Esoteric N-01XE Brings Grandioso-Derived Digital Technology to the 01 Series
The flagship Esoteric N-01XE network DAC combines in-house digital conversion, extensive power-supply isolation and copper or optical network connectivity.
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TAD A1000D Brings Digital Inputs to…
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Noble Audio Osprey Review: Boutique Ambition…
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Magnetar Ultima Universal Media Transport Targets…
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Qobuz Refreshes Its Mobile Apps With…
Five DACs Compared: Which Desktop Converter Fits Your System?
These five DAC options take very different approaches, from a future AKM converter chip to powerful all-in-one headphone DACs. Here is what…
Merason DAC 2 Strips Digital Conversion Back to Essentials
The Merason DAC 2 joins the Swiss manufacturer’s range between the DAC 1 Mk2 and Mountain DAC, using two Burr-Brown PCM1794A chips…
Musician Delphinus Pairs Discrete R-2R Conversion With DSD1024 Support
The Musician Delphinus is a desktop digital-to-analog converter built around a discrete R-2R resistor ladder, with selectable OS and NOS operation, dedicated…
Best Headphone DAC/Amps in 2026: 7 Desktop Models Worth Considering
From the compact SMSL D100 to the Class A Sendy Audio KYLIN, these seven desktop components offer distinctly different approaches to digital…
Merason Mountain Flagship DAC Brings PCM and DSD Support to High-End Systems
The Merason Mountain is a Swiss-designed and manufactured flagship DAC supporting 24-bit/192kHz PCM, DSD64 and DSD128, with XLR and RCA analog outputs.
FiiO K17 R2R Combines Ladder DAC, Streaming and Headphone Power
FiiO’s K17 R2R is a desktop DAC, streamer and headphone amplifier built around the company’s segmented R2R PRO resistor-ladder architecture.
SMSL VMV D2R MK2 Brings ROHM Conversion and OCXO Clocking to a Desktop DAC
SMSL has introduced the VMV D2R MK2, a stationary digital-to-analog converter built around a ROHM BD34302EKV DAC chip, XMOS USB processing, extensive…
SMSL D100 Desktop DAC Adds Balanced Headphone Drive in a Compact Chassis
The SMSL D100 combines a desktop USB DAC, line-level RCA output and balanced headphone amplifier in a CNC-machined aluminum enclosure.
Cantico J-DAC: Italian Handcrafted DAC with Transformer-Coupled Output Stage
The new Cantico J-DAC is a handcrafted Italian DAC featuring custom output transformers, JFET circuitry, galvanic isolation, triple toroidal power supplies, and…
9.5/10
iFi iDSD Valkyrie Review: A True Flagship DAC Amp for Demanding Headphones
The iFi iDSD Valkyrie delivers near-desktop sound in a transportable form, combining massive power, advanced DAC architecture, and a clean, spacious signature…
Luxsin X8: DAC/amp with AI-driven sound and 8-DAC architecture
AI meets audiophile performance in the Luxsin X8 — an 8-DAC desktop powerhouse with 4.8W output, advanced Digital Audio Core, and groundbreaking…
Shanling SM1.3R R2R DAC: A More Analog Take on Streaming with Roon, Tidal & Qobuz
Shanling SM1.3R upgrades to a 24-bit R2R DAC, offering a more analog sound alongside full streaming support, balanced outputs, and onboard SSD…
Schiit Audio Eitr 2: A Smarter, Cleaner Path from USB to High-End Digital Audio
The Schiit Audio Eitr 2 is a compact audiophile USB DDC with Unison USB, low-jitter output, and optional Forkbeard control. Transform any…
9.5/10
FiiO K17 Review: High-End Desktop DAC/Amp with Serious Flexibility
FiiO K17 is a feature-packed desktop DAC/amp offering superb flexibility, tactile controls, and a smooth, immersive sound that makes it a true…
Gustard R26 II: High-End R2R DAC with Built-In Streamer
Gustard R26 II launches with a 26-bit R2R DAC, native DSD support, and built-in streaming via Roon, AirPlay and UPnP. High-end performance…
Weiss DAC205 MK2: A Purist DAC Built for Absolute Precision
Weiss DAC205 MK2 delivers pure digital-to-analog conversion with ES9028PRO, near-zero impedance, and studio-grade precision—no USB, no distractions, just sound.
iFi Audio Go Link 2: Tiny DAC, Massive Upgrade for Everyday Listening
Upgrade your sound instantly with the iFi Audio Go Link 2 – a tiny USB DAC delivering hi-res audio, lower distortion, and…
Shanling UA1 II: A Tiny USB DAC With Balanced Power, Dual DACs and a Built-In Screen
Shanling UA1 II is a compact USB DAC and headphone amp with dual Cirrus Logic DACs, balanced output, a built-in screen, and…
SMSL DAC MINI: Mac Mini-Optimized DAC, Balanced Headphone Amp & USB Hub
The SMSL DAC MINI is a compact Mac mini-designed DAC and headphone amp featuring ESS ES9039Q2M, XMOS XU-316, balanced 4.4 mm output,…
D&A Alpha: Dual-Mono Precision in a Compact DAC and Headphone Amplifier
The D&A Alpha is a compact desktop DAC and headphone amplifier with dual-mono ES9039Q2M DACs, fully discrete balanced amplification, analog volume control,…
Gustard R26 II: Old-School Digital, New-School Attitude
Gustard R26 II is a fully discrete R2R DAC and network streamer built for purists, offering native DSD, serious clocking, and a…
SMSL SU-2: A Compact, Balanced DAC Built for Serious Desktop Audio
SMSL SU-2 is a compact, fully balanced desktop DAC with ES9039Q2M conversion, XLR and RCA outputs, and professional digital inputs for clean,…
The Best Portable DACs of 2025-2026: Pocket Hi-Fi Done Right
From the affordable FiiO KA11 to the flagship iFi Go bar Kensei, discover the best pocket hi-fi upgrades for wired headphones on…