But if you're prepared to pay big money for your DAC, and don't mind design choices, this is a fine pick. Set against more traditional looking components, the Qutest might feel like the odd one out. We like that simplicity, one of the things that might be an issue is the distinctive Chord design, with its colored, glowing orbs. There’s just an input control, and a filter-there’s not even a volume control for the analogue output. The simplicity of the Chord Electronics Qutest is a stark contrast to the fiddlier RME ADI-2 DAC FS, above. It’s the perfect DAC for systems that rely on individual components. But the sound is somehow even better, and the Qutest is the DAC you go for when you demand the absolute best in audio quality. The technology is familiar-the same Zilinx chip and Field Programmable Gate Arrays found in the company’s Hugo 2, our previous pick for this spot.

Chord have tuned and finessed the sound quality beyond all expectations, delivering razor sharp audio with crystal clear timing. The Chord Electronics Qutest might have a…well, a cute name, but it’s deadly serious about its job as a DAC. What We Don’t: Chord’s design ethos might look odd in some systems. What We Like: Breathtaking simplicity and sound quality. Read our in-depth reviewīest High-End DAC 2. But if you want fine-grained control, with a near-professional piece of equipment, check out the Benchmark DAC3 HGC, below. Although RME aren't a household name in audio yet, they've released some solid products that come highly recommended. Regardless, this is a minor set-back in comparison to all the pros of the ADI-2. We weren’t wild about the ADI-2’s fiendishly complicated menu system, which relies on a multitude of unintuitive controls to navigate. The Chord Electronics Qutest, below, might have better looks and be easier to use, but the ADI-2 has a huge amount of charm to it. Honestly, for this price, we don't think you’ll find a better DAC - definitely not one as enjoyable as this. The audio quality is intricate and detailed, relying on RME's Stead圜lock system to reduce unwanted noise. The ADI-2 is an absolutely gorgeous machine, with a terrific display that gives you full control over your sound. With their ADI-2 DAC FS, Germany's RME cements their place as the best DAC-maker on the planet. What We Don't: Horrendously complex menu system, no Bluetooth. What We Like: Outstanding sound quality and interface.

Best DAC/Amp Combo: Chord Electronics Mojo 2īest Overall DAC 1.

The Perfect Portable DAC: AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt.

Best Budget DAC Under $200: Schiit Modi +.

Best High-End DAC: Chord Electronics Hugo 2.

And to complete your system, check out our lists of the best headphone amps and stereo amps. You do it by upgrading the device's DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), which takes the digital signal and turns it into sound you can actually hear.

And in this article, we'll explain the best way to harness these ones and zeros in order to help a regular music lover drastically improve the quality of their audio playback. It would be a funny thing to travel back forty years and try to explain to a NASA scientist about the near-unlimited power of ones and zeros. These days, a simple smartphone is more advanced than anything NASA could have even dreamed of when shooting their first shuttles up in space only a few decades ago.

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