{"id":32380,"date":"2024-04-26T11:00:10","date_gmt":"2024-04-26T11:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/?p=32380"},"modified":"2026-01-20T17:00:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T17:00:55","slug":"what-is-a-dac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a DAC and Why Is It Important?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#In_a_hurry\" >In a hurry?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#What_is_a_DAC\" >What is a DAC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#Why_do_I_need_one\" >Why do I need one?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#DSD_and_PCM\" >DSD and PCM<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#Dont_forget_about_your_source_material\" >Don\u2019t forget about your source material<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#Finding_the_right_DAC\" >Finding the right DAC<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#For_mobile_and_headphones\" >For mobile and headphones<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#For_desktop\" >For desktop<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#For_a_high-end_desktop_or_Hi-Fi_setup\" >For a high-end desktop or Hi-Fi setup<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#For_streaming\" >For streaming<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#For_CD_players\" >For CD players<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#For_HDMI_media_players\" >For HDMI media players<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#What_is_the_purpose_of_DAC\" >What is the purpose of DAC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#Do_I_have_a_DAC_in_my_AV_receiver\" >Do I have a DAC in my AV receiver?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#Whats_the_best_DAC_for_an_audiophile\" >What\u2019s the best DAC for an audiophile?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dac\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>You may have seen the name <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/dacs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DAC or digital-to-analogue converter<\/a><\/strong> but never really given it any thought. In this article, we\u2019ll give you the low-down on what a DAC is used for. Amazingly, you\u2019re probably using one daily without even realising it!<\/p>\n<p>So,\u00a0<strong>what is a DAC?<\/strong> Since CDs, MiniDiscs, and digital tape came about, we\u2019ve needed a way to listen to the material via our speakers or headphones. DACs solve this issue by converting those digital 1s and 0s to an analog format.<\/p>\n<p>Oddly, some devices like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Technics-Grand-Class-SL-1210GR2-Direct-Drive-Turntable-Black\/5XSH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technic SL-1210GR2<\/a><\/strong> turntable also use a DAC to assist in driving the platter to keep perfect timing.<\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s the very basics of it, now let&#8217;s go into more detail&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;In a hurry?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_a_hurry\"><\/span>In a hurry?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Here&#8217;s everything we cover in the article summed up in a few points!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The DAC is the musical brain of your system. Its primary job is to convert digital codecs (PCM or DSD) into a signal which is turned into soundwaves we can hear<\/li>\n<li>DSD is a single-bit bitstream while PCM uses a multi-bit bitstream solution. They both carry 1s and 0s along their codec but deliver music differently<\/li>\n<li>File formats matter and the size of the data you listen to is key as it limits the amount of information the DAC has to work with; too little data starves the DAC of information<\/li>\n<li>For phones and computers, USB DACs are needed. Digital connections like BNC, Optical TosLink, Coaxial, and HDMI are usually required for all other electronics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/dacs&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP DACS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px|10px|30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;What is a DAC?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_DAC\"><\/span>What is a DAC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-32403 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/AudioQuest-DragonFly-Black-USB-Digital-to-Analogue-Converter-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"AudioQuest DragonFly Black USB Digital to Analogue Converter\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>A DAC, or a digital-to-analogue converter, is a very special chipset; you could call it the musical brain of the system. It\u2019s made of many micro components and can read digital musical binary codecs. It then converts these from digital pulses to a signal our speakers can output as soundwaves once they have been amplified.<\/p>\n<p>Without a DAC, the digital musical revolution wouldn\u2019t look the same.<\/p>\n<p>You may have heard of \u201cPulse-Code Modulation\u201d. PCM is a standard form of digital audio represented as a string of 1s and 0s.<\/p>\n<p>To get those 1s and 0s from analogue music, we have a system for measuring the signal path called quantisation. This takes regular time samples and stores them as close to the original within its amplitude values.<\/p>\n<p>CDs have no less than 65,536 amplitude values while Hi-Res 24Bit incorporates an eye-watering 16,777,216 of them. So, what\u2019s important about these numbers? Well, the higher the number, the lower the noise floor, thus allowing for accuracy.<\/p>\n<p>Direct Stream Digital Audio may be something else you&#8217;ve heard of, usually shortened to DSD Audio. Similar to PCM, it stores 1s and 0s into a binary number system which DACs understand. This codec has been designed to convert analogue signal paths into one stream of data (apparently without limit).<\/p>\n<p>Modern DACs are also famous for playing a multitude of musical formats like ALCC, FLAC, WAV, and MP3. This gives the DAC a few more complexities as MP3 may only have 96kbps while ALCC, FLAC, and WAV can even surpass CDs&#8217; data output stream of 1411kbps to a mighty 9,216kbps of information streaming every second.<\/p>\n<p>If your DAC has a Master Clock, making it an asynchronous DAC, everything that is required to be controlled by the music is all housed within it. This helps keep jitter and dither (a common cause which spoils accurate playback) as low as possible.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Why do I need one?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_I_need_one\"><\/span>Why do I need one?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you listen to any medium of digital music, you need a DAC to decode the information hidden within the digital format. This is true regardless of whether you use a pair of budget earphones via your mobile phone or on a dedicated hi-fi system.<\/p>\n<p>In this digital era, DACs are always needed, and so your phone and CD player will already have one built in! Only vinyl and cassette negate this via traditional amplification methods. What\u2019s more, even turntables are starting to include them as they bring an accuracy to the rotation of the platter that far exceeds standard methods.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;DSD and PCM&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DSD_and_PCM\"><\/span>DSD and PCM<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As mentioned, DACs use two types of digital formats: DSD and PCM.<\/p>\n<p>DSD was born after Sony and Philips felt the need to further develop the humble CD, which is limited to 16Bit\/44.1kHz. They developed the Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD); its DSD digital format uses a single-bit bitstream layer of information, while PCM uses a multi-bit bitstream system.<\/p>\n<p>Another difference is the way the formats are measured, DSD measures in MHz with SACD (DSD64) achieving a 2.8MHz ceiling &#8211; about 64 times that of the 44.1kHz found on CD!<\/p>\n<p>With downloadable PCM files (ALCC, FLAC, and WAV) using that multi-bit bitstream system, they\u2019ve also surpassed the CD\u2019s maximum output of 44.1kHz. Many PCM files Display 24Bit\/48kHz, and some rise to the heights of 24Bit\/192kHz, all being defined as hi-res just like DSD file formats.<\/p>\n<p>DVD-Audio and Blu-ray Audio are other disc-type multi-bit bitstream musical formats which have virtually disappeared, while ALCC, FLAC, WAV, and DSD are still competing in hi-res battles.<\/p>\n<p><em>Good to know: If you don\u2019t see the DSD logo on your DAC, it will not play them!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-32404 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iFi-Audio-ZEN-DAC-V2.jpg\" alt=\"iFi Audio ZEN DAC V2\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iFi-Audio-ZEN-DAC-V2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iFi-Audio-ZEN-DAC-V2-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iFi-Audio-ZEN-DAC-V2-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Don\u2019t forget about your source material&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_forget_about_your_source_material\"><\/span>Don\u2019t forget about your source material<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You need to feed your DAC properly for high-res results. Take fast food, for example; when we eat it, we can feel a little sluggish afterwards, and the same can be said for DACs. They thrive on data and small amounts of data are its fast food.<\/p>\n<p>MP3 and lossy are the fast food of music and, while they&#8217;re great at what they do, when it comes to listening to music, they have so much of the data stripped away. The telltale signs of MP3 and lossy are any details that get lost; if you notice something in the music but it&#8217;s out of audible range, you&#8217;ll probably turn the music up&#8230; but this just creates noise.<\/p>\n<p>You can improve those inaudible parts it teases you with by giving your DAC better source material, allowing it to feed properly on the multi-bit and single-bit bitstreams information.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Finding the right DAC&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_the_right_DAC\"><\/span>Finding the right DAC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_mobile_and_headphones\"><\/span>For mobile and headphones<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><u><\/u> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-32405 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/AstellKern-AK-HB1-Wireless-DAC-Amp-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Astell&amp;Kern AK HB1 Wireless DAC &amp; Amp\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Simple solutions like the <strong><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/FiiO-KA17-DAC-and-Headphone-Amp-Blue\/6BFQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FiiO KA17<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0are great! USB is a must as it requires low energy usage. Phones are very clever and can even dull the DAC\u2019s performance if it feels it&#8217;s drawing too much power.<\/p>\n<p><u><\/u>If you&#8217;re a little more serious about streaming on the go, look at products like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/AstellandKern-AK-HB1-Wireless-DAC-and-Amp\/62BO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Astell&amp;Kern AK HB1<\/a><\/strong>. Portable DACs which include their own battery pack allow your phone to work like a phone while playing music to your headphones like a HiFi system.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_desktop\"><\/span>For desktop<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Connecting a USB DAC like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Headphones\/FiiO-K11-Compact-Desktop-DAC-and-Headphone-Amp-Black\/6BFT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FiiO K11<\/a><\/strong> removes the power issues that come with simple DACs for mobile. DACs like this also replace the device&#8217;s internal soundcard. This brings the level of isolation required.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_a_high-end_desktop_or_Hi-Fi_setup\"><\/span>For a high-end desktop or Hi-Fi setup<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Those who have jumped from CD players to high-end desktops will understand that a USB DAC is paramount to performance. DACs like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/TEAC-UD-505-X-USB-DAC-Preamplifier-V2-Black\/51T1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teac UD-505-x<\/a><\/strong> that use external Master Clocks such as the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/TEAC-CG-10M-Master-Clock-Generator-Silver\/51O0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teac CG-10M<\/a> <\/strong>seamlessly integrate into systems well above \u00a325k with ease.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_streaming\"><\/span>For streaming<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-32406 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Eversolo-DMP-A8-Network-Audio-Streamer-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Eversolo DMP-A8 Network Audio Streamer\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>If you&#8217;re looking for a simple no-nonsense product, DACs like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Novafidelity-N15D-Black-Network-Adapter-and-USB-DAC-w--1TB-Hard-Drive-Wifi-Dongle-and-CD-Drive\/4H74\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Novafidelity N15D<\/a><\/strong> are ideal. These compact streaming systems usually have Roon capabilities and do exactly what they say on the tin. They&#8217;re not shouty in design, but certainly make up for it in musical ability.<\/p>\n<p>For high-end streaming, products like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Eversolo-DMP-A8-Network-Audio-Streamer\/6313\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eversolo DMP-A8<\/a><\/strong> have been setting the streaming world on fire. If you stream music regularly, we recommend using a dedicated streaming DAC. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/eversolo-dmp-a8-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read our full review of the Eversolo DMP-A8 here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For those who just want a simple streaming DAC with power, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/WiiM-Amp-Streaming-Amplifier-Space-Grey\/63NU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WiiM Amp Streaming<\/a><\/strong> is one of a new breed of solutions where you simply hook up a pair of speakers and enjoy music to your heart&#8217;s content. The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/WiiM-Mini-Multi-Room-Music-Streamer\/5M4I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WiiM Mini<\/a><\/strong> is similar, boasting a built-in TI stereo DAC as well as an optical cable and output port for connection to an external DAC.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_CD_players\"><\/span>For CD players<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Using your CD Player&#8217;s Optical or Digital output transforms how it works by turning it into a Transport. External DACs like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Topping-D50S-Desktop-DAC-Black\/4UZ4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Topping D50B<\/a><\/strong> then take full control of the music by passing the signal back towards the amplifier using RCA outputs.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_HDMI_media_players\"><\/span>For HDMI media players<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Another growing area with dedicated DACs is products like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/FiiO-R9-Desktop-Media-Player-Titanium\/6BEA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FiiO R9 Media Player<\/a><\/strong>. They also include HDMI ability, but don\u2019t mistake them for just TV add-ons &#8211; they\u2019re true audiophile electronics.<\/p>\n<p><em>Good to know! Many USB DACs have their own computer drivers to optimise their performance, so be sure to consult the manufacturer&#8217;s website.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/dacs&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;FIND MORE DACS &#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px|10px|30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;FAQs&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_purpose_of_DAC\"><\/span>What is the purpose of DAC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The DAC or digital to analogue converter is a clever chipset that has been designed to convert digital files like MP3s, CDs, and Streamed Music to signals that we can hear through speakers. Without it, we would still be listening to cassette tapes and vinyl records.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_have_a_DAC_in_my_AV_receiver\"><\/span>Do I have a DAC in my AV receiver?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Every AV receiver has a built-in DAC as it\u2019s an integral part of its room correction system. In fact, the only way not to use the built-in DAC is to use the AV receiver in pure-direct mode in which it turns off all digital processing.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_best_DAC_for_an_audiophile\"><\/span>What\u2019s the best DAC for an audiophile?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>For HiFi enthusiasts and audiophiles, the best DAC depends on your electronics. If your system is worth up to \u00a31k, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Topping-D50S-Desktop-DAC-Black\/4UZ4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Topping D50S<\/a><\/strong> is an ideal solution. If money isn\u2019t an object, I&#8217;d suggest the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/TEAC-UD-701N-USB-DAC-Network-Player-Black\/51R5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teac UD-701<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Final thoughts&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span>Final thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve ever wondered, <em><strong>what is a DAC?<\/strong><\/em>, I hope I\u2019ve covered everything you wish to know! Almost everyone in the modern world uses one, even if they don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re a music lover like me, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll agree it\u2019s been a true revelation. How they\u2019ve improved from those simple DACs found in the early CD Players to asynchronous <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/dacs?page=1&amp;filters[136]=1422#fltr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USB DACs<\/a><\/strong> of the modern age is remarkable. They\u2019ve completely changed the way I, and I\u2019m sure you, listen to music.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/dacs&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP DACS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px|10px|30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/category\/hifi\/guides-hifi\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;READ MORE HIFI GUIDES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px|10px|30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You may have seen the name DAC or digital-to-analogue converter but never really given it any thought. In this article, we\u2019ll give you the low-down on what a DAC is used for. Amazingly, you\u2019re probably using one daily without even realising it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":32402,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p>You may have seen the name <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/dacs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DAC or digital-to-analogue converter<\/a><\/strong> but never really given it any thought. In this article, we\u2019ll give you the low-down on what a DAC is used for. Amazingly, you\u2019re probably using one daily without even realising it!<\/p><p>So,\u00a0<strong>what is a DAC?<\/strong> Since CDs, MiniDiscs, and digital tape came about, we\u2019ve needed a way to listen to the material via our speakers or headphones. DACs solve this issue but converting those digital 1s and 0s to an analog format.<\/p><p>Oddly, some devices like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Technics-Grand-Class-SL-1210GR2-Direct-Drive-Turntable-Black\/5XSH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technic SL-1210GR2<\/a><\/strong> turntable also use a DAC to assist in driving the platter to keep perfect timing.<\/p><hr \/><h3>In a hurry?<\/h3><p>Here's everything we cover in the article summed up in a few points!<\/p><ul><li>The DAC is the musical brain of your system. Its primary job is to convert digital codecs (PCM or DSD) and convert them to a signal which is turned into soundwaves we can hear<\/li><li>DSD is a single-bit bitstream while PCM uses a multi-bit bitstream solution. They both carry 1s and 0s along their codec but deliver music differently<\/li><li>File formats matter and the size of the data you listen to is key as it limits the amount of information the DAC has to work with; too little data starves the DAC of information<\/li><li>For phones and computers, USB DACs are needed. Digital connections like BNC, Optical TosLink, Coaxial, and HDMI are usually required for all other electronics<\/li><\/ul><hr \/><h3>What is a DAC?<\/h3><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-32403 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/AudioQuest-DragonFly-Black-USB-Digital-to-Analogue-Converter-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"AudioQuest DragonFly Black USB Digital to Analogue Converter\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>A DAC, or a digital-to-analogue converter, is a very special chipset, you could call it the musical brain of the system. It\u2019s made of many microcomponents and can read digital musical binary codecs. It then converts these from digital pulses to a signal our speakers can output as soundwaves once they have been amplified.<\/p><p>Without a DAC, the digital musical revolution wouldn\u2019t look the same.<\/p><p>You may have heard of \u201cPulse-Code Modulation\u201d. PCM is a standard form of digital audio represented as a string of 1s and 0s.<\/p><p>To get those 1s and 0s from analogue music, we have a system for measuring the signal path method called quantization. This takes regular time samples and stores them as close to the original within its amplitude values.<\/p><p>CDs have no less than 65,536 amplitude values while Hi-Res 24Bit incorporates an eye-watering 16,777,216 of them. So, what\u2019s important about these numbers? Well, the higher the number, the lower the noise floor, thus allowing for accuracy.<\/p><p>Direct Stream Digital Audio may be something else you have heard of, usually shortened to DSD Audio. Similar to PCM, it stores 1s and 0s into a binary number system which DACs understand. This codec has been designed to convert analogue signal paths into one stream of data (apparently without limit).<\/p><p>Modern DACs are also famous for playing a multitude of musical formats like ALCC, FLAC, WAV, and MP3. This gives the DAC a few more complexities as MP3 may only have 96kbps while ALCC, FLAC, and WAV can even surpass CDs' data output stream of 1411kbps to a mighty 9,216kbps of information streaming every second.<\/p><p>If your DAC has a Master Clock, making it an Asynchronous DAC, everything that is required to be controlled by the music is all housed within it. This helps keep jitter and dither (a common cause which spoils accurate playback) as low as possible.<\/p><hr \/><h3>Why do I need one?<\/h3><p>If you listen to any medium of digital music, you need a DAC to decode the information hidden within the digital format. This is true regardless of whether you use a pair of budget earphones via your mobile phone or on a dedicated hi-fi system.<\/p><p>In this digital era, DACs are always needed, and so your phone and CD player will already have one built in! Only vinyl and cassette negate this via traditional amplification methods. What\u2019s more, even turntables are starting to include them as they bring an accuracy to the rotation of the platter that far exceeds standard methods.<\/p><hr \/><h3>DSD and PCM<\/h3><p>As mentioned, DACs use two types of digital formats: DSD and PCM.<\/p><p>DSD was born after Sony and Philips felt the need to further develop the humble CD, which is limited to 16Bit\/44.1kHz. They developed the Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD), and its DSD digital format uses a single-bit bitstream layer of information, while PCM uses a multi-bit bitstream system.<\/p><p>Another difference is the way the formats are measured, DSD measures in MHz with SACD (DSD64) achieving a 2.8MHz ceiling - about 64 times that of the 44.1kHz found on CD!<\/p><p>With downloadable PCM files (ALCC, FLAC, and WAV) using that multi-bit bitstream system, they\u2019ve also surpassed the CD\u2019s maximum output of 44.1kHz. Many PCM files Display 24Bit\/48kHz, and some rise to the heights of 24Bit\/192kHz, all being defined as hi-res just like DSD file formats.<\/p><p>DVD-Audio and Blu-ray Audio are other disc-type multi-bit bitstream musical formats which have virtually disappeared, while ALCC, FLAC, WAV and DSD are still competing in hi-res battles.<\/p><p><em>Good to know: If you don\u2019t see the DSD logo on your DAC, it will not play them!<\/em><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-32404 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iFi-Audio-ZEN-DAC-V2.jpg\" alt=\"iFi Audio ZEN DAC V2\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3>Don\u2019t forget about your source material<\/h3><p>You need to feed your DAC properly for high-res results. If we eat fast food, we can feel a little sluggish later, and the same can be said for DACs. They thrive on data and small amounts of data are its fast food.<\/p><p>MP3 and lossy are the fast food of music and, while they're great at what they do, when it comes to listening to music, they have so much of the data stripped away. The telltale signs of MP3 and lossy are any details that get lost; if you notice something in the music but it's out of audible range, you'll probably turn the music up... but this just creates noise.<\/p><p>You can improve those inaudible parts it teases you with by giving your DAC better source material, allowing it to feed properly on the multi-bit and single-bit bitstreams information.<\/p><hr \/><h3>Finding the right DAC<\/h3><h4>For mobile and headphones<\/h4><p><u><\/u> <img class=\"size-medium wp-image-32405 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/AstellKern-AK-HB1-Wireless-DAC-Amp-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Astell&Kern AK HB1 Wireless DAC & Amp\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Simple solutions like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/AudioQuest-DragonFly-Black-USB-Digital-to-Analogue-Converter\/4CIX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AudioQuest DragonFly Black<\/a><\/strong> are great! USB is a must as it requires low energy usage. Phones are very clever and can even dull the DAC\u2019s performance if it feels it's drawing too much power.<\/p><p><u><\/u>If you're a little more serious about streaming on the go, look at products like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/AstellandKern-AK-HB1-Wireless-DAC-and-Amp\/62BO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Astell&Kern AK HB1<\/a><\/strong>. Portable DACs which include their own battery pack allow your phone to work like a phone while playing music to your headphones like a HiFi system.<\/p><hr \/><h4>For desktop<\/h4><p>Connecting a USB DAC like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Headphones\/iFi-Audio-ZEN-DAC-V2---Headphone-Amp\/538Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iFi Audio ZEN V2<\/a><\/strong> removes the power issues that come with simple DACs for mobile. DACs like this also replace the device's internal soundcard. This brings the level of isolation required.<\/p><hr \/><h4>For a high-end desktop or Hi-Fi setup<\/h4><p>Those who have jumped from CD players to high-end desktops will understand that a USB DAC is paramount to performance. DACs like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/TEAC-UD-505-X-USB-DAC-Preamplifier-V2-Silver\/51T4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teac UD-505-x<\/a><\/strong> that use external Master Clocks such as the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/TEAC-CG-10M-Master-Clock-Generator-Silver\/51O0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teac CG-10M<\/a> <\/strong>seamlessly integrate into systems well above \u00a325k with ease.<\/p><hr \/><h4>For streaming, headphones, or HiFi<\/h4><p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-32406 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Eversolo-DMP-A8-Network-Audio-Streamer-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Eversolo DMP-A8 Network Audio Streamer\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>If you're looking for a simple no-nonsense product, DACs like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Novafidelity-N15D-Black-Network-Adapter-and-USB-DAC-w--1TB-Hard-Drive-Wifi-Dongle-and-CD-Drive\/4H74\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Novafidelity N15D<\/a><\/strong> are ideal. These compact streaming systems usually have Roon capabilities and do exactly what they say on the tin. They're not shouty in design, but certainly make up for it in musical ability.<\/p><p>For high-end streaming, products like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Eversolo-DMP-A8-Network-Audio-Streamer\/6313\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eversolo DMP-A8<\/a><\/strong> have been setting the streaming world on fire. If you stream music regularly, we recommend using a dedicated streaming DAC. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/eversolo-dmp-a8-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read our full review of the Eversolo DMP-A8 here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>For those who just want a simple streaming DAC with power, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/WiiM-Amp-Streaming-Amplifier-Space-Grey\/63NU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WiiM Amp Streaming<\/a><\/strong> is one of a new breed of solutions where you simply hook up a pair of speakers and enjoy music to your heart's content.<\/p><hr \/><h4>For CD players<\/h4><p>Using your CD Player's Optical or Digital output transforms how it works by turning it into a Transport. External DACs like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Topping-D50S-Desktop-DAC-Black\/4UZ4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Topping D50B<\/a><\/strong> then take full control of the music by passing the signal back towards the amplifier using RCA outputs.<\/p><hr \/><h4>For HDMI media players<\/h4><p>Another growing area with dedicated DACs is products like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/FiiO-R9-Desktop-Media-Player-Titanium\/6BEA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FiiO R9 Media Player<\/a><\/strong>. They also include HDMI ability, but don\u2019t mistake them for just TV add-ons - they\u2019re true audiophile electronics.<\/p><p><em>Good to know! Many USB DACs have their own computer drivers to optimise their performance, so be sure to consult the manufacturer's website.<\/em><\/p><hr \/><h3>FAQs<\/h3><h4>What is the purpose of DAC?<\/h4><p>The DAC or digital to analogue converter is a clever chipset that has been designed to convert digital files like MP3s, CDs, and Streamed Music to signals that we can hear through speakers. Without it, we would still be listening to cassette tapes and vinyl records.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Do I have a DAC in my AV receiver?<\/h4><p>Every AV Receiver has a built-in DAC as it\u2019s an integral part of its room correction system. In fact, the only way not to use the built-in DAC is to use the AV receiver in pure-direct mode in which it turns off all digital processing.<\/p><hr \/><h4>What\u2019s the best DAC for an audiophile?<\/h4><p>For HiFi enthusiasts and audiophiles, the best DAC depends on your electronics. If your system is worth up to \u00a31k, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Topping-D50S-Desktop-DAC-Black\/4UZ4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Topping D50S<\/a><\/strong> is an ideal solution. If money isn\u2019t an object, I'd suggest the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/TEAC-UD-701N-USB-DAC-Network-Player-Black\/51R5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teac UD-701<\/a><\/strong><\/p><hr \/><h3>Final thoughts<\/h3><p>If you've ever wondered, <em><strong>what is a DAC?<\/strong><\/em>, I hope I\u2019ve covered everything you wish to know! Almost everyone in the modern world uses one, even if they don\u2019t know.<\/p><p>If you\u2019re a music lover like me, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll agree it\u2019s been a true revelation. How they\u2019ve improved from those simple DACs found in the early CD Players to asynchronous <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/dacs?page=1&filters[136]=1422#fltr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USB DACs<\/a><\/strong> of the modern age is remarkable. They\u2019ve completely changed the way I, and I\u2019m sure you, listen to music.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[60,139,6],"tags":[108,19],"class_list":["post-32380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hifi-guides","category-guides-2","category-hifi","tag-blog-category-guides-2","tag-hi-fi"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is a DAC and Why Is It Important? | AV.com Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is a DAC? In this article, we&#039;ll give you all you need to know about DACs. 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