Choosing the right DAC and amp can dramatically enhance your listening experience, transforming your music from good to extraordinary. This review dives deep into a curated selection of top-performing DACs and amps, spanning a wide range of prices and features, from budget-friendly marvels to high-end audiophile equipment. We'll explore both objective measurements and subjective listening impressions to help you find the perfect match for your needs and preferences, whether you're a casual listener or a seasoned audio enthusiast.This personal top picks review covers a diverse range of devices, including compact USB-C dongles offering remarkable value, powerful desktop amplifiers capable of driving demanding headphones, and sophisticated high-end DACs boasting exceptional accuracy and advanced features. We'll analyze each product's strengths and weaknesses, highlighting their unique capabilities and target audiences. Whether you're looking to upgrade your laptop audio, build a high-fidelity desktop setup, or simply explore the world of high-resolution audio, this review offers valuable insights to guide your decision-making process.
Pros And Cons
- Excellent value for money ($10)
- Does not suck (performs decently)
- Exceeds 16-bit range in total harmonic distortion performance (~100dB)
- Outperforms many desktop products
- Functions as a standalone DAC and headphone amplifier
- American version outputs 1 volt, European version outputs 0.5 volt
- Android devices limit output to ~0.1 volt
- Volume limitations for some headphones
- 2.5-volt output (200mW into 32 ohms)
- Can drive many planars directly
- ~111dB total harmonic distortion and noise performance (better than Apple dongle)
- Less susceptible to noisy sources than the Apple dongle
- Better objective performance than the Apple dongle
- More expensive than the Apple dongle ($20 more)
- Network streamer with USB and digital output
- Can be used as a music server with built-in apps (Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify) and local file support
- Rune endpoint built-in
- Large display for album art and playback controls
- Built-in EQ
- Displays VU meters
- Portable DAC/amp combo usable as a standalone DAC or desktop DAC
- Can drive moderately hard-to-drive planars
- Excellent sound quality (especially for IEMs and most dynamic headphones)
- Powerful FPGA for high-performance digital signal processing
- Better reconstruction performance than other DACs
- Built-in EQ (fixed bands, adjustable levels)
- Solid build quality
- Objective performance doesn't beat top-end products
- Expensive for a portable device
Read more: Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp Review: A Worthy Upgrade or Redundant Luxury?
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter: The Budget Champion
The Apple dongle, surprisingly, punches above its weight. For a mere $10, it offers surprisingly good sound quality, exceeding the performance of many onboard sound cards. Its total harmonic distortion performance is remarkable, exceeding 16-bit range and outperforming various desktop DACs.
However, it's not without flaws. The output voltage varies depending on the region (US vs. EU) and device (iOS vs. Android). Android users might find the volume limited, requiring a workaround app like USB Audio Player Pro to unlock the full potential.
Despite this limitation, its unbeatable price-to-performance ratio makes it a fantastic entry-level upgrade for those seeking better audio from their laptops or desktops.
FiiO KA11: A Step Up from the Apple Dongle
For a slightly higher price ($20 more than the Apple dongle), the FiiO KA11 offers a significant upgrade. This USB-C dongle delivers a higher output voltage (2.5 volts), making it capable of driving even plannar headphones.
The FiiO KA11 boasts superior objective performance compared to the Apple dongle, with an improved total harmonic distortion and noise floor. It also seems less susceptible to noise from powerful sources.
Overall, it's a well-rounded improvement for a small additional cost, offering excellent value and superior sound quality.
Benchmark AHP2: The Surprisingly Great Speaker Amp/Headphone Amp Hybrid
The Benchmark AHP2 is primarily a speaker amplifier, but its exceptional objective performance makes it a surprisingly effective headphone amp. Its exceptionally low noise floor allows it to comfortably drive IEMs.
With impressive SINAD measurements beating many dedicated headphone amps, it offers a remarkable level of audio fidelity. It's objectively superior to most headphone amps the reviewer has used.
The drawbacks include its larger size and the need for a preamp due to its power amp nature. But for the impressive sound quality and power, it's worth considering if you already have other components covered.
JDS Labs Element II: The Excellent All-Rounder
The JDS Labs Element II is a compact and stylish DAC/amp combo that offers a compelling combination of sleek design, robust features, and outstanding sound quality.
It provides powerful amplification for most headphones, while its built-in EQ, controllable via a web interface, allows for personalized sound adjustments without external software.
For under $1000, it's considered one of the best-sounding DAC/amp combinations, praised for its performance and feature set. This makes it a great value for money option.
RME ADI-2 DAC fs: High-End Audiophile DAC
The RME ADI-2 DAC fs is a high-end DAC that offers exceptional performance and features aimed at demanding audiophiles. Its high accuracy and low distortion make it suitable for critical listening.
Note that this product is very expensive, so should only be purchased by dedicated music listeners who need top-tier audio quality.
Its features include advanced digital signal processing, precise volume control, and comprehensive monitoring capabilities, allowing you to shape the sound to your preference.
Holo Audio May: The Exceptionally Accurate R2R DAC
The Holo Audio May is an R2R DAC that defies expectations, achieving exceptionally high total harmonic distortion (THD) plus noise performance (118 dB). This is remarkable for an R2R DAC, which typically struggle to achieve such accuracy.
Its exceptionally low latency (2 milliseconds) makes it ideal for gaming, and its native PCM conversion delivers a pure, unprocessed sound. However, the built-in oversampling isn’t its strong point, best used with external oversampling.
While NOS mode offers a unique listening experience, the treble roll-off may not suit all genres. Nevertheless, its remarkable accuracy and unique characteristics make it a fascinating and high-performing choice.
Chord Mojo 2: The Versatile Portable DAC/Amp
The Chord Mojo 2 is a highly versatile and portable DAC/amp combo that excels in both portable and desktop use. It can drive a variety of headphones, from IEMs to moderately hard-to-drive planars.
Its unique use of a powerful FPGA for digital signal processing, including high-performance oversampling and a Delta-Sigma modulator, results in exceptionally good reconstruction performance.
While it may not always top charts in terms of objective measurements, its exceptional sound quality, especially with IEMs, and its useful features like EQ and desktop mode make it a top contender.
Eversolo DMP-A6: The Feature-Rich Network Streamer
The Eversolo DMP-A6 is a unique network streamer offering a large display with album art and playback controls, along with features like EQ. It's excellent value compared to similar devices with similar specs.
While not always considered a top priority, its large display significantly increases enjoyment, making it a visually appealing device to have around. Its versatility as a streamer, DAC, and music server contributes to the overall experience.
Though it may not always be needed, its visual appeal and rich feature set add to the overall listening experience, making it a fun product to own.