A DAC is essentially the Google Translate of your audio system. Apart from physical analog media like vinyl and tape, most music today is digital. Just 1's and 0's. And since our ears cannot hear digital data, we need a method of converting these 1's and 0's to an analog format so that it can produce sound waves and thus we are then able to hear it. The digital-to-analog converter does just that: converts the digital data to an analog signal. It takes those 1's and 0's and tracks them to a waveform pattern. To do this, it converts the bits of data from the stored files into an analog electrical signal at thousands of set times per second, called samples. The DAC outputs these samples into a waveform that intersects at all the sample points. However, problems can arise in the conversion process which as we will see later that can set some DACs apart from each other. It's an integral part of your system that you can't do without - especially if you have a digital music library.

The basic fact is that our ears are not designed to “hear” data. It's impossible. We can only hear analog signals like sound waves and vibrations, coming from an amplified source through the air. Therefore, we need a device that converts this data into an analog signal. The other factor has to do with the fact that most music today is recorded digitally. This means that the analog signals coming from the instruments and voices being recorded are stored digitally onto computers, mixed and mastered, and then optimized for digital mediums such as compact discs or online streaming and downloading. Analog media is making a comeback, but still the majority of music and access to music out there is digital, and ultimately you need something to convert that data before you can hear it.

The quality of the converter chip doesn't necessarily play the biggest role in determining how "good" a DAC is. In fact, the overall audio signal path needs to be considered if we're specifically talking about "sound quality" of a DAC. That being said, factory DAC chips are not very efficient or accurate at converting the data, so the result is a fair presentation of the music, but it leaves much to be desired. A good DAC chip converts the data efficiently and accurately, so that all the information in the data is transmitted to the analog signal. More data points results in a more fluid waveform, thus resulting in better audio quality. Having multiple DAC chips can also make a difference in the effectiveness of the data conversion that is outputted. Higher-end DAC chipsets are usually Cirrus Logic, ESS, AKM or Burr-Brown (of course there are others, but these are some of the most popular on the market). Some DAC's themselves - if we're talking about the device alone - might not even use a chipset. Chord DACs use FPGA and their own proprietary algorithms without utilizing a specific DAC chipset - and they sound phenomenal. Another reason that you can't simply look at the chipset (or lack thereof) to determine if a DAC is good or not. You have to look at the complete picture, or in this case, the whole audio circuit from start to finish.

There are a number of DACs designed for specific purposes and/or sound signatures. Each audio circuit design is unique and provides a different coloration or flavor of the sound. The differences really depend on how you listen to your music. You can divide DACs into their sound signature, ranging from analytical to warm and lush sounding. Here at Moon Audio we typically divide DAC types by ergonomic scenario. Do you travel frequently or do you like to listen to your music while on the go? Then perhaps a portable DAC like the Chord Mojo or Clarus CODA would be appropriate for your personal use. USB DACs are a perfect portable option. Do you like to listen to music in the comfort of your home, or perhaps you have a designated space for your sound system? A desktop or table-top DAC would be a good fit; the Hugo TT 2 is a great option, and the Chord Hugo 2 is a powerful portable DAC that can also serve as a dual purpose DAC in your home system as well. There are many kinds of DACs for varying usage scenarios, and sometimes audiophiles use multiple types - so they always have good audio quality wherever they are.

It depends on your setup. We know that there are portable DACs and table-top units. Do you like to listen to your music untethered and away from your home? Portable units are great options which are usually battery powered and small enough to pair with your phone or digital audio player. Others you can just plug-and-play in your laptop or computer. They are incredibly convenient devices that can easily upgrade your portable device sound. Other options include desktop or table-top DACs that are designed to work within your audiophile system or a desktop computer. These DACs are meant to be left alone, a standalone unit that sits on your desk or shelf as part of your larger home hi-fi system. These are usually more powerful, more expensive, but also have much larger gains in the realm of sound quality.

On the topic of sound signature, you can also pair your system with the natural sound signature of a DAC. All audio components have a natural signature, and depending on your personal listening preferences, you can select a component based on how it will match with the sound of your audio system. If you like a more warm and lush sound when listening to music, then you can either select a DAC that is warmer sounding, or select a more analytical DAC if your speakers or headphones are TOO warm - there's a million combinations you could choose from. It just depends on your system, and what you're looking for in regards to ergonomics and sound signature.

Absolutely. Without a DAC, your digital data cannot be converted to analog sound, and thus you won't be able to hear it. Every device you have that has a speaker has a built-in DAC. Your phone has a DAC in it. Your Airpods have DACs in them. Your tablet and laptop have DACs in them. Your portable speaker you take to the beach - has a DAC in it.

The more important issue here is: not all DACs are created equal. We mentioned that the DAC is like the English to Spanish translation of your audio system. It translates the digital data to an analog sound. Are all language translators the same? No - they vary by skill. The same applies to internal factory DACs and external ones. An external DAC is built to do one thing, and to do that one thing very well. The DAC converts the bits of data from the stored files into an analog electrical signal at thousands of set times per second, called samples. The DAC outputs these samples into a signal that intersects at all the sample points. However, problems can arise in the conversion process that can set some DACs apart from each other. That is why external DACs that are built for the sole purpose of converting this data are better than internal or factory digital to analog converters.

Since the DACs job is to convert digital data, analog sources do not require a converter. Devices like tape decks and turntables are great examples of gear that read directly from analog mediums (tape and vinyl respectively). The device reads the analog signal in real time, and then, through the help of an amplifier, transmits that signal to headphones or speakers. It's an easier and more ‘direct’ process than that of the digital world.

You will not need a DAC for your DAP, or Digital Audio Player. Most digital audio players come equipped with a high-end digital to analog converter, which attributes to the premium cost of the device. However, upgrading from a Stereo Receiver to a separate Preamp and Amplifier can elevate the sound performance of the system, so too can using the DAP as a digital source and adding a higher performance DAC. For example, if you own the Astell & Kern SP3000 you can use it as the digital source with the Chord Hugo 2. The Hugo 2 provides a superior sound over just the SP3000 by itself, so pairing the two together would result in better sound, but it's not necessary as the DAP already has a high-end DAC chip in the audio circuit.

It depends on your system. A DAC cannot substitute for an amplifier and an amplifier cannot substitute for a DAC. If your system does not have something to convert the digital data to an analog signal, then you will need a DAC. If your system does not have anything to power your speakers or headphones so that it can amplify the analog signal, then you will need an amplifier. Sometimes there are devices that will have both an amplifier and a DAC like the Matrix Audio Element X2. There are many devices - both portable and desktop - that have both a DAC and amplifier. But if you are without one or the other then you aren't going to hear anything. You need both. If you aren't sure about what you have or what you need, shoot us a call or comment and we'll help you out. If you want to learn more about the difference between a DAC and an amplifier, check out our segment “Do I Need A Headphone Amp Or A DAC.”

Maybe the better question is, what is the best DAC...for you? There's a lot to consider and each case, each person, will likely have a different answer because - at the end of the day - we all hear differently. And we all have different setups. And we all have different budgets. And on and on. We'll get into proper portable and desktop DAC recommendations in a later video, but keep a few things in mind here when consider what might be the best DAC for you: 1) budget - its a big part in telling you what you'll be able to afford. 2) ergonomics - where are you going to be listening to music? Out and about or sitting at home in your chair? 3) what is your current audio system? DACs have various I/O options, so picking one that is compatible with your current system is key. 4) What type of sound do you prefer? Do you like to get lost in the most and prefer a warm and lush tone? Or do you like to pick out every little detail? Then perhaps an analytical-signature might be better. It all depends, and these factors help determine what is the best DAC FOR YOU. It's how we approach our customer service here at Moon Audio - making sure we help you figure out what works best for your specific system and get your music sound the absolute best it can.