11 best digital DAC converters for Hi-Res audio

The built-in speakers on your computer may not be great, it's only suitable for playing YouTube videos that can't play Hi-res sound quality. It is time to use DAC digital converter. The DAC converts digital audio into analog audio that can be heard through speakers or headphones.

Here are some of the best digital DAC converters for every price segment to choose from. Or plug in headphones and enjoy high resolution audio.

Note: The price of the digital converter DAC in this article is for reference only at the time of writing, subject to change. You should contact the seller to get the most accurate price.

1. Marantz HD-DAC1 (VND 18.2 million)

Marantz HD-DAC1 is not only a digital converter of DAC but also a headphone and stereo audio amplifier. Most DACs in this list can act as headset audio amplifiers but this digital converter acts as a power amplifier.

For input, HD-DAC1 has dual USB ports and analog, digital audio inputs. It can increase headset resistance to 600 ohms easily although this is not an easy task. If you have a lot of money and want to hear high-quality audio, use this DAC digital converter.

2. Schiit Jotunheim (VND 14.8 million)

Schiit Jotunheim is one of the best headphone sound amplifiers. It is highly configurable with a DAC converter using Multibit technology, making it an excellent comprehensive DAC digital converter.

If the owner mostly listens with headphones but sometimes wants to use a speaker, this is a great choice. It is also compatible with headphone cables so it can play great sound on the highest quality headphones.

3. Chord Mojo (VND 10.9 million)

Chord Audio is famous among audiophiles and while the company primarily produces expensive equipment, Chrod Mojo is their most popular product. For new users, its portability is the attraction, you can take it anywhere.

It can also be charged with a USB port so you don't need to worry when moving to take the power adapter. This DAC digital converter can play PCM audio files without compression up to 768kHz. If there are many Hi-res audio files, the Mojo's high quality audio mix and a relatively affordable price will make it an attractive option.

1. The most popular audio formats

4. iFi xDSD (9.1 million VND)

If you want to improve wireless and wired audio quality, you don't need to look far beyond the iFi xDSD converter. This DAC digital converter and headphone amplifier has a built-in Bluetooth receiver for CD-quality audio besides the Hi-res audio features transmitted over the wire.

xDSD supports PCM up to 384kHz and quad DSD 256, as well as MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) sound, with Hi-res quality in smaller file sizes. With firmware upgrade, it supports DSD 512 as well as PCM bit rate up to 768 kHz. There is also a dual mono headphone amplifier that provides a capacity of up to 500mW per channel.

5. Schiit Modi Multibit DAC (6, 3 million VND)

The above mentioned transducers in this list are combined devices, providing more features than a standalone DAC set. If you want a more modular system, allowing you to choose a headphone or stereo audio amplifier, Schiit Modi Multibit DAC can be the perfect product for you.

Modi is equipped with a single USB input on the back, as well as coaxial and optical SPDIF inputs. For the output part, you can connect a stereo head, ready to plug into another audio device.

6. AudioQuest DragonFly Red (4.5 million VND)

Close in size to USB flash, AudioQuest DragonFly Red is the perfect converter in your laptop bag. It features the 32-bit ESS SABRE DAC converter commonly found in home audio system devices and MQA support.

If using PCM Hi-res files, this may not be the best option for you, as it only decodes up to 24 bits at 96kHz. However, if you're streaming the Tidal Masters, this is a great way to enjoy music without spending too much money.

7. Audioengine D1 (3.7 million VND)

If you are looking for a desktop digital DAC for powering headphones and speakers without taking up too much space, you should consider Audioengine D1. This device is surprisingly small as it integrates USB inputs, optical digital audio inputs and RCA stereo outputs. It even has a headphone jack on the front.

D1 supports 24 bit audio up to 192kHz, meaning it will play most high-resolution audio that you can buy online. It does not support original DSD or MQA, but many people do not need this format.

8. Sound BlasterX G6 (VND 3.2 million)

If looking for a DAC for gamers, the Sound BlasterX G6 DAC is for you. Instead of MQA and DSD, specifications for this model are 7.1 virtual surround sound and Dolby Digital.

It also has the ability to play music with 32 bit audio support and up to 384kHz bit rate. It also increases headphone resistance up to 600 ohms. If you use a power-hungry headset to play games, this will help every sound to be heard clearly.

9. Schiit Fulla 2 (VND 2.7 million)

Schiit Fulla 2 is a DAC and digital conversion audio amplifier for the company's low-cost desktop computers. Do not think with this price, it will not provide good sound. This model uses digital converters into analog AKM AK4490 often found in more expensive DAC sets.

When used for headphones, Fulla 2 provides 550mW to 16 ohms. This means that it can be used with lower resistive headphones without any problems and even power-consuming models are nothing. The two lines out on the back allow you to use the device as a processor independent of other amplifiers.

10. Fiio K3 (VND 2.5 million)

FiiO is known for providing high-resolution audio players, headphone audio amplifiers and other audio products at much lower prices than other companies. FiiO K3 is no exception, possessing many features at a low price.

You will receive PCM 32 bit / 384kHz audio as well as 256 DSD, USB-C input. For output, you have a standard 3.5mm headphone jack plus a 2.5mm headphone jack. K3 even has coaxial and optical digital output.

11. E10K FiiO (VND 1.6 million)

Without all the features of K3, FiiO E10K offers an alternative solution. This model supports 24 bit audio with up to 96kHz bit rate.

FiiO E10K also uses micro-USB connection instead of USB-C. You will still get better sound quality than integrated audio chipsets on most laptops. With low prices, E10K is worth your investment.

Already have a DAC digital converter, you need Hi-res music playback software to enjoy this great sound.