Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) Recommendations
Whether you want to take a step up from the incorporated DAC in your integrated amp or home theater receiver, or you want to add digital capabilities to an all-analog setup these DACs can provide you with a great music experience.
At the heart of your digital music experience is a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) to take the digital signals and convert them into an analog signal that can be fed into your amplifier to increase the sound level to send to your speakers. You can input a digital signal to the DAC directly from your computer, a CD player, or often a USB memory stick. Another feature many will want is a way to get digital signals from a streaming service such as Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon music or others. The DACs recommended here all incorporate a streamer in the same package.
Many streamers offer volume control so that they can be used as a preamp directly to a power amplifier. While most only offer digital and network inputs, some also include analog and even phono inputs for use with a turntable and other analog sources.
WiiM Ultra Music Streamer
WiiM makes wonderful, affordable products focused on digital music reproduction. The WiiM Ultra is a great entry level product with a wide range of streaming options, a configurable front panel display. It incorporates a high quality Delta/Sigma DAC chip (ESS ES9038 Q2M), as well as digital volume control, analog and phono inputs, a single mono subwoofer output as well as a room correction capability and can function as a preamp. It also includes an HDMI-Arc input that can be used for Stereo sound from a TV.
Bluesound Node Nano
The Bluesound Node Nano is another great option for a stand alone DAC and streamer. The Bluesound streaming platform offers a wide variety of streaming services and options, and also uses a high quality Delta/Sigma DAC chip (ESS ES9039Q2M). While it doesn't offer analog inputs or a subwoofer output, it does have a digital volume control. So if you only have digital sources and don't need a subwoofer the Node Nano can also function as a preamp directly to a power amplifier.
Cambridge Audio CXN100
The Cambridge Audio CXN100 is a streaming DAC from one of the most respected companies in the audio world. It features multiple digital inputs as well as WiFi and ethernet connections to stream from multiple streaming services, and can function as a digital preamp with both single ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs to either a preamp or a power amplifier.
Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Gen 2
Eversolo is a fairly new company that's been getting rave reviews for their products,that include streaming DACs, amplifiers and integrated amplifiers. The DMP-A6 Master Gen 2 streaming DAC is an attractive product that features a great DAC, wonderful streaming capabilities from a wide range of services. The front panel is configurable to display album art, power meters and a wide range of other display options. While input is limited to digital only, it has both single ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) output to a preamp or directly to an amplifier with it's digital volume control.
Gustard R26II Network Streaming DAC
Gustard is a highly respected brand offering both R2R ladder DACs and Delta/Sigma DACs. The R26II network streaming DAC is an R2R (resistor) ladder DAC noted for it's warm, organic sound. It offers the option of RCA or XLR balanced outputs to a preamp or amplifier, includes multiple digital inputs (including both HDMI-Arc and I2S over HDMI - which can be used with some SACD transports) and even the ability to input an external word clock for improved timing signals.
Gustard R30 R2R DAC
Stepping up in the Gustard lineup, the R30 R2R DAC takes the features of the R26II to the next level. While the DACs in both products is based on the same R2R technology, the R30 builds up on the R26II to provide deeper layering, a blacker background, and stronger dynamics. Reviewers note that the R30 offers a more refined, immersive, and three-dimensional sound when compared to the R26II.
EVERSOLO DMP-A10 Hi-end Music Streamer with DAC
The Eversolo DMP-A10 is the company's flagship streaming DAC, and features the ESS ES9039PRO DAC, currently the top chip in that company's DAC chip lineup. It has a configurable 6 1/2" touch screen LCD front panel display, room correction and an analog volume control. It has both RCA and XLR analog inputs, and includes dual subwoofer outputs as well as both RCA and balanced outputs for use as a preamp.
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