Although we have already made a post on DACs, we feel that a little update could be welcome as we now have more DACs readily available on-line and in our store for demonstration.  However, before we begin, please feel free to look at our previous blog post on DACs: ‘How to Choose DACs’.

Many manufacturers of Hi-Fi have decided to look further into digital signal delivery for Hi-Fi systems. As the world of Hi-Fi is dominated by digital music formats the designing teams and technical researchers in the industry have strived to bring products to us that can make the very most of all digital audio formats. Of course, many people are using CDs and downloads instead of the analogue formats which are impractical in comparison in most domestic scenarios. Although digital is usually pristine and precise in terms of its audio signals (when in un-compressed data rates), digital can become weak and can lack data which is decoded into an audible sound. When data becomes subtracted, the initial sound and elements of detail becomes diluted and even can vanish from the average human’s hearing capability. But, with the DACs available on the market today, digital sound can now be smooth, cleaner and refined from any harsh digital sound artefacts which can diminish the overall sound. To put it simply, a DAC will improve to an extent on any digital source, regardless of the compression rate and bit rates.

Below is a line of the DACs, at all specifications and various prices, which we sell at Hifi Gear:

 

AUDIOLAB:

Audiolab's M-DAC

Audiolab’s M-DAC is ideal for high-performance and user control abilities. If you like to control the sound you hear from your digital sources, this could be ideal for your requirements. With the ability to work with adjustable filters, and a wide range of inputs and outputs, Audiolab provides a DAC that is meant to work well with all brands and all media systems. For example, a music file stored on a computer is easily read by the M-DAC, just as if it were a track taken from an everyday CD.

If you also like to record to digital sources, such as CD, DAC and MiniDisc this certain DAC will help by refining the recording signals for a better result on the recording format. If anything, this would help by allowing for the data to be recorded more accurately, but with a little character, too. As an extra feature, if you wish to listen purely to the M-DAC’s output, a ¼” headphone connector can be found on the unit’s attractive and well equipped facia.

For a DAC under £600, this is well worth the listen.

MUSICAL FIDELITY:

The small, but mighty V-DAC MKII

Musical Fidelity’s DACs are also something to consider. If you want a small, attractive and functional box, look no further than the V-DAC. This small and compact box delivers a big improvement over the overall sound that you retrieve from your digital sources.  Containing Burr Brown electronics and Musical Fidelity’s superb engineering allows for superb quality of both sound and quality of workmanship. For an instant digital upgrade, consider looking into the MF’s V-DAC.

M1 DAC is a superb component

Musical Fidelity also has their M1 DAC. This is a larger box which comes from Musical Fidelity’s superb M1 range. Renowned for the low distortion rates and superb decoding processes that MF provides, the M1 DAC is suitable for a larger system, as well as an addition to any existing M1 components. For even more conventionality, the M1 DAC also features balanced XLR outputs. With superb build quality, this is a sound investment for under £400.

LEEMA ACOUSTICS:

Leema Acoustic's Elements DAC

The Elements range consists of a DAC in the line-up. For advanced set-ups and Hi-Fi, this is an essential for superior digital quality and refined audio results. For a DAC of this nature you will find that the results produced sound intriguingly natural and give the impression of strong dimensions.

The engineering of the Elements DAC is something to be of great desire, purely as it is technology that rivals more expensive alternatives. The accurate timing of the Elements means that all signals are on time and aren’t delayed from delivery to the listener.

However, for more DACs, look at our DAC section on our site. This will give a great in-depth view of the DACs we can supply in our store and on our website.