Best Digital-to-Analog Converters In 2021

The Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus is a three-in-one package, an amplifier, a digital-to-analog converter, and a digital high-performance pre-amplifier. The coated aluminum chassis protects the carefully assembled integrated circuit inside. The DacMagic Plus looks durable. The volume control, power, and source control knobs, though made of plastic, look like they are well manufactured.

With a dimension of  7.5 x 8.5 x 2 inches and a weight of only 2.65 pounds, it’s not heavy at all and can conveniently sit on the shelf alongside other sound units without consuming much space. Before you equate this small weight and size to subpar performance, this impressive digital-to-analog converter delivers a sound that belies its size. This performance is all thanks to the dual DACs system that improves audio quality. Whatever digital device you choose to plug in, be it a laptop, all-in-one desktop computer, TV, CD player, this convertor is guaranteed to transform your home sound unit into a true, high fidelity sound-producing system.

When people talk about compact, this is it. The D1 24-Bit DAC, Desktop Digital To Analogue Converter circumvents the sound card of your plugged-in computer and directs audio signal through USB or Toslink/optical input. This converter processes sound up to an input bit depth of 24-bit, and also offers an input sample rate of 192 kHz. It comes equipped with a high signal-to-noise ratio, and low distortion, so impressive sound quality is guaranteed.

Take advantage of the high-performance headphone output, which is compatible with a wide range of headphones operating at different impedance. It also works well with TV, Blu-ray and DVD players, and other portable audio devices. What’s more, as compact as it is, the D1 still offers more than one digital audio input, i.e., USB and optical S/PDIF. This flexibility and versatility make it possible to connect your computer and another portable device at once. A dual analog RCA cable output and a 3.5 mm jack for headphones are also available.

At a giveaway price of $25.99, turn up your listening experience while you use your LCD TV, Blu-ray, CD player, tv box, or video game console. This portable eSynic 192kHz Digital to Analog Converter will conveniently transform your digital source Coaxial/Toslink/Optical input to RCA analog audio output, and it does this by connecting to an external amplifier via a  3.5 mm headphone jack. The aluminum chassis design keeps it lightweight and protected. The gold-plated surface prevents interference from external sources, guaranteeing pure, crisp, quality sound your TV and other electronic devices can’t ordinarily deliver.

This compact DAC delivers sound a bit depth of 24 bits and a sampling rate of 32~192 kHz. Add a signal-to-noise ratio of 105 decibels, and you have impressive sound quality worth bragging about to your friends. There’s no need for driver installation – plug-in and enjoy.

The Modi 3 D/A Converter is the third version of the series and is not the only Schiit converter we’re featuring. The Modi 3 is a massive upgrade from its predecessor digital-analog-converter, which comes in a USB input-only design.

This version has a USB, coaxial and TOSLINK. Not to mention the optional power supply and input selector, which uses the toggle switch in front. All of this means you can go ahead and plug the Modi 3 into any computer using the included USB micro cable and your computer sound comes alive.

Here’s yet another powerful digital-to-analog audio converter that processes coaxial or optical Toslink audio signals in its digital form and converts them to analog for your listening pleasure. This portable Avantree Digital to Analog Audio Converter features two separate audio inputs for flexible usage with devices compatible with either coaxial or optical input. The output is an RCA outlet and an auxiliary port for connections to wired headphones for private entertainment. Here’s the thing – you might want to stick to headphones with impedance below 32 ohms.

Furthermore, a convenient switch is available to select between optical and coaxial functions. Unlike some digital-to-analog converters, Avantree made this one with a volume control knob that has an indicator meter. It’s quite versatile and supports a whole range of digital devices, from video game consoles to HD DVD Home Cinema Systems, smart TV, and LCD television. It processes audio sounds to a depth bit of 24 bits and 192 kHz sampling rate. While it doesn’t have capabilities to amplify audio signals, it does deliver impressive, quality audio sound. There’s a 12-month warranty on the product. 

It gets even better in terms of compactness, portability, and price with the Musou Digital To Analog Converter. At a dimension of 5 x 4 x 1 inches and 2.72 ounces, portability just got redefined. And although some features present in more expensive digital-analog converters are absent here, this DAC from Musou is still capable of converting both coaxial or Toslink digital audio signals to analog audio. This audio is receivable with an external device such as an amplifier via standard RCA-style jacks.

A speaker or a compatible headphone will do just fine but stay away from the standard 3 mm headphone. It’s also worth noting that because it doesn’t come with a switch between coaxial and Toslink when connected to both cables all at once, it will automatically give functional preference to the digital device connected to Toslink input. It runs efficiently and effectively using a 5V direct current supply and is quite versatile and can convert sound from cable tv box, gaming console, DVD/ CD player, and music sound system. At $12.99, it’s quite a lot of value, and there’s a one-year warranty.

This next product is the Signstek HiFi Digital to Analogue Converter. It has a USB input in addition to coaxial, digital fiber output, and a light indicator to show the device is in use. You can turn up your computer and other portable device sound outputs by connecting this hi-fi tech via USB cable and creating a high-quality S/PDIF digital audio output signal. It also comes with a headphone jack that some higher-end digital-to-analog converters don’t have. There’s no need to worry about the power requirements for this device; it’s USB powered, so plug it straight into your computer.

Wired connectivity with PC or Mac is seamless and requires no additional installation of drivers to synchronize with computer software. Just plug in and enjoy the output sound quality you deserve. Signstek audio converter works well with older versions of Windows.

For more must-have tech products, check out our choice of the top noise-canceling headphones.

Unlike other DACs that don’t process quality digital Dolby sound, the Wiistar Digital to Analog Converter does all that while being one of the most portable options out there. So, if you’ve got an LCD with Dolby digital surround sound, this is a must-have to experience higher quality sounds from that device.

It also supports PCM, digital audio input from devices with Toslink (Optical SPDIF), or Coaxial. And while it has a switch for you to select between either Toslink or coaxial function, output analog audio sound can be received with audio speakers using either the RCA output or 3.5 mm headphone output simultaneously.  Altogether, it’s a small portable tech gadget with dimensions of only 5.9 x 4.2 x 2.4 inches.

Roofull got creative with the production of this digital-audio converter offering bidirectional connectivity to produce more quality sound. As a result, the Roofull Optical-to-Coaxial or Coax-to-Optical Digital Audio Converter allows you to convert Optical to/from digital Coaxial. Using the input selection switch incorporated in the overall design, you can quickly select either coaxial input or SPDIF (Optical/Toslink) without pulling out the connected digital cables. It is also capable of processing LPCM and DTS/DOLBY, producing noise-free transmission at 24 bits, and a sampling rate of 192 kHz.

Power up your digital converter with the 5V/1A power adapter and plug-in easily into computers and tablets with no need for the reinstallation of drivers. Its wide range of device applicability cuts across Blu-ray Disc Player, cable TV receiver, Xbox 360, portable DVD player, Amplifier, Sound Speakers, and all devices with digital audio out port. Roofull is offering a five-year warranty on this device.

This device is yet another pocket-friendly digital-analog converter. Less than $13, it’s not the best DAC around, but it can deliver quality sound, and considering its price, this is a win. The Easycel Digital to Analog Audio Converter offers the smooth conversion of digital PCM audio signals, Toslink or coaxial, to 3.5 mm jack audio and analog L/R RCA. However, it doesn’t perform the function of an amplifier or preamplifier, so you can go ahead and connect an external amplifier via the RCA jacks or a headphone via the 3.5 mm headphone output jack.

Although this DAC may not be compatible with Dolby Digital or DTS sound, it can process PCM and LPCM. It operates at the sampling rate of  96 kHz, not the highest in the market; however, the sound quality in this range is quite impressive. As a consolation, it processes sound input to a bit depth of 24 bits. Its portability makes it easy to install and operate. Compatible devices include PS3, PS4, Xbox, Blu-ray Player, HD DVD, Home Cinema Systems, and more. That’s a whole lot of flexibility for $12.99.

For more amazing devices like this, check out our list of the best USB hubs available right now.