Digital-to-Analogue converters (DACs) are essential components in any high-fidelity audio set-up using digital source components. They convert digital audio signals into analogue signals that can be amplified and played through speakers or headphones. Choosing the right DAC can significantly improve any listening experience and upgrade older, ageing equipment. This guide will provide everything you need to know to make the best choice.
Why a DAC?
DACs are essential for the critical task of translating digital audio signals from devices (such as streamers, smartphones, or CD players) into high-quality analogue sound you can hear.
Built-in DACs in many devices are usually inexpensive and not sufficient for high-fidelity audio, so an external DAC can provide a significant and worthwhile improvement in sound.
However, all external DACs are not equal and many use the same mass-produced off-the-shelf chips from Asia. Since the 1990s, Chord Electronics has famously rejected mass-produced DACs on sound quality grounds. Instead, the company uses powerful programmable chipsets called FPGAs, which like CPUs in PCs, allow sophisticated code to be deployed to the task, offering numerous performance benefits leading to significantly better sound quality. This video explains more.
Things to consider
Compatibility
Inputs and outputs
Ensure the DAC has the necessary inputs (USB, optical, coaxial etc.) to connect with your existing equipment. Some smaller DACs offer USB-C connectivity and some, such as Chord Electronics’ Qutest, TT 2 and DAVE, offer advanced connectivity options such as Dual Data for resolving the highest resolution file types and getting maximum sonic performance with devices like the Hugo M Scaler upscaling device.
Operating system: If using a computer, ensure the DAC is compatible with your devices, whether you’re using Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. Chord Electronics DACs offer driverless support for Apple, with a downloadable driver for PCs.
Bit depth and sample rate
Check the bit depths and sample rates of any DAC. Higher bit depths (24-bit) and sample rates (up to 768 kHz) provide more detailed and accurate sound reproduction with today’s high-res audio. Chord Electronics’ Dual Data DACs offer unprecedented support for high-resolution audio and can enhance performance further with the Hugo M Scaler.
Size and usage
Think about how the product will be used. If portability is important, the pocket-size Mojo 2 is ideal thanks to its long-lasting rechargeable battery and ‘intelligent desktop’ mode when plugged in back at home. Portability is also a feature of the Hugo 2, which also can be used with battery power alone as well as permanently attached to power.
Features and functionality
Built-in amplifier
Some DACs include a built-in headphone amplifier, such as the Mojo 2 and Hugo 2, which can drive high-impedance headphones. Larger models like the TT 2 and DAVE can also drive headphones and be used as a more substantial ‘digital preamp’ in larger audio systems.
Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
Wireless options can add convenience for streaming music, however, for optimum sound quality a separate wi-fi or ethernet-enabled device should be used. The Chord Electronics Mojo 2 DAC can be combined with the Poly streamer/player and the Hugo 2 can be partnered with the 2go streamer/player which adds ethernet as well as wi-fi. Both streamer/players also benefit from microSD card slots to add solid-state library playback.
Volume control and features
Integrated volume control and remote functions can enhance usability. Devices like the Mojo 2 offer an enormous range of volume steps and larger models like the Hugo 2, TT 2 and flagship DAVE are supplied with remote controls for armchair operation and convenience.
In fact, the award-winning Mojo 2 goes further and is the world’s first DAC to include lossless tone controls, giving wide-ranging user adjustment with no loss of sound quality.
Build quality
DACs are offered at many price points and levels of quality. Consider if the unit can be serviced or repaired should the worst happen, whether it is built to survive the knocks of a life of travel and whether it represents value, as price is what you pay, value is what you get.
Higher-quality DACs, such as Chord Electronics’ UK-made devices are crafted with superior materials and contain advanced engineering, which translates to greater durability, better performance, and an enhanced user experience.
As an owner, this means better quality, reliability and more consistent results, which can save money and hassle in the long run. Quality products often come with better customer support, providing peace of mind and ensuring the best return on your investment.
Materials
Look for solid materials, trusted build quality with durable materials and quality finishes. Chord Electronics’ DACs are hand-built in the UK using aircraft-grade aluminium and finished locally.
Reputation
Chord Electronics is a trusted brand and has won more DAC awards in the audio media than any other manufacturer. The company has also won the biggest awards in audio, the What Hi-Fi? Awards, for an incredible 10 years in succession with the Mojo and Mojo 2, and has also dominated the same awards with devices like the Qutest and the Hugo 2.
Range
Look for a wide range of devices with the right feature set, connectivity and performance. All Chord Electronics DACs benefit from sophisticated programmable chipsets for unrivalled performance at their respective price points.
Discover the full range of Chord Electronics DACs here.
