Expert’s Rating
Our Verdict
I ’ve catch some tough news : Those skillful headphones and heavy verbalizer that you expend so much money on ? They probably do n’t voice as respectable as they could . You spent the clock time explore for the best audio gear for your computer , and no one wants to get less than what they pay for .
Not sure what I mean ? Let me explain . Sound that you play on your information processing system starts out as adigitally - encoded stream . The build - indigital - to - analog converter ( DAC)in your figurer change those bits of data into an electric signal that is , in turn , fed to the amplifier that makes the driver in your headphones or speakers move and bring on auditory sensation .
But by its nature , this digital - to - analogue - conversion cognitive process is n’t exact , so some DACs get a higher - quality facsimile machine of the original tape sign than others . The DAC work up into your computer was likely choose to suit infinite , power , and toll constraints , rather than for optimal sound recording execution . And your computer ’s built - inheadphone amplifier , which is part of the earphone jack ’s circuitry and provides the succus that drives your headphones , was picked for similar reasons — and has standardised drawback . Plus , these element are all raw to the sorting of electronic noise that pervade the interior of a modernistic computing machine .
If you ’ve invest in quality headphones or upgraded your speakers , you may expend anexternalDAC to help those component reach their full potential ; many extraneous DACs also include importantly best earpiece amplification — you utilise the DAC ’s own headphone diddlysquat or else of the one on your computer . These upgraded headphone jacks give you tighter and potent bass , increased clarity and detail , better separation of instruments and notes , and other subtle improvements that add up to an increased sensory faculty of pace and musical play . Taken together , these changes institute you nearer to your music .
Inconspicuous offerings
Though many vendor offerlarge , AC - powered , audiophile - level screen background DACs and headphone amplifiers , the bestvaluesfor computer - focused DACs can be found in compact parcel — the size of it of a deck of cards or low — that receive audio and index from your estimator ’s USB porthole . Ipreviously review Arcam ’s $ 249 rPAC(4.5 of 5 rating ) , which impressed me with its build and sound character . However , a number of similarly sized and priced model compete with the rPAC , coming together or beating its price , size , feature , and/or sound quality .
Arcam’s rPAC
I gathered six such merchandise , ramble in price from $ 149 to $ 300 . ( My guideline : Do n’t spend more on a DAC than you did on the partnering phone or Speaker . ) Each is small , uses USB for business leader and digital - audio input signal , includes a headphone output with analog loudness adjustment ( control via hardware or software package ) , and supportshigh - resolution audiofiles up to a 96 kHz sampling charge per unit and 24 - flake depth ( some support 192 kHz/24 - bit ) . Most are ground around asynchronous USB technology , in which the DAC operate the rate of data transmission from the electronic computer in fiat to trim back timing errors ( called “ jitter ” ) that can causeaudible and measurable reduction in sound character .
The basics
All the models I tested are essentially plug - and - wager : You simply connect the DAC to a USB port and your computer mechanically detects the element and routes audio through it . ( If your estimator does n’t automatically switch audio output to the connected DAC , you’re able to do the task manually in your OS ’s audio configurations . ) If you ’ve drive a Mac and you ’re going to be encounter mellow - resolution audio , you ’ll also want toconfigure your Mac for high - resolve playback(though whether gamy - closure declare oneself hearable improvement is a controversial thing ) .
With all these fashion model , you set the volume grade in your medicine software ( such as iTunes ) to maximum to ensure that the DAC gets an complete digital signal . All models except the CEntrance DACport and the Cambridge Audio DACmagic XS habituate your computer ’s software system mass coiffe to control the DAC ’s internal volume . ( On my Mac , the nonpayment volume - control growth were often too coarse , peculiarly for sensible headphones . Holding down the Shift and selection keys while pressing the volume - up or -down key results in after part - step adjustments . )
The HRT MicroStreamer and Meridian Explorer offer 3.5 mm fixed - level agate line output ( for exercise with speakers or stereos with their own intensity control ) in addition to the intensity - controlled phone yield . You ’ll desire to be sure to not secure your headphones into the line - out port , as the mellow output level could damage your headphone , or , speculative , your ears . It ’s gentle to do this circumstantially , soplastic headphone port capsare a good way to protect your equipment and listening .
Over the track of my examination , I used each model both during my regular hearing sessions , and while audition headphones for other reviews . For direct comparison , I used my full - size of it menage stereo and my two reference headphone : the full - size , open AKG K701 ( currently available as the $ 349Q701 ) , which is particularly picky about amplification , and the $ 1099JH Audio JH13 Pro FreqPhasecustom in - ear - duct headphones , which can be difficult to push due to low electrical resistance . I also compared the DACs to the full - size DAC I use in my home stereoscopic photograph , Cambridge Audio ’s originalDacMagic(discontinued , but $ 429 when last useable ; 4.5 of 5 evaluation ) .
CEntrance DACport
CEntrance is n’t a house name , but the caller has long been producing engineering for digital - audio recording user interface made by other consumer and professional audio companies . CEntrance ’s $ 250DACport , primitively released in 2009 ( at the much - mellow cost of $ 400 ) , is the erstwhile merchandise here . Its small , childlike design — an aluminum thermionic tube with a Mini - USB larboard on one end , a 1/4 - inch earphone / billet output on the other end , and the rest period of the electronics housed in between — made a stir upon its introduction . In the center of the cylinder is a gristly , pencil - eraser - like volume knob . The DACport ’s aluminum shell is substantial , making the gadget finger like high-pitched - end gear . CEntrance also includes a carry pouch , a USB cable , a belt clip , and a 3.5mm - to–1/4 - inch phone adapter . ( A $ 200 DAC - only fashion model , theDACport LX , leave out the built - in earpiece amplifier and mass control . )
The DACport ’s expert capabilities and sound timber were as notable as its class factor back in 2009 , kicking off the current propagation of extremely portable , high - quality , high - resolution USB poser . One of the DACport ’s feature is still peerless by its Modern competitor : Its phone amplifier is found around aClass Adesign , which proponents argue produces good audio quality than Class B and D designs . This approach also means that the DACport is less energy - effective , as power not used to drive headphones is convert to heat — the DACport gets warmer than the other units here , though never in a flash blistering . However , while other manakin in this roundup manipulation asynchronous data transfer , the DACport use adaptive transfer — in which the computer controls data transfer , potentially increase jitter — but in combination with the company ’s proprietary jitter - reduction technology .
AudioQuest DragonFly
The DragonFly , plan in cooperation with DAC expert Gordon Rankin ofWavelength Audio , is charmingly small , well - build , and offers impressive carrying into action . Despite its small-scale size , the unit feel substantial , and it has a pleasant - to - tactual sensation cartilaginous exterior . The DragonFly logo on the outside lights up to show ( by the colour of the igniter ) the current sample rate ( up to 96 kHz/24 - scrap ) . AudioQuest include a leather carrying pouch and a cap for the USB connecter .
Due to its pollex - drive - comparable design , heavier headphone or interconnect cable can do the DragonFly to strain your computer ’s USB port , so the company also betray the $ 17 DragonTail : a short USB propagation , based on the company’sCarbonline of high - closing USB cables , that also prevent the DragonFly from blocking tightly - spaced port on your information processing system .
The DragonFly ’s small size and all - in - one intention make it a particularly skillful compeer for use with a laptop computer on the go . Thanks to this convenience , I frequently seize the DragonFly for portable hearing .
Meridian Explorer
Meridianis a big name in the world of digital audio , and in 2013 , the companionship jumped into the portable DAC / amp market with the $ 299Explorer . The Explorer is an ovular , atomic number 13 tube , closer in size of it to the DACport than the DragonFly , but much lighter ; a flat , rubberized undersurface helps the twist stay in place . Like the DACport , one goal of the Explorer features a Mini - USB comment , while the other hosts a software - volume - controlled , 3.5 millimeter headphone jack . The output end also features an auto - switching 3.5 millimeter analogue / digital output , much like the one on most of Apple ’s late computers . you may employ the analog production to tie to a full - size of it stereo or powered speaker system of rules ; the optic output allow you habituate the Explorer as a high - quality USB - to - optical converter , so you may colligate your computer to a higher - end DAC that lacks USB input .
Along the top of the Explorer are three blank LEDs that indicate whether the sampling charge per unit is 44.1/48 , 88.2/96 , or 176.4/192 kHz — the Explorer is one of two model I test that support this last rate . Meridian includes a inadequate USB cable and a carrying pouch .
High Resolution Technologies MicroStreamer
High Resolution Technologies(HRT ) made a splash in the hi - fi DAC securities industry a few years back with inexpensive designs that nevertheless offered high - tone USB - audio inputs at a time when many DACs include this feature only as a toss - in afterthought or an expensive ADHD - on . The company ’s previous model , the $ 190MicroStreamer , is its most portable .
The MicroStreamer is a plain , but well - made Al box , slenderly larger than the DragonFly , with a Mini - USB input on one end and two 3.5 mm audio yield on the other last . As with the Explorer , one of these is a line - grade output for connecting to an audio system of rules , while the other ’s grade is software package controlled for use with phone . Along the side are a series of LEDs to indicate the incoming sampling rate ( 44.1 , 48 , 88.2 , or 96 kHz ) , and whether or not the unit is muted ( via software package ) . HRT includes a USB cable and carrying pouch .
The MicroStreamer ’s microcode can be update over a USB connection to a Windows PC ; a recent update brought a cool Modern feature : the capableness to practice the MicroStreamer with iOS gadget . The iPad — and , as of iOS 7 , the iPhone and iPod touch — on the side support USB DACsviaApple ’s Camera Connection Kit USB adapterorLightning to USB Camera Adapter , but only if the equipment ’s magnate draw is 100 mamma or less . The MicroStreamer ’s interlingual rendition 1.2 firmware reduce exponent draw to 98 mA , making it the only bus - power DAC I ’ve bump that go with a verbatim connection to an iOS twist ( more on iOS compatibility in a scrap ) . This change in power draw also benefits mass with Android devices that support USB On The Go .
Audioengine D3 Premium 24-bit DAC
Audioenginehas made a name for itself with its splendid powered monitoring gadget speaker system , which have become democratic as alternatives to computer speakers , iPhone / iPod docks , and even small home stereoscopic picture systems . The company also offer up a line of gamy - quality electronics , admit the N22 screen background amplifier and the sword - new , $ 189D3 Premium 24 - bit DACheadphone amplifier and DAC .
The D3 mimics the DragonFly ’s ovolo - crusade form agent . The D3 ’s attractive , brushed - aluminium case sports two LEDs : One point major power , and the other indicates a gamey ( 88.2 or 96 kHz ) sample pace . The D3 comes with a carrying pouch and a 1/4 - inch - to–3.5 - millimeter headphone adapter . ( The company also makes the older , $ 169D1 Premium 24 - bit DAC , which is prominent but offer an opthalmic - digital input , RCA output signal , a computer hardware volume knob , and 176.4 and 192 kHz capability ) .
Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS
I cite above that Cambridge Audio ’s now - discontinued DacMagic is my reference DAC in my home stereo organization , and it proceed to yarn-dye me after four years of possession . So I was excited by the company ’s late introduction of the $ 190DacMagic XS , a small , USB - power DAC that competes with the other models here . The XS most closely resembles the hormone-replacement therapy MicroStreamer — it ’s a small , black , aluminum box with a Micro - USB input on one end and a 3.5 millimetre headphone jack on the other . On top of the unit are bulk - up and -down clitoris . A light-emitting diode glows during playback , with different coloration corresponding to 44.1/48 kilohertz , 88.2/96 kHz , and 176.4/192 kHz sample distribution charge per unit . ( Playback of 176.4/192 kHz files require setting the building block to Class 2 mode by holding the volume clit for a few seconds . This note is n’t important on the Mac , but for Windows , Class 2 operation requires the facility of a particular driver . )
The importance of impedance for headphone listening
Electricity is a complex matter ( literally — it ’s described usingcomplex numbers ) , and the fundamental interaction of the electrical characteristics of a headphone amplifier and machine-accessible earpiece , quantified byimpedance , can neuter the result sound . Using gadget with compatible impedance guarantee that the drivers on a exceptional readiness of earpiece are right controlled and that their frequency reply is n’t alter . A rough convention is that a headphone ’s resistance should be at least eight time the resistance of the amplifier . However , this estimation is n’t universally agreed upon , and low - impedance headphones will still bring with the higher impedance amps , though often with flabby bass and altered frequency reply .
The MicroStreamer , DacMagic XS , and DragonFly ( as well as the antecedently reviewed Arcam rPAC ) have an output impedance of around 0.5 Ohms , so they ’ll partner well with headphones with electrical resistance of 4 Ohms or higher . This means that these products are suitable for low - impedance earphone such as many in - spike model . The Meridian is rated at about 5 Ohms , score it borderline for use with downhearted - impedance in - ear models , while the DACport and D3 are rated at 10 Ohms , so they ’re ideally suited for higher - impedance ( 80 Ohm or high ) full - size models . ( CEntrance can optionally qualify the DACport , if you request , to reduce its resistivity to 1 Ohm . ) But , again , the 8:1 good word is just an estimate , so if you ’re in doubt about a fussy pairing , the good thing you could do is try out a special machine with your favorite headphones before committing to buy .
Listening in: DACs alone
In my testing , I found all of these models to be solid performers . If you are n’t listening side by side , it ’s tough to discern major differences — even equate their performance straight is to some extent part hairs . But a review like this is aimed at such comparing , so let ’s split some fuzz !
I conducted my first comparative tests using my big tackle ( my family stereo ) in society to evaluate each unit ’s DAC apart from its headphone circuitry . I started with the Audioengine D3 ( which , prior to the DragonFly ’s recent price drop , was the - least expensive framework ) , using it to ground a baseline level of performance . Compared against the D3 , the DacMagic XS voice more timid : It was less well - defined , and it did n’t go as abrupt . Bass , in finicky , seemed quieter and looser through the XS .
In demarcation , the MicroStreamer showed an melioration over the D3 . The MicroStreamer flesh out the strait , adding stronger , tighter bass ; more clarity and particular ; and an improved sense of rhythm and pace . All three of these units , priced around $ 190 , sound respectable , but the MicroStreamer put up the skilful sound quality at this price .
Comparing the MicroStreamer to the DragonFly revealed obvious difference , but choosing a favorite was more difficult . On first listen , the MicroStreamer seemed clearer and more detailed , while the DragonFly had a bland , more - natural speech sound that was n’t as instantly telling , but that I favour over longer take heed point . Ultimately , the DragonFly ’s smooth presentment give legal document an “ in the room ” facet , whereas euphony played through the MicroStreamer sound more like recording . I personally lean to prize clarity , point , and accuracy over a smooth , quixotic sound , so I would have expected to opt the MicroStreamer , but nevertheless I ascertain the DragonFly to fathom more satisfying .
Sonically , the DACport resembles the DragonFly more than the MicroStreamer , but its DAC execution does n’t quite pit that of either of those unit . In my examination , the DACport lack the clarity and particular of the MicroStreamer , but it also did n’t sound quite as instinctive as the DragonFly . It did manage to best the D3 and the XS , though .
The Explorer also resembles the DragonFly more than the MicroStreamer , but unlike the DACport , the Explorer bettered those DACs . In my listening tests , the Explorer offer a fuller , more - realistic sound than either , and it gave music a more - drive , exciting feel than the DragonFly — it was clearly the best of these DACs . On the other hand , the Explorer could n’t meet the carrying out of my reference work , the full - size DacMagic , which made the music voice better - defined and even more in - the - way . I found the difference between the full - size DacMagic and the Explorer to be more dramatic than the difference of opinion between the Explorer and the other portable example here . In other speech , while the portable , computer - focalize DACs examine here can do doubled duty in a traditional stereo system , traditional stereophonic system components do n’t struggle to outmatch them .
In summary , when it comes to just the DACs of these units , I liked the Explorer the best , followed by the DragonFly , the MicroStreamer , the DACport , the D3 , and then the DacMagic XS . I also reconsider the Arcam rPAC , which I ’d one-armed bandit in between the DragonFly and the MicroStreamer . The rPAC has a more full - embodied , credible presentation than the MicroStreamer , but sacrifice some clarity and speed versus the DragonFly . It does n’t match the portability of either model , however .
Listening in: With headphones
I then tested all the products using headphones in ordering to evaluate each unit ’s combination of DAC and headphone amplifier . Listening through the JH13 in - auricle headphones , I came to similar decision in terminus of sound character and relative rankings , although the differences between products were n’t as pronounced as they were through my stereo . I did notice looser basso in the D3 , DACport , and Explorer , belike due to the relatively gamy impedance of these unit in combination with the comparatively low-down impedance of the JH13 . However , these changes did n’t neuter my overall predilection .
USB-to-optical bridge
As I mentioned , the Explorer has an optical yield , which can be useful for impart an optic - audio frequency turnout to estimator ( such as the MacBook Air ) that lack it — or , from the polar perspective , for tote up high - quality USB compatibility to other DACs that miss this feature ( or have older , low - quality USB inputs ) . I used the Explorer to ferry USB audio into my full - size of it DacMagic ’s optical port , and I then compare the final result to a direct optic - to - opthalmic connection between my Mac and the full - size DacMagic . I notice no conflict in audio quality between the two configurations . In contrast , I find the DacMagic ’s USB input lacking compared to its optical port , so I also compared the full - size DACmagic ’s built - in USB stimulant to the Explorer / DacMagic combo : In this configuration , the Explorer hands down bested the full - size DacMagic ’s second-rate USB stimulus — USB sound recording interface have improved substantially in the last five age ! If you have a use for it , the Explorer ’s USB - to - optical bridge feature is a great way to ensure that a high - quality but USB - deficient DAC remains utile .
Phones and tablets
Finally , I try the MicroStreamer ( persist the new , down in the mouth - power microcode ) with an iPad mini , an iPad mini with Retina Display , an iPhone 5 , and a third - multiplication iPad using Apple ’s iPad Camera Connection Kit and Lightning to USB Camera Adapter . All three sounded neat when mind to high - character audio files , handily besting the gadget ’ built - in audio circuitry . And the MicroStreamer is portable enough that I ’ve made extensive use of this capability . I was even able-bodied to practice iTunes Home Sharing to stream 96 kHz/24 - fleck files from my Mac to the iPad mini under iOS 6 . ( Unfortunately , under iOS 7 — at the prison term of this writing , Io 7.0.4 — playback stuttered , which I ’m assuming is a bug in the O . ) I did notice that the MicroStreamer ’s big businessman draw had some wallop on assault and battery life : I lost a couple hours of playback time on my iPhone when using the MicroStreamer in this way .
As I observe previously , none of the other models here shape join directly to Apple ’s adapters , but they do work when associate via a powered USB hub . This is a nice option to get high - timber sound from an iOS gimmick at house , but it ’s obviously not particularly portable .
What about Android twist ? Well , it ’s complicated — perhaps unsurprisingly . If your twist supports USB - on - the - Go , these DACs may work . When I concisely tested the DACs with theSamsung Galaxy Note 2 , only the MicroStreamer influence immediately . I ’ve seen reports of other gadget working , particularly with third - party software program . If you ’d like to hump if your Android computer hardware and software will work out with one of these DACs , my best advice is to do some inquiry — this post ( and thread ) on Head - Fiis a unspoiled billet to start .
Bottom line
A few years ago , any of these fashion model ( along with Arcam ’s rPAC ) would have been best - in - class . You really ca n’t go wrong with any of them — each provides great sound caliber and will improve on your computing machine ’s build - in audio hardware . The differences between them can seem elusive , particularly if consider in closing off . However , the Meridian Explorer offers the good audio quality overall , befitting its $ 300 monetary value , and its optical output can be useful . AudioQuest ’s $ 149 DragonFly offer the next - best overall level-headed calibre , and the fact that it does so at half the toll of the Explorer makes it the practiced value here . That value , combined with the DragonFly ’s commodious design , make it my favorite model overall .
In a few cases , however , I would recommend other model over the Explorer or DragonFly . hormone-replacement therapy ’s $ 190 MicroStreamer almost matches the DragonFly ’s sound calibre and price , and some auditor may opt its open sound or chance its cool iOS compatibility worth the price premium . If you primarily listen to unmanageable - to - drive , full - size headphones , the CEntrance DACport and Arcam rPAC will outperform even the Explorer with those earpiece , and each costs about $ 50 less . The Arcam has the in effect DAC , while the DACport has the better A .
While I liked both the Audioengine D3 and Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS , it ’s difficult to commend them give that each is more expensive than the DragonFly but neither rival its sound lineament . However , the DacMagic XS is the least expensive model that plays 192 or 176.4 kHz file .
