The DACs That Stood Out to Our Editors

The Allegro combines an ES9028Q2M DAC with a gamepad-inspired enclosure, giving this portable model an identity beyond the usual rectangular USB adapter.

Its USB-C connection is compatible with Android devices running version 5.1 or later, while 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced outputs accommodate a broad selection of wired headphones.

Support for PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256 also makes it suitable for listeners with high-resolution libraries.

The Stealth Edition adapts the established hip-dac 3 formula with a matte-black finish and upgraded components intended to produce a quieter power supply.

It retains iFi’s True Balanced circuit design, Burr Brown DAC and True Native architecture, with PCM support to 384 kHz and DSD support to DSD256.

Up to 12 hours of playback makes it particularly relevant to commuters and travelers who do not want their portable DAC to depend entirely on a source device for power.

The DAM1 15TH is aimed at component audio systems, providing USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU and I2S digital inputs alongside balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs.

Its proprietary Jingling DSP allows adjustments to bit depth and sampling rate and supports four operating modes.

Soundaware also separates the power-supply decision from the DAC itself, offering a choice between the external LP1 15TH and LPX 15TH units.

The K19 is more than a straightforward desktop headphone amplifier and DAC, with a connection suite designed to make it the center of a multi-source setup.

Optical and coaxial S/PDIF serve conventional digital components, USB-C supports PC and Mac connections as well as compatible storage devices, and an HDMI port extends its system flexibility.

Two pairs of RCA analog outputs further support integration with desktop audio equipment.

Positioned as Schiit’s most affordable DAC, the Modi 5 brings the company’s Mesh digital filter and Unison 384 USB interface into a compact desktop product.

Mesh runs on a 32-bit Microchip processor paired with an ESS delta-sigma modulator rather than relying on a generic filtering implementation.

The DAC can draw power directly from USB while accepting USB, optical or coaxial input, keeping a basic computer setup simple without excluding traditional digital sources.

The GO blu Air is intended for listeners who want to use wired headphones without remaining physically tethered to a phone.

Its magnetic clip attaches to clothing or a bag, while the built-in noise-reducing microphone supports calls as well as music.

A balanced 4.4 mm output and 3.5 mm S-Balanced connection cover two common headphone formats, and XBass and XSpace provide optional sound adjustment. Multipoint pairing and memory for eight devices strengthen its everyday wireless credentials.

The D900 is built for a high-end home system, combining Topping’s fully discrete PSRM conversion architecture with a separately implemented preamplifier stage that can feed active speakers directly.

Its digital connections include USB-B, USB-C, I²S-LVDS over HDMI, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical inputs, plus Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC support.

A configurable 10-band parametric equalizer, input-specific volume settings and trigger connections give owners considerable control over system behavior and integration.

DUNU’s DTC-800 places a CS43198 DAC on each audio channel and pairs them with two independent SGM8262 operational amplifiers.

The amplifier section is rated at up to 450 mW with a 32-ohm load, while PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native DSD256 cover high-resolution playback.

Despite that specification set, the CNC-machined aluminum unit weighs 20 grams and includes physical volume buttons, a multicolor format indicator and both common portable headphone outputs.

The self-powered Team 1 is designed for portable use with headphones that may require more voltage than a basic dongle can provide.

Audirect specifies maximum output levels of 5.6 Vrms from the balanced 4.4 mm connection and 2.8 Vrms from the 3.5 mm single-ended output, with support for headphones rated up to 600 ohms.

Dual USB-C interfaces, an AUX input and iPS intelligent power management add flexibility, while optional accessories can provide simultaneous phone charging or Bluetooth decoding.

The DAC200 Signature follows a traditional full-size hi-fi approach, using balanced circuitry, two linear power transformers and twelve independent voltage regulators.

Its discrete output stages operate in Class A without feedback, while the eight-channel ESS ES9028PRO supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512.

Switchable volume control, remote operation and adjustable DAC filters allow the unit to serve either as a conventional fixed-output converter or as a direct control point in a system without a separate preamplifier.