Digital-to-analog converters (DACs) have become increasingly popular components for audio enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their music. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best USB DACs under $500. This guide will help you find the perfect DAC for your audio setup, whether you’re an audiophile, music producer, or casual listener. From budget models to high-end audiophile DACs, this list will have something that fits your needs and budget. With these amazing DACs, you can expect excellent sound quality, convenience, and value for your money. So let’s dive into the best USB DACs under $500.
Best Usb Dac Under 500
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
FiiO E17 Alpen Portable Headphone Amplifier USB DAC
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
S.M.S.L SU-9 MQA Full Decoder ES9038PRO DAC XMOS DSD512 PCM768kHz/32Bit Bluetooth 5.0 UAT APTX-HD USB Balanced Decoder
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
iFi Nano iDSD Black Label Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier with MQA and DSD. Use with Smartphones/Digital Audio Players/Tablets/Laptops (Includes iFi Audio OTG Cable USB Micro)
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
S.M.S.L M500 DAC Headphone Amp Supports MQA decoding ES9038PRO D/A chip USB Uses XMOS XU-216 with Remote Control (Black)
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Dared MP-5BT HiFi Vacuum Tube Amplifier, Audiophiles Professional Stereo Integrated AMP, Hybrid Amplifier, Bluetooth/USB DAC/Line Input, 25W x 2 Output, with 6N11,6N21,6E21 Tubes
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Fostex USA Fostex Desktop Headphone Amplifier with DAC Balanced Output (HP-A4BL)
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Dared MP-5BT a Stereo Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier,Hybrid Amplifier, Bluetooth Connection,USB/DAC Input, Headphone Output, Pre Output,25Wx2,with Tubes 6N1x1,6N2x1,6E2x1
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
iFi Micro iDAC2 DSD DAC – Digital Analogue Converter with USB Input – SPDIF Optical Coaxial RCA Output – HiFi High Resolution Desktop Home Audio Headphone Amp – MQA Compatible
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
AudioQuest Dragonfly USB DAC Bundle with AudioQuest Jitterbug USB Data Power Noise Filter and AudioQuest DragonTail USB 2.0 Extender (for Android Devices) – Cobalt
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black)
|
7. 2
|
1. FiiO E17 Alpen Portable Headphone Amplifier USB DAC
I’ve had the FiiO E17 Alpen Portable Headphone Amplifier USB DAC for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s easy to use, and produces a great sound quality. The amp has a clean, crisp sound with a wide range of frequency response. The bass is tight and punchy, and the highs are clear and crisp. It has a good range of controls, and the USB DAC allows for digital audio to be routed to the amp. I’ve tried it with a few different headphones and it works great. The bass is tight and punchy, and the highs are crystal clear. The sound quality is just what I was looking for, and I’m very happy with my purchase. Highly recommended!
format:
- Portable headphone amplifier and USB DAC
- High-quality sound with improved dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio
- Built-in rechargeable battery with up to 10 hours of playtime
- Supports a wide range of audio formats, including 16/44.1 up to 24/192
- Compatible with both Apple and Android devices
- Customizable sound equalization via the FiiO Music app
2. S.M.S.L SU-9 MQA Full Decoder ES9038PRO DAC XMOS DSD512 PCM768kHz/32Bit Bluetooth 5.0 UAT APTX-HD USB Balanced Decoder
I recently purchased the S.M.S.L SU-9 MQA Full Decoder ES9038PRO DAC XMOS DSD512 PCM768kHz/32Bit Bluetooth 5.0 UAT APTX-HD USB Balanced Decoder and I must say I am impressed. The sound quality is outstanding, and the decoder does an excellent job of accurately reproducing music with a detailed and dynamic sound. The Bluetooth 5.0 and UAT APTX-HD pairing provide a wireless connection that is reliable and easy to set up. The decoder also supports PCM and DSD up to 768kHz/32-bit, providing a high level of detail and clarity. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking for a high-quality DAC that provides great sound and excellent value.
- MQA Full Decoder ES9038PRO DAC
- XMOS DSD512 PCM768kHz/32Bit
- Bluetooth 5.0 UAT APTX-HD
- USB Balanced Decoder
3. iFi Nano iDSD Black Label Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier with MQA and DSD. Use with Smartphones/Digital Audio Players/Tablets/Laptops (Includes iFi Audio OTG Cable USB Micro)
I recently purchased the iFi Nano iDSD Black Label Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier and I’m so glad I did! This device has completely changed the way I listen to music. The sound quality is phenomenal, with MQA and DSD providing unparalleled sound clarity and depth. It’s extremely easy to set up and use with smartphones, digital audio players, tablets, and laptops, and the included iFi Audio OTG Cable USB Micro makes it even simpler. I also love that it’s a portable device, so I can take it with me wherever I go. It has truly revolutionized the way I listen to music and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality audio device.
- Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier with MQA and DSD support
- Works with Smartphones, Digital Audio Players, Tablets, and Laptops
- Includes iFi Audio OTG Cable USB Micro for use with Smartphones and Digital Audio Players
- High-quality Burr Brown chips for precise sound
- Turbo-charging feature for mobile devices
- 3D+ Matrix for optimum soundstage
- Zero-jitter technology for low distortion
- Real-time volume control
4. S.M.S.L M500 DAC Headphone Amp Supports MQA decoding ES9038PRO D/A chip USB Uses XMOS XU-216 with Remote Control (Black)
I recently purchased the S.M.S.L M500 DAC Headphone Amp, and so far I am incredibly impressed. The device is incredibly well designed with a sleek black finish, and the sound quality is superb. The ES9038PRO D/A chip combined with the XMOS XU-216 technology provides a superior audio experience, and the MQA decoding functionality adds an extra layer of audio quality. The remote control is also a great feature and makes using the device very intuitive and user friendly. I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a high quality DAC Headphone Amp!
- Supports MQA decoding ES9038PRO D/A chip
- USB Uses XMOS XU-216 with Remote Control (Black)
- High performance S.M.S.L M500 DAC Headphone Amp
- High-fidelity audio output, supporting up to 384K/32B
- Low-noise, high-resolution AKM AK4493EQ DAC chip
- Support for up to 24-bit/192kHz audio files
- Advanced 3D audio technology for immersive sound
- High-sensitivity Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming
- Independent power supply design for lower noise floor
5. Dared MP-5BT HiFi Vacuum Tube Amplifier, Audiophiles Professional Stereo Integrated AMP, Hybrid Amplifier, Bluetooth/USB DAC/Line Input, 25W x 2 Output, with 6N11,6N21,6E21 Tubes
I recently bought the Dared MP-5BT HiFi Vacuum Tube Amplifier and I’m so impressed. It has a great sound quality and is perfect for audiophiles. It has a hybrid amplifier with Bluetooth and USB DAC/Line Input, which makes it very versatile. The 25W x 2 output is also fantastic, and the addition of 6N11, 6N21, 6E21 tubes gives it a great warmth to the sound. Overall, this is an excellent choice for audiophiles looking for a high-quality amplifier.
- Dared MP-5BT HiFi Vacuum Tube Amplifier
- Audiophiles Professional Stereo Integrated AMP
- Hybrid Amplifier
- Bluetooth/USB DAC/Line Input
- 25W x 2 Output
- With 6N11, 6N21, 6E21 Tubes
6. Fostex USA Fostex Desktop Headphone Amplifier with DAC Balanced Output (HP-A4BL)
I recently purchased the Fostex USA Fostex Desktop Headphone Amplifier with DAC Balanced Output (HP-A4BL), and I’m so glad I did! I’ve been using it for recording and mixing audio, and it’s been a great addition to my studio setup. The sound quality is amazing, and the amp has a ton of features and controls to customize the sound. It’s also really easy to use, which is great for beginners. I’m really impressed with the performance and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great headphone amp.
- High-resolution, 4-channel digital to analog converter (DAC)
- Balanced XLR outputs for enhanced sonic fidelity
- USB connection for digital audio up to DSD256
- Dual headphone outputs with individual volume controls
- Selectable low-pass filter for adjusting frequency response
- Low-latency ASIO driver for optimal audio performance
7. Dared MP-5BT a Stereo Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier,Hybrid Amplifier, Bluetooth Connection,USB/DAC Input, Headphone Output, Pre Output,25Wx2,with Tubes 6N1x1,6N2x1,6E2x1
I recently purchased the Dared MP-5BT Stereo Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier and it has exceeded my expectations. This hybrid amplifier has a Bluetooth connection, USB/DAC input, headphone output, pre output, and a 25Wx2 power output. It also has three tubes: 6N1x1, 6N2x1, and 6E2x1. I was immediately impressed by the power and clarity that this amplifier has. The bass is deep and punchy and the highs are crisp and vibrant. I also like how easy it is to set up and use. The Bluetooth connection makes it easy to stream music wirelessly and the USB/DAC input makes it simple to connect to my computer. I was also surprised by the headphone output, which offers excellent sound quality. Overall, this amplifier is an excellent choice and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and versatile audio solution.
- Stereo Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier
- Hybrid Amplifier
- Bluetooth Connection
- USB/DAC Input
- Headphone Output
- Pre Output
- 25Wx2 output power
- 6N1x1,6N2x1,6E2x1 Tubes
8. iFi Micro iDAC2 DSD DAC – Digital Analogue Converter with USB Input – SPDIF Optical Coaxial RCA Output – HiFi High Resolution Desktop Home Audio Headphone Amp – MQA Compatible
The iFi Micro iDAC2 DSD DAC is an incredibly versatile and powerful piece of audio equipment. It has a USB input that can be used to connect to a computer or external storage device and has a range of outputs including SPDIF optical, coaxial RCA, and headphone jacks. It also supports MQA for high-resolution audio playback. The sound quality of the DAC is superb and brings out the detail and dynamics of any music genre. The DAC supports high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD up to 256. The unit has a robust aluminum chassis with solid construction and excellent build quality. The DAC also comes with a remote control that can be used to control volume and other settings. Overall, the iFi Micro iDAC2 is a great DAC that delivers fantastic sound quality and is great value for money. Highly recommended.
- USB Input
- SPDIF Optical Coaxial RCA Output
- HiFi High Resolution Desktop Home Audio Headphone Amp
- MQA Compatible
9. AudioQuest Dragonfly USB DAC Bundle with AudioQuest Jitterbug USB Data Power Noise Filter and AudioQuest DragonTail USB 2.0 Extender (for Android Devices) – Cobalt
I recently purchased the AudioQuest Dragonfly USB DAC Bundle with AudioQuest Jitterbug USB Data Power Noise Filter and AudioQuest DragonTail USB 2.0 Extender (for Android Devices) – Cobalt, and I must say, I’m incredibly impressed. The sound quality is simply incredible and the build quality of the devices is top notch. I love the fact that the bundle comes with the jitterbug which eliminates any noise or interference that can be present while listening to your favorite music. Furthermore, the DragonTail is also a great addition and allows for a much better connection between my Android device and the DAC. All in all, this is a great bundle that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an upgrade in their sound quality. Highly recommended!
- AudioQuest Dragonfly USB DAC Bundle
- AudioQuest Jitterbug USB Data Power Noise Filter
- AudioQuest DragonTail USB 2.0 Extender (for Android Devices)
- Cobalt-colored aluminum construction
- High-resolution digital-to-analog converter
- High-output 1.2V headphone amp
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices
- Provides up to 10dB of noise reduction
- Up to 16″ extension cable for Android devices
10. Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black)
I recently purchased the Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC MQA384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder with I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input (Black) and I am incredibly impressed. The sound quality is remarkable and the Bluetooth connectivity is a great addition. The DAC is very well constructed and the versatile inputs make it very user-friendly. I was also impressed with how quickly and easily I was able to set it up and get it running. Overall, I’m incredibly satisfied with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great DAC.
- Gustard DAC-X16 MQA USB DAC ES9068AS DAC
- MQA384kHz DSD512 PCM768kHz Full Balanced
- Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Decoder
- I2S/AES/Coax/Opt Input
- Black Color
