Standalone digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) like the Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus squeeze the maximum sound quality from digital music (including CDs, streamed tracks and more). Digital files played through a decent DAC will achieve significantly superior levels of detail compared to the cheap DAC chips built into most digital kit. To give a brief explanation of how they work; all sound in the “real world” exists as a constantly changing wave of energy. Audio in the digital world is a snap shot of a large number of these changes (usually 44,100 a second), which then has to be converted back to a constantly changing wave before it comes out of your speakers. Quite simply, a better DAC will make sure the wave at the end is as close as possible to the wave at the start. Why not pop in for a demo and hear the difference for yourself?
The Jitterbug is a fascinating new product from Audioquest, designed to improve audio through USB type-A connections. When Audioquest first announced the Jitterbug I was a little sceptical, but after reading initial previews and seeing the price I decided to take …read more
AudioQuest’s DragonFly USB Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC) shone a new light on the US-based manufacturer, previously best known for their audio cables. Their first time effort in the category soaked up rave reviews across the globe, paving the way for a …read more
Arcam‘s original irDAC proved to be one of the brightest stars of the DAC resurgence that has taken place over the past few years. Looked upon kindly for its detailed yet neutral sound, Arcam saw awards bestowed by seasoned critic …read more
Audiolab‘s first M-DAC was, without a doubt, a game-changer. Released back in 2011, the M-DAC has gone on to win no fewer than four back-to-back ‘What Hi-Fi?’ awards across the categories it was listed in, as well as many other …read more
After a low key but bright introduction into the hi-fi universe in the early 90’s, the Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC) has found its place in the modern hi-fi scene well and truly cemented in the past five or so years. With more …read more
