A place |
Name |
Feature Rating |
1 | IRIVER Astell & Kern ACRO L1000 | The best choice. Highest price |
2 | Dilvpoetry SMSL SD-793II | Compact model without unnecessary features |
3 | Dilvpoetry dac-x6 | Simple model. Retro design |
4 | GRWIBEOU | Best price |
5 | TOPPING D50 | Availability of information display |
6 | Weiliang audio | Bluetooth support |
7 | Douk audio | Many connectors. Bluetooth reception |
8 | MIAOLAI Q1 | Best portable model |
9 | SMSL DP3 USB DAC | The most functional model. Ability to control via smartphone |
10 | Avantree | Simple device in an attractive form factor |
In the 21st century, the word “figure” acquired a completely new meaning. Now it is not just a numeral, but a whole technology that allows you to record any information in the form of a digital code, or in simple terms, digitize. Both visual products and audio can be digitized, but if there are no problems with the first ones, there are some difficulties with the audio signal. The fact is that the human ear, in spite of modern technologies, has remained analog, and it simply does not perceive digital sound. And in order to hear the recording in digital, you need to convert the signal in the opposite direction.
Simply put, translating a song or audio file into a number, while listening, we need to make it analog again. And serves for this DAC or digital analog converter. This device is built into all modern computers and smartphones, but often they are so low in quality that we will not be able to listen to our favorite song at high volume, the quality will drop. And then the periphery comes to the rescue. We will look at 10 such devices with Aliexpress.
Top 10 best DAC with Aliexpress
10 Avantree
Price for Aliexpress: from 1 780 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.4
Despite the complexity of the task, the DAC is a fairly simple device, and it is difficult to add something fundamentally new to it. Some manufacturers install a huge number of inputs and outputs, most of which are never used. Others add a dubious control function via a smartphone. But design becomes the main battlefield of manufacturers, and this model has bypassed many of its competitors.
There are no unique connectors. Connection is possible only through standard “tulips”, LAN or coaxial cable, and the front panel is completely absent. The power and volume buttons are on the side. For frequent use, this may not be entirely convenient, but as practice shows, the volume adjustment of the bowl is made on the playback device, and not on the amplifier. But the model looks as attractive as possible. Simulated as a steel case with smooth bends and the absence of sharp corners will fit perfectly into the interior of a modern house or apartment, and this fact is the main advantage of the Avantree converter.
9 SMSL DP3 USB DAC
Price for Aliexpress: from 19 000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The best DAC for those who appreciate the most high-tech devices with a maximum of "bells and whistles" and additional options. The main advantage of this model is the ability to control the amplifier from your smartphone. You simply download the necessary application, and by connecting it to the device you can control it remotely. Whether there is a great need for this is hard to say, because of the adjustable options here, only the volume level and channel switching, but modern technologies have modern technologies.
It is also necessary to note the huge variety of connectors for connection. By their number, this model is far ahead of competitors.Only USB here are three pieces, and two of them are standard, and one mini, format for the ability to connect players and other portable devices. There is also a LAN input and coaxial cable, and in addition a standard AES connector. It is used quite rarely, and few devices equipped with it, but the fact of its presence can already be attributed to the advantages of the model.
8 MIAOLAI Q1
Price for Aliexpress: from 678 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The best DAC for those who do not have enough power built into the computer sound card. You should not expect much from this device. Before us is a simple converter without an amplifier and other "bells and whistles". The budget model, well coping with the main task - the conversion of the digital signal to analog.
There are no large numbers of connectors, and the connection is possible only via USB cable. At the same time, the input on the device itself has a parameter 1.0, which in 2019 already looks like a retro. True, this cannot be called a disadvantage, since the speed for transmitting information through this connector is quite sufficient. Also, the DAC has no volume control, but given the impossibility of connecting it to other devices other than a computer, there is no great need for it. But the price pleases. This is one of the best and cheapest models on AliExpress, and this fact can be called the main advantage.
7 Douk audio
Price for Aliexpress: from 7 464 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The main task of the DAC is to convert the signal, and its source can be very diverse. And each playback device has its own channels, and accordingly connectors, inputs and outputs. Based on this, it is necessary either to select a DAC with the connector you need, or to look for such a model where they would be represented in the widest range. Like, for example, in this model, where there are 6 inputs of various configurations on the back, and switching between them is done with a handle on the front panel.
It is difficult to say how convenient it is to switch channels with a spinning knob, but judging by the feedback from customers, the device is well worth the money, and no one mentioned the inconvenience. In addition, the seller is praised for efficiency and packaging, thanks to which the device reaches the buyer safely and securely, which is very important when buying electronics and fragile devices. True, the price may scare a little, but remember that we have a full-fledged sound amplifier, and not just a bare signal converter.
6 Weiliang audio
Price for Aliexpress: from 3 324 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
Older people probably remember tube amplifiers and audio equipment. Aluminum enclosures. Toggle switches and handles, which today do not make sense, but they look very attractive and cause nostalgia. Manufacturers use this nostalgia. For example, this DAC looks like a real retro amplifier. However, in those years when such toggle switches were actually used, an amplifier of this size did not exist, as well as the Bluetooth function, which is the main advantage and distinctive feature here.
The signal is received by a small antenna located on the back of the case. Here are the entrances. There is nothing superfluous on the front panel: one power switch and a volume control knob. In fact, a simple device at an attractive price. As for the Bluetooth function, it is quite rare, and not very popular, but as an addition to the main functionality of the amplifier it has the right to exist.
5 TOPPING D50
Price for Aliexpress: from 17 000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The main advantage of this model is the presence of an information screen. In most cases, the D / A converters are connected to the computer, and in this case the display is not so important, since all the information can be obtained from the computer monitor and adjust the necessary parameters in the same place. But what to do if the incoming signal is taken, for example, from a player or any digital media not equipped with a display? In this case, adjust the parameters accounted for hearing.
In this model, everything you need is already on a small screen on the front panel. Here you can see the type of connection, that is, what channel is the signal, the playback volume, as well as its frequency. That is all you need to know about the file being played. There are also disadvantages, or rather one - the relatively high cost. In fact, the manufacturer did not add any revolutionary options, and we have a standard converter in front of you, which you can find much cheaper on AliExpress. True, buyers praise the quality of the device and durability, and this is an advantage for which it makes sense to overpay a little.
4 GRWIBEOU
Price for Aliexpress: from 434 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The price for the best DAC can reach one hundred thousand rubles. But this is already a professional device, and the average user simply does not make sense to overpay such money. For those who just need to convert the signal, the simplest model, such as GRWIBEOU, will do. Nothing extra. Compact device with two entrances on the rear panel and one output on the front. There is not even a volume control. It is understood that this function will be taken over by a listening device, headphones or speakers, or a playback device, computer, smartphone, or player. Also, this model can be used as an intermediary, if you already have an amplifier, but it is not equipped with a converter, then this DAC is just for you.
Neither of which built-in amplifier is also not a question. This DAC is not intended to increase the frequency or volume of the recording. It simply converts the digital signal to analog, and judging by the feedback from customers with Aliexpress, he copes with this task perfectly, despite his most affordable price and compactness of the case.
3 Dilvpoetry dac-x6
Price for Aliexpress: from 3 597 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
All digital analog converters work on the same principle: they receive a signal from a reproducing device, convert it to analog, amplify it to the required level and output it to a listening device. It is difficult to add something new to the design, so manufacturers compete with each other in design and convenience.
Before us is a model made in retro style. Standard buttons or even boring sensors are replaced with authentic toggle switches here. There are only two of them: the first is responsible for powering the device, and the second switches the types of input. In addition to the toggle switches on the control panel there is only a volume control knob and a standard Jeck output. Also, the DAC can be connected via USB and LAN cable. All inputs, including the power supply are on the rear panel. From modifications to choose from, only the device colors are available. It can be black or silver. The price does not change.
2 Dilvpoetry SMSL SD-793II
Price for Aliexpress: from 5 365 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Not all people are music lovers or have perfect hearing. For most, it’s enough to listen to your favorite music in MP3 format, and they don’t need to buy expensive converters with many functions. Dilvpoetry SMSL SD-793II is just for them. It looks simple and unpretentious device easily copes with the task, while there are no unnecessary functions that are rarely used outside professional recording studios.
One of the advantages is the high quality of the reproduced sound and the compactness of the device itself. It is also necessary to say about the reviews on Aliexpress, and they are mostly positive, which in part was the reason for placing this DAC in our rating. The seller is praised for the efficiency of the work, fast shipping and quality packaging. The last aspect of the list is the most important, since the transfer of fragile electronics over long distances is a complex process.As for the shortcomings, then only the price of the device. In fact, for the DAC it is not so high, but on Aliexpress there are models and cheaper.
1 IRIVER Astell & Kern ACRO L1000
Price for Aliexpress: from 61 000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The digitized audio fragment completely repeats the analog recording, but due to the fact that most devices use weak DACs, we simply cannot hear all the nuances of the song or song. That is why audio is often compressed. Such files will weigh less, but only due to cuts in some fragments.
With IRIVER Astell & Kern ACRO L1000 you will hear everything that the author has invested in his composition. Every instrument, every nuance, every touch of strings or keys. Yes, standard tracks recorded in MP3 format will not work here. This device is capable of converting a digital signal so that it simply cannot be distinguished from the original. Vinyl records are still valued for the purity and completeness of the sound. And this device is capable of reproducing sound just as good. There are no downsides to him, except for the cost. Compact model. Availability of all necessary inputs and outputs. Smooth volume control. But the price really bites, but for real music lovers or professional musicians the price is not worth it, and this device is for them.