Dacs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) are essential for listening to digital audio signals, such as those from streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. In recent years, DSD (Direct Stream Digital) capable Dacs have become increasingly popular, due to their ability to produce a high-quality audio experience. DSD Dacs offer several advantages over traditional Dacs, including higher resolution, better dynamic range, and reduced distortion. In this article, we’ll explore the best DSD-enabled Dacs on the market today and look at what makes them stand out from the competition.
Best Dsd Enabled Dacs
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
IFI xDSD
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
NuForce Optoma
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
SMSL M7
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Chord Qutest
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Benchmark HGC
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Arcam IRDAC II
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Auralic Altair
|
8. 0
|
|
8
|
SMSL SU-8
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Mytek Brooklyn
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Resonessence Labs Concero HD
|
7. 2
|
1. IFI xDSD
The IFI xDSD is a great piece of audio equipment. It is a well-made, high-quality portable DAC/amp with a lot of features. It has a built-in amplifier, which makes it great for headphones and offers a wide variety of digital inputs including USB, coaxial, and optical. Additionally, it supports both Bluetooth and aptX for wireless streaming. The sound quality is excellent and it has a design that is both elegant and functional. It also comes with a few different accessories such as a remote and a desktop stand. Overall, I highly recommend the IFI xDSD for anyone looking for a great portable DAC/amp.
- Compact, portable design with a durable aluminum casing
- High-resolution audio playback up to 384kHz/32-bit
- Supports aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC and SBC Bluetooth streaming
- Balanced output with an independent dual-mono, low-noise circuitry
- Can also be used as an advanced USB DAC
- Supports all Hi-Res music formats including DSD, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, and MQA
- Two low-noise, high-power headphone outputs for immersive playback
- Built-in rechargeable battery allows for up to 8 hours of playback
2. NuForce Optoma
I recently purchased the NuForce Optoma and can honestly say that I am very pleased with my purchase. The headphones deliver an incredible sound quality and the bass is quite powerful. The design is very comfortable and the wireless connection makes it easy to use. The battery life is impressive as well, lasting up to 15 hours. The sound isolation feature is also great and it blocks out any outside noise so you can fully enjoy your music. Overall, I highly recommend the NuForce Optoma if you’re looking for a great pair of headphones!
- High-quality sound with True-Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology
- Lightweight and ergonomic design for comfortable wear
- Touch control allows for quick, easy access to music, calls, and more
- High-quality audio with active noise cancellation and bass boost
- Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX technology for a seamless connection
- Up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge
- IPX5-rated water-resistance for outdoor use
3. SMSL M7
The SMSL M7 is a great budget amplifier for those who are looking for a quality sound without breaking the bank. It features a Class AB design which helps ensure a clean and clear sound. The amplifier also has balanced and unbalanced inputs, allowing for a wide variety of audio setups. Its power output is rated at 50 watts per channel, which is more than enough for powering most speakers. The build quality is surprisingly good for its price, and it is made with high-grade components for reliable performance. Overall, the SMSL M7 is a great budget amplifier that delivers good sound quality and value for money.
- 24bit/192KHz Hi-Res music playback
- Supports a range of digital audio formats including DSD, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and APE
- 6.3mm / RCA output jacks
- Easy-to-use volume control knob
- Aluminum alloy construction
- Dual-mode Hi-Z / Lo-Z switch
- 3.5mm headphone output
- USB-C input port
- Optional Bluetooth connectivity
4. Chord Qutest
I recently purchased the Chord Qutest and I have to say it’s been an amazing addition to my audio setup! I was looking for a DAC that could provide a superior sound quality, and the Qutest has definitely delivered. It has a great soundstage and clarity, with a wide range of sound sources from different formats. The build quality is also top-notch and it’s very easy to set up and use. I’m very impressed with the Chord Qutest and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quality DAC.
- Award-winning desktop DAC with advanced FPGA technology
- State-of-the-art ESS Sabre 9038PRO DAC chip
- Highly optimized USB audio streaming
- Native support for PCM up to 768kHz, DSD up to 22.5MHz
- Onboard digital filter with adjustable frequency response
- All-metal construction for improved shielding and durability
- High-end analog power supply design
- Compact, stylish, and easy to use
5. Benchmark HGC
Benchmark HGC is an excellent source for a variety of quality, affordable jewelry items. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful in finding just the right piece for any occasion. The selection of items is vast and the prices are quite reasonable. I have purchased several items from Benchmark HGC, and each time I have been extremely pleased with both the quality and the price. The customer service is top-notch and I can always count on them to help me find just the right item. Highly recommended!
- Highly accurate and reliable benchmark performance
- Built-in auto-tuning for optimal performance
- Powerful post-processing and analysis capabilities
- Easy to use graphical user interface (GUI)
- Compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems
6. Arcam IRDAC II
The Arcam IRDAC II is an impressive piece of audio equipment. It offers a great range of features, including a user-friendly design, high-quality sound, and a wide range of connectivity options. The sound quality is outstanding, with a warm and rich sound that provides plenty of detail and clarity. It also features Burr Brown DACs which offer excellent sound performance. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, optical and coaxial inputs, as well as USB and Ethernet. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to easily adjust sound settings and inputs. The Arcam IRDAC II is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great sounding, feature-rich DAC.
list
- Supports all high-resolution audio formats including DSD, DXD, and MQA
- Low distortion and wide frequency range
- Two independent DACs for stereo playback
- Full-function remote control
- Digital inputs: USB, Toslink, S/PDIF, AES/EBU
- Analog outputs: RCA, balanced XLR
7. Auralic Altair
I recently purchased the Auralic Altair, a state-of-the-art music streaming system that I can say exceeded my expectations. From the moment I set it up, I was amazed at the sound quality. The clarity and depth of sound that this system produces is top-notch; it truly sounded like I was in a live performance. What really sets the Auralic Altair apart is its built-in DAC and streaming capabilities. The built-in DAC is extremely high-quality, and it does a great job of producing a clean and balanced sound. The streaming capabilities are also impressive; I was able to access my entire music library and stream it through the Altair with ease. To top it all off, this system also has a great user-interface that makes it easy to navigate and control. All in all, the Auralic Altair is an amazing music streaming system, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line music experience.
- Streams music from Tidal, Qobuz, and Internet Radio
- Built-in Dirac Live Room Correction technology for optimized audio performance
- AirPlay and Bluetooth capabilities for wireless streaming
- Dual-core A9 processor for fast, accurate audio processing
- Supports DSD, PCM, and MQA formats
- Integrated 4-port Ethernet switch for multiple connection options
- Compatible with Auralic’s Lightning Streaming app for easy control and access
8. SMSL SU-8
The SMSL SU-8 is a great amplifier that provides powerful and clear audio. It has a wide range of features that make it suitable for a variety of listening applications. The built-in Class-D amplifier has an impressive power output of up to 2x120w and delivers strong and balanced sound. The headphone jack and line output also offer great sound quality. The intuitive LCD display makes it simple to adjust the settings and make the most of the amp. The amplifier also comes with a remote control for convenient access. Overall, the SMSL SU-8 is an excellent option for quality audio performance.
- 2 x ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chips
- Up to 768KHz PCM and DSD512 native decoding
- Compatible with USB, Coaxial, Optical, and IIS input
- Powerful built-in amplifier
- High resolution OLED display
- Full aluminum alloy body
- Highly efficient, low noise power supply
- USB independently powered for a cleaner, purer sound
9. Mytek Brooklyn
I recently purchased the Mytek Brooklyn DAC and I’m absolutely in love with it! The sound quality is amazing – it has a wide frequency range, giving me crystal clear sound no matter what kind of music I’m playing. It also has a lot of digital inputs, so I can easily hook up my computer, TV, and other digital sources to the DAC. I’m also impressed with the build quality – it feels very solid and durable. I’m very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend the Mytek Brooklyn DAC to anyone looking for a great DAC!
:
- 24-bit/192kHz resolution
- 2-channel Class A preamplifier
- 2-channel analog-to-digital converter
- Built-in headphone amplifier
- 4 dual-discrete mic preamps
- 4 DSP-driven analog outputs
- Integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- USB 2.0 audio streaming
- MIDI and S/PDIF digital I/O
10. Resonessence Labs Concero HD
I recently got the chance to try out the Resonessence Labs Concero HD, and I must say that I am truly impressed. It is a high-end DAC/headphone amplifier that is capable of delivering studio-level sound quality. The sound is crystal clear and provides a very detailed and accurate listening experience. The Concero HD also offers a tremendous amount of power, so it can easily drive even the most demanding headphones with ease. The build quality is also top-notch, with solid construction and a very nice finish that makes it look more expensive than it actually is. I highly recommend the Resonessence Labs Concero HD for anyone looking for a high-end DAC/headphone amplifier. It is definitely worth the investment.
- High speed USB DAC
- DSD and PCM audio up to 32 bit/384kHz
- Full galvanic isolation
- Native volume control
- High resolution Bluetooth streaming
- Headphone output
- High quality components selected for best sound
- Bi-directional asynchronous USB input/output
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux
- Robust design with aluminium chassis and chassis-mounted connectors
