WHAT IS A DAC AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?

Which is why a DAC, which stands for 'Digital Audio Converter,' has become a critical part of any audio system. The conversion from Digital Audio to Analog Audio in the DAC is what makes the music, and the quality of the DAC will dramatically affect the sound.

Chord Electronics MOJO Portable Headphone Amplifier/DAC

Some DACs are built-in to products such as phones, tablets, and wireless speakers. Others are integrated into products like Blu-ray players or Hi-Fi amplifiers. But the very best are stand-alone components.

A typical Hi-Fi system today consists of either a Mac or PC with music storage and playback software or a network streaming device feeding digital audio to a DAC via a USB cable, which then feeds converted analog audio to an amplifier and in turn, drives the speakers. Voila Music!

Chord Electronics DAVE DAC (Regarded by many as one of the finest DACs available)

Entry-level DACs can cost less than $100, while high-end ones can command a price tag of over $50,000.

MSB Select DAC II (US $90,000+)

For more information on DACs head over to the Digital Audio forum on StereoNET, or visit our friends over at Tivoli HiFi and check out their extensive range.

Further reading: Whacky naming conventions aside, UK's Chord Electronics produce some of the most advanced DACs. Check out the Qutest DAC here.