External DAC Denon DA-300USB, review. Magazine "AudioVideo Salon"

DENON DA-300USB

Denon is no stranger to the world of hi-fi, but the DA-300USB is its first entry into the affordable DAC segment.

PRICE $620

The price of the DA-300USB is lower than that of most competitors in the category, and its high equipment allows it to be used both as a desktop device and as part of a large system.

Even in a plastic case, the DA-300USB looks solid and high quality. The stand allows you to position the DAC horizontally or vertically, with the OLED display automatically adjusting to either orientation.

No cables

What seems less thoughtful is the lack of cables included, with the exception of a pair with RCA connectors for connecting to an amplifier or; you'll have to find something yourself for an asynchronous Type B USB port, one coaxial and two optical inputs. A 6.3mm headphone output and front-panel volume control allow the DA-300USB to be used as a headphone amplifier. The touch button is used to select a source, after which its designation and input signal parameters appear on the bright OLED display.

All inputs accept files up to 24-bit/192 kHz and are compatible with PCM and DSD standards. The DA-300USB uses the same Advanced AL32 signal processing and digital-to-analog conversion system found in Denon's top CD/SACD players.

The application of such high technology in such an affordable device deserves respect; they make the sound confident and balanced. The XX's Angels on our reference system connected to the coaxial input demonstrates the brilliance of the DAC approach; voices sounding in the center of the sound field are expressive and emotional.

The DA-300USB has a rather relaxed character and lacks bite and punch when playing more upbeat songs. In terms of rhythm it is inferior to the leaders, the bass is somewhat sluggish. The aggressive guitar riff on Them Crooked Vultures' "Elephants" sounds less punchy than intended, and the drums lack punch. Fans of heavy music should look for another model.

Similar character

The sound from all DAC inputs is fairly uniform, including the headphone circuit, which significantly increases the detail of tracks from Internet resources. Models with a standard 3.5mm plug will require an adapter.

The Denon DA-300USB has a pleasant and light sound, high detail and a large selection of inputs. However, it is not suitable for everyone; the sluggishness of the bass and problems with rhythm do not allow us to give it the highest rating.

GRADE ★★★★☆

FOR Construction; detailed and coherent sound; DSD support; great headphone amplifier

CONS Lacks energy and rhythm VERDICT Not a bad first DAC from Denon, but too “peaceful”

Based on materials from What Hi-Fi?

DAC classification

A digital-to-analog converter is considered a device whose main purpose is to convert digital sound into an analog signal. Also, devices of the presented type are a kind of interface that serves as a conductor between the digital world and analog signals.

Many experts distinguish the following types of devices:

1. Pulse width modulator. It is considered the simplest version of the DAC. In it, the current or voltage source is turned on for a certain time, which is directly proportional to the digital code being created. After this, the resulting pulse sequence passes through a special low-pass filter. This method is used to control the speed of electric motors and is considered popular in Hi-Fi audio equipment.
2. Oversampling DAC. Based on momentum density with some modifications. Oversampling makes it easy to use a low-bit-width DAC in order to obtain a high-bit conversion in the end.

Superior audio performance from your digital music sources

The DA-10 features a state-of-the-art analog output stage and powerful battery, specifically designed for use with a variety of headphone types. This is especially important if you are using serious audiophile or studio headphones. They usually have a high level of input impedance, which requires high energy consumption of playback devices. Two other important components are a dedicated switch that allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the DA-10's output stage to precisely match the characteristics of the headphones being used, and a discrete power buffer circuit. As a result, you get maximum pleasure from listening to audio content. For added convenience, the device has the ability to connect to a home audio system.

Compatible with a wide range of mobile devices

The DA-10 comes with a set of cables to connect a variety of portable music players and smartphones. The 30-pin USB cable fits most Apple devices, including iPod, iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. The USB-Lightning cable is used to connect the latest Apple devices such as iPhone 5 and 6, iPad Air, as well as other models with a Lighting connector. To connect other gadgets, there is a USB micro connector “B” and a 3.5mm-3.5mm analog stereo cable for connecting the headphone output on the player; for a convenient and safe connection, the cable has an L-shaped plug on both sides.

Best lists

Considering the large assortment of goods on the shelves in the store, we did not limit ourselves to the rating, so we are pleased to present you with a list of the best digital-to-analog converters in the following categories:

• Best price.
• Stationary.
• Compact.

Let's move on to a detailed description of each candidate on our list.

Best price

FiiO DO3K Taishan is a compact and budget DAC that looks like a small box with several connectors. It is allowed to connect various equipment, for example, televisions and mini-systems and game consoles. It can significantly improve the output sound quality, since the gain reaches about 3.5 dB.

Cost: from 1,000 to 2,200 rubles.

FiiO DO3K Taishan DAC

Stationary

Atoll DAC 100SE includes an expensive Hi-Fi component that gives the music a special sound depth and richness. The case has undergone serious processing and because of this it is completely protected from external interference and strong vibration.

Cost: from 20,000 to 25,000 rubles.

Atoll DAC 100SE DAC

Compact

Arcam miniBlink has an unusual appearance among a large number of models. It has a rare feature - a Bluetooth wireless module with aptX support.

Cost: from 9,000 to 11,200 rubles.

Arcam miniBlink DAC

Versatile, elegant case

The included case is sleek and stylish, with dual interior pockets for the DA-10 and your portable player or smartphone, and clear plastic window inserts so you can see and operate the device directly. Special straps will secure your used devices in a case that also protects against rough handling.

With Denon's DA-10, a powerful pocket-sized amplifier with a built-in state-of-the-art DAC, your music recordings will shine with new colors of pure and natural sound. You will understand that before you were just “swimming in the stream”, but now you will dive into it headlong, comprehending the full depth of music.

Accumulator battery

The 3200mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery allows the DA-10 to run continuously for 7 hours when connected to your portable music player or smartphone via USB. The multifunctional charge indicator allows you to find out the current battery charge level immediately when turned on. When the battery charge level is between 50% and 100%, the indicator flashes green. When the charge level drops from 49% to 20%, the indicator turns orange, and when the level drops below 20%, the indicator flashes red, indicating that it is time to recharge the battery.

When connected to a portable player via a 3.5mm port, the battery charge can last for 24 hours. Recharging time can be reduced to 3.5 hours when connected to a USB charger with 1.5A output.

Audiophile design

The DA-10 uses modern digital signal processing circuits and reference components from Denon. The clock generator circuit uses two special crystals, each of which is responsible for its own sampling frequency. The digital section is responsible for asynchronously processing the signal received at the USB-B input. All this guarantees stable and high-quality sound from your headphones or audio system. To eliminate internal electrical noise, an isolated block layout of the power supply and signal processing sections is used.

What to look for when choosing

Since each buyer is guided by his own selection criteria, we did not generalize them and reduce them to a common denominator. Instead, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with a simple selection technique, which consists in finding the number and type of digital inputs, sampling frequency and bit depth, types of analog outputs, additional characteristics and marginal cost. In conclusion, you should compare the obtained characteristics and select the required device based on the final values.

Comparison table of characteristics

After reading the rating, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the table containing the main technical parameters of each device presented. With its help, you can compare the models you like and, through a short analysis, choose the one that best suits your requirements.