What is a DAC?
A DAC is a device that converts information from digital to analog and at the same time improves sound quality (interpretation: digital-to-analog converter).
When using a DAC, the electronic circuit looks like this: audio media > converter > sound. The output supplies current with voltage, which passes through the amplifiers and is supplied to the speaker system. Those. The DAC serves as an “intermediary” between digital and analog standards.
TOP of the best sound amplifiers
DACs are a fast-growing segment of the Hi-End and Hi-Fi markets. And every year the number of models produced only increases.
Power unit.
Initially, the included switching power supply was questionable, but, as it turned out as a result of tests, when powered by a linear power supply, the characteristics of the DAC are practically indistinguishable. In terms of distortion, the result is absolutely the same. A small gain of 1.5-2 db in the signal-to-noise ratio. Perhaps the power supply of the DAC output stage from the ± 12 Volt pulse converter played a role in this. Unfortunately, this cannot be checked without significant intervention in the design of the DAC... And why, the results are already good).
Doubts crept in after measurements of one of the SMSL headphone amplifiers several years ago with a similar power supply. There, when powered from a complete power supply, the signal-to-noise ratio was almost 20 db worse than when powered from a linear power supply.
Criteria for choosing a DAC for music
Today there are many models of this equipment on the Russian market. Therefore, so that the user does not make a mistake in choosing a DAC, the following parameters must be taken into account before purchasing:
- Entrances. This setting depends on which devices will be used as the audio source. New models are connected to a computer via a USB connector. In addition, optical and coaxial standards are used. Models with wireless technology support are also available on the market.
- Exits. The set of outputs depends on the specific use of the converter. If you purchase it to listen to audio through headphones, you will need a 3.5 mm jack. In other cases, linear and coaxial outputs are needed;
- Sampling and bit depth indicators. These settings affect the audio quality. For the CD format, the bit depth is 16 bits, and for Hi-Res – from 24. And the sampling parameter for CD is 44.1 kHz, for Hi-Res – from 96.
What is HiRes
- Dimensions. This parameter depends on the purpose of the device. Nowadays models with small sizes are relevant. Such converters fit in your pocket and are mainly used with tablets or smartphones.
- Additional functions. Other features worth noting include controlling the device using a remote control and the presence of a headset jack. It is also desirable that the device have analog inputs and the ability to operate the device in preamplifier mode.
- Manufacturer. Many buyers advise purchasing audio DACs from reliable brands. Among the famous manufacturers are the following companies: Cambridge Audio, AudioQuest, Dynavox, etc.
- Price. The price of the device depends not only on the user’s budget, but also on what audio equipment the converter will be used with. For example, it is not recommended to buy an expensive audio DAC if it will work with a weak audio system or with a phone.
Top 5 – Budget Portable USB DACs for Smartphones
Conclusion
Needless to say, SMSL Ivy is a specific thing that has a number of design features and operational limitations.
But it makes it possible to significantly improve the sound quality of a budget smartphone for a very reasonable price. Price – from 2400 rub.
This device is produced in the depths of industrial zones in China under the Topping brand. Supplied in a smart plastic box with a cleaning cloth and a short minijack-to-minijack audio cable for analog connection to a signal source. In some configurations you can also find USB-OTG cables for connecting to a smartphone “digitally”. But if you don’t have one, you don’t need to be upset: you can buy it in almost any tent. The relatively light and thin box measuring 9 x 6 cm is made of metal, but it allows interference from a nearby cell phone to pass through the headphones without objection. Therefore, despite the presence of Velcro and rubber bands included in the package for attaching this device “to the back” of the smartphone, this feature is guaranteed not to be useful: in order to listen to clear sound without the characteristic “tyryn-tyryn-trrr” interference, Topping NX2 must be worn in another clothing pocket or bags. Inside the device there is a battery with a capacity of 1,000 mAh. Thanks to it, the smartphone’s battery level does not drop down, and the NX2 itself can work for up to 10 hours. The device has two functions: headphone amplifier mode (100 mW per channel at 32 ohms peak load; 50 mW per channel with minimal distortion) with an analog connection and external DAC mode with a headphone amplifier. In the second role, the model can work with most modern smartphones (Android 4+ with USB-OTG support or iPhone) and with computers in external sound card mode. The built-in PCM2704 converter chip supports streams up to 16-bit/48 kHz, but with a good software player like JetAudio you can listen to recordings in almost any format. How does it sound? The quality of decoding itself is literally a little better than that of a typical Android smartphone on low-end and mid-range MediaTek / Qualcomm chipsets. That is, approximately up to 15,000 rubles. But, due to a fairly powerful amplifier, the sound of the Topping NX2 in headphones seems noticeably higher quality and more energetic, and there is more dense bass with this box. And when using headphones with an impedance of up to 50 Ohms, the power reserve is sufficient in all situations. The difference with the built-in audio codec of a computer or laptop motherboard is even more noticeable.
Pros:
Attractive price, own battery, quite powerful amplifier.
Minuses:
The built-in DAC does not understand streams with parameters above 16 bit / 48 kHz, low noise immunity.
How to choose a good amplifier?
When buying the best headphone amplifier, you will have to pay attention to many parameters. First of all, it is worth remembering that there are three types of amplifiers: transistor, tube and hybrid. The first is designed for use with high-impedance headphones and smoothes out the sound well. Transistor - can work with low-impedance sound, and are usually small in size. Hybrid - characterized by low energy consumption.
If you decide to buy a DAC with a headphone audio amplifier that will provide excellent sound quality, it is worth familiarizing yourself with a variety of models and comparing them. To choose the best device, you can listen to the advice of experienced music lovers:
- the power that appears when connecting an amplifier should be in the range of 105-115 dB;
- It is worth paying attention to the resistance, because if the amplifier is incorrectly selected for certain headphones, breakdowns will occur;
- the noise parameter is also important - the higher it is, the better;
- Don’t forget whether a particular model supports the headphone jack required by the user.
The models collected in our TOP have been considered the best for many years and stand out from all the devices offered on the market. Among them you can choose both small portable models and professional options for working with audio tracks. It all depends on the user's requirements and preferences.
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Under the cover of the fourteenth
Now it's time to look under the cover of the device. Outwardly everything looks decent. The assembly is neat, the design is confidently sound. Of course, there are no expensive audiophile components, but who would look for them here? But there is a classic transistor amplification in class AB (80 W / 8 Ohms per channel) and an impressive size toroidal power transformer. In a similar segment, it is now common to find D-class amplification, but so far everything that I have heard has not convinced me of the clear advantages of class D. There have been semi-exceptions when the sound, perhaps, was not bad, but it was definitely not better. Therefore, I will write down the amplification part of the Rotel A14 as a plus, but I will leave the conclusions at the time of listening.
Inside the Rotel A14: transistor amplification in class AB, a heavy toroidal transformer in the power supply. In general, the case is filled quite tightly, including due to the DAC board
In general, the body of the device is filled to capacity: there are several boards in the design, including the upper part of the case is occupied by a DAC board built on an AKM chip with support for signals up to 32 bit/768 kHz. The DAC understands signals up to 24 bit/192 kHz via optics and coaxial, and via USB there is support for DSD and DoP. For Windows systems, you need to download and install a special driver from the Rotel website; OSX systems perceive the DAC natively.
The amplifier's phono preamplifier is designed only to work with MM heads and has no settings. In general, this is logical, and, perhaps, an attempt to integrate a budget phono stage with support for MC heads would be unnecessary in this case.
Switching and Control
Based on the description, it’s easy to imagine the back panel, densely filled with inputs (though only unbalanced) and additional interfaces: output from a preamplifier, output to a second pair of speakers, control switching, including triggers and RS232, LAN connector and additional USB exclusively for charging connected devices. A lot of things, isn't it? Yes, but in this case it is not just convenient, but also an opportunity to use the device to work with a large number of different devices. As I wrote above, if in the High End the separation of functionality is welcome, then for a mid-budget “combine” the more the better.
Rear panel of Rotel A14. The device has more switching capabilities than is often the case
Although in terms of “bigger and better” there are certain questions about the device. For example, the network connection is only cable, there is no Wi-Fi. This connection can only be used for service needs, such as firmware updates or management - this connection does not support any streaming functions (however, high-quality streaming in this price category is incredible, apparently, that’s why it was not implemented).
The standard remote control is quite convenient and does not require much getting used to.
However, if you want to use the Rotel Remote app (available for iOS and Android), you'll also need to connect a wire. I note that for my taste the application is quite primitive, and the iOS version was noticeably slower. I don’t know how it works on Android, but I wouldn’t count on simple controls. I hope the company will finalize and update it, and we will get another convenient way to work with Rotel equipment, but for now, if you approach the switching correctly, you can get by with a few buttons on the standard remote control.
