Posts with tag "DAC"

When it comes to a modern Hi-Fi audio system based on a digital sound source, you can’t do without a network player or audio streamer, usually with a built-in digital-to-analog converter. These devices offer amazing flexibility of connection (both streaming clients of well-known services and wireless signal transmission options are “on board”), and their sound quality has advanced greatly in recent years. So much so that even relatively budget devices paired with an integrated Hi-Fi amplifier and acoustics can provide excellent sound quality. Our new rating or hit parade contains just such modern audio streamers.

The Totaldac d1-total digital-to-analog converter has been introduced – according to the company, this device guarantees the maximum possible for a single-block design with external PSU. “Under the hood”, in addition to the d1-triunity DAC converter, there is also volume control, a network streamer (latest version developed for the d1-streamer-live), 40 femtoseconds oscillators, a microfilter USB loop (developed for the d1-streamer-live) and anti-vibration supports.

PS Audio has released a line of new components - The Paul McGowan Signature Series, which includes a preamp, DAC, disk transport and phonostage. All components feature innovative circuitry and offer impressive performance.

French company Jadis presented the first DAC of a new range, Jadis JS5 - a dual-block digital-to-analog converter of the highest echelon, using a tubes (four dual triodes in the signal path, as well as two pentodes for controlling an external power supply - 2 x ECC82, 2 x ECC88, 1 x EL84 and 1 x EF86).

Musical Fidelity has developed a new digital-to-analog converter with headphone amplifier Musical Fidelity M8x DAC. In its development, the company relied on its proprietary approaches that have been developed over the years – such as the use of Class A output stages, the absence of an information display to reduce electromagnetic interference (indication is displayed using LEDs), as well as the avoidance of wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.

CH Precision C10 has officially received Roon certification – so the reference digital-to-analog converter from the renowned Swiss company now allows for more flexible integration into the Roon ecosystem. Let's recall the main points that distinguish the CH Precision C10 DAC from other High-End DACs.

The Atoll Electronique ST300 Signature is presented – a network streamer supporting signals up to PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz and DSD up to DSD128. Of course, the device is Roon certified and has built-in Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and Deezer clients.

FiiO SnowSky Retro Nano is the latest portable digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier, presented in the SnowSky series and distinguished by its appearance stylized as a compact cassette (or tape) player. The model is equipped with a 0.96" TFT 80 x 160 bezel-less display and displays animation of tape playback during operation.

Hegel has introduced its latest digital-to-analog converter Hegel D50. The model features extremely low distortion of 0.0002% and typically noise floor of record -150 dB, and uses three dedicated master clocks (one for SPDIF signals, and for USB, separate master clocks for 48k and 44.1k sample rates).

A new CD player Luxman D-03R has been announced – the model will replace the previous version D-03X. Luxman D-03R can work both as a disc player and as an external digital-to-analog converter – the heart of the device is High-End ROHM DB34352EKV chips in a dual mono configuration.

Pro-Ject has released the Pro-Ject DAC Box RS Final Edition digital-to-analog converter – the new product features a pair of audiophile Diamond ECC88 tubes. All circuit elements of the Pro-Ject Audio DAC Box RS Final Edition have undergone a special selection, and the internal wiring has also been upgraded. The DAC output stage is implemented in a balanced circuit, while the tube circuit can be either connected or disconnected using a button on the front panel.

McIntosh has unveiled the McIntosh DS200 network streamer – a high-end device that combines high-quality digital-to-analog conversion and ergonomic streaming. The model offers Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect options along with Apple AirPlay, Roon Ready, Bluetooth 5.0 (AAC, and Qualcomm aptX HD), and Google Cast (Google Assistant compatible for voice control is also on board) – so you won’t need any additional apps to control the device.

The Arcam ST25 network streamer, announced in 2024, has gone on sale. The Arcam ST25 will be the perfect companion to the Arcam A5, A15 and A25 integrated amplifiers, which lack network functionality. The streamer is based on the Hyperstream iV platform and is assembled on a 6-layer electronic board with a continuous ground bus to protect sensitive components from interference and noise.

The South Korean company Hifi Rose has updated the RS150 network audio streamer, which was presented more than four years ago. The new version is called HiFi Rose RS151 – the streamer has several significant improvements compared to the previous one.

The manufacturer itself calls the universal disc player Kalista Dreamplay XC a combination of all the best digital capabilities. In addition to playing CDs and SACDs, the device can work with a network stream (full functionality of a streamer), has a luxurious digital-to-analog converter and even provides preamplifier functions (although, also in digital form). The French company tried to make Kalista Dreamplay XC impressive in every sense - both in terms of characteristics, and in terms of ultimate sound quality, and in appearance. So, we are testing Kalista Dreamplay XC.

Moondrop has unveiled its flagship Moondrop Psyche in-ear headphones, a very expensive new product with handcrafted faceplates featuring the MITSUKIYUKI character. The Moondrop Psyche headphones are equipped with a hybrid assembly of ten drivers and emitters, including two dynamic 10-mm drivers, four balanced armature emitters, and four planar magnetic emitters!

PS Audio has started selling a new PS Audio Stellar DAC digital-to-analog converter, which offers a lot of features, including PS Audio's exclusive Digital Lens technology, I2S inputs, and a hybrid Class A output stage. The model also features a volume control, allowing the DAC to be connected directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers.

AURALIC has introduced the AQUILA X3 Streaming Media Processor - a new addition to the company's family of digital-to-analog audio products. The AQUILA X3 features a 14" touchscreen display, and a modular architecture with a huge number of upgrade options.

It is digital audio technology that is developing at the fastest pace, so even a savvy audiophile can easily get lost in the sea of ​​offers. Want to understand which newest digital-to-analog converter deserves attention if you are really sensitive to sound quality? Our buyer's guide to DACs of the beginning of 2025 will help.

Lampizat0r Pacific 3 is the third version of the famous High End digital-to-analog converter first released in 2016. The new DAC features a number of improvements and offers excellent sound quality.