not always the characteristics correspond to reality, or in reality turn out to be truthful. Well, you can not "rush" on a beautiful model. If you have a nice design, this does not mean that the sound will completely satisfy you.