Digital-to-analog converter is a device that converts a digital signal into a stream of electrical pulses for reproduction in acoustic devices.
Anything that can accept a digital signal and output sound must include a DAC. This includes your phone, MP3 player, receiver, AV processor, computer, laptop, CD/DVD/Blu-ray player with analog outputs, wireless speakers, clock radios, and more.
In the chain “Signal Source – DAC – Amplifier – Acoustics,” the final sound quality depends on each component. The DAC, therefore, has at least a quarter of the responsibility for what ultimately reaches the ears of the listener. That is why it is important to ensure the presence in the sound path of a high-quality device that converts the binary code into an analog signal.
Why buy an external DAC?
An external DAC is necessary to improve the sound quality in stereo mode and to switch any sources with digital output for further converting the signal to analog form. Any external DAC has a better digital-to-analog converter and analog output part than those installed in the receivers.
Manufacturers rarely spend money on high-quality DAC chips, preferring to install low-cost low-bit chips.
In general, the brightness, expressiveness, or even part of the details will be lost. After such a conversion, even the highest quality headphones and amplifiers will not save the music.
That is why the purchase of an external digital-to-analog converter is often more justified.
Fortunately, the market for portable external DACs is wide. Even in the realities of the crisis and a sagging national currency, you can find a decent solution affordably.
