What is a DAC? The letters stand for digital to analogue converter, and a DAC is a central part of every audio system, barring only one hundred percent analogue systems. A little Bluetooth speaker has a DAC, as do true wireless earbuds, and CD players and TVs and (most) network audio streamers. As the name indicates, a DAC turns digital audio into analogue audio.
Standalone DAC components deliver better performance than a lot of the DACs built into other gear, and many allow new modes of operation, such as using a computer as the source of your music. Those designed for use with CD transports and other high fidelity components typically have optical and coaxial S/PDIF inputs. Those for use with computers have a USB Type-B connection or similar.
Some models support ultra high resolution formats, such as 32-bit, 384kHz PCM and 4x DSD256. Or even higher. And some decode the most recent enhanced format, MQA. Some models also include headphone amplifiers.
At Addicted To Audio we carry an exciting range of first-class DACs from some of the finest specialist brands in the world, such as Lake People, Bryston, Fostex, FiiO, iFi audio, Matrix Audio, MOON by Simaudio, Schiit Audio, TOPPING. We have others as well, see the list to the left. You may not be familiar with some of those brands, but they’ve got a quality experience in store for your ears.
There are two great ways to buy a DAC. The best way for most people is at a quality retail outlet in your city. That way you can have a listen, try some out, see whether one of them feels like a good “fit” for you. But if you’re confident that you already know what you want, consider purchasing your DAC direct from us at Addicted To Audio. We are an authorised New Zealand reseller for all our products. We provide full service and after sales support. And we ship fast.
