Choosing the Modern DAC - Rating of Summer 2025
Top-6 Digital-to-Analog Converters for Every Taste
05.08.2025 06:23 | ~3 minutes read
So, we choose the newest and most modern digital-to-analog converters. The rating of the seven most interesting models for "digital", as usual, is sorted in order of increasing cost, so that everyone can find a DAC to their taste and wallet.
6. AudioLab D7
Pros - a coherent and weighty feed
The younger digital-to-analog converter AudioLab D7 is based on the modern ESS ESS9038Q2M chip with HyperStream II and offers a full switching set - a pair of coaxial, a pair of optical and a pair of USB inputs, plus Bluetooth 5.1 with the aptX-HD codec. Signals are supported up to DSD512 and PCM 32/768, and the MQA decoder and upscaling option are not forgotten; in addition, there is also a headphone amplifier with current feedback! The "full stuffing" from a technical point of view is supported by a weighty and rich sound.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
DACs — Audiolab D7
Model name
D7
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ES9038Q2M
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32 bit / 768 kHz and DSD512
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
120
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
120
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
115 (RCA), 117 (XLR)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
< 0.001%
Dimensions (mm)
180 x 208 x 56
Weight (kg)
1.42
Official link
5. Mytek Liberty DAC II
Pros - fast and detailed sound
Mytek Liberty DAC II will offer a "high-speed" feed and will perfectly work even on tracks with the most complex dynamic pattern. The DAC supports signals up to DSD256, PCM 32/768 and is equipped with a built-in preamplifier and headphone amplifier. The sound quality of this model has significantly improved compared to its predecessors - since the company used the latest excess power supply with a toroidal transformer, and installed the ES9038Q2M chip as the "heart" of the converter.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
DACs — Mytek Liberty DAC II
Model name
Liberty DAC II
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ES9038
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32 bit / 384 kHz and DSD256
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
40 x 225 x 44
Weight (kg)
2
Official link
4. Fezz Audio Equinox DAC
Pros – flexible “analog” sound
Fezz Audio Equinox DAC was released under the license of Lampizator Lukasz Fikus – the model significantly lowers the price tag, at which you can now join the unique tube developments from Poland. The digital-to-analog converter uses PCM1794 chips and an output stage on 12au7 tubes, all this magnificence is powered by a high-class toroidal power transformer. The result cannot but please – the music literally flows like a river.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
DACs — Fezz Audio Fezz Equinox
Model name
Fezz Equinox
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
Burr Brown PCM 1794
DSD compatability
N/A
Parameters
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
<0.05
Dimensions (mm)
355x380x95
Weight (kg)
8
Official link
3. AURALiC VEGA S1
Pros – a treasure trove of innovations – both in technology and in the nature of performance
Based on the study of AURALiC VEGA S1, it is quite possible to write a modern audio encyclopedia. The model, based on the patented proprietary Fusion DAC converter circuit, combines the best of a discrete circuit and Delta-Sigma, eliminating such shortcomings of these approaches as nonlinearity and difficulties with filtering. The technologies of clock signal reconstruction, digital filter and resampling are truly a breakthrough - the resolution of the model is stunning, you do not want to be distracted from the music for long hours. Let's add a fully analog preamplifier with ORFEO class A modules - and we get a candidate for leadership in its price group.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
DACs — AURALiC VEGA S1
Model name
VEGA S1
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
N/A
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32Bit / 384KHz and DSD512
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
6
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
6
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
< 0.00012% (XLR); < 0.00015% (RCA)
Dimensions (mm)
207 x 290 x 85
Weight (kg)
4.0
Official link
2. Metronome DSC mini
Pros - refined and perfectly detailed character of execution
But you will not find many technical details about the Metronome DSC mini - the company keeps most of the developments a secret and suggests simply enjoying the sound of the model. The game is worth the candle - the DAC sounds simply superb, showing off gloss and plasticity even in the most difficult moments. As usual for the company, the main interface for connecting proprietary digital components is the HDMI port, through which the capabilities of I2S are used.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
DACs — Métronome DSC mini
Model name
DSC mini
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ES9026PRO
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 384 kHz / 32 bits and DSD512
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
124
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
250 x 70 x 250
Weight (kg)
4.8
Official link
1. Soulution 360 DAC
Pros – absolutely natural sound canvas
Soulution 360 DAC clearly demonstrates what brilliance and genuine High-End sound are – it feels like an invisible veil is being removed from previously familiar recordings. The model is based on a powerful DSP, which converts all incoming signals to DXD format, then processes them using the proprietary zeroPhase technology, and then each channel is converted by its own PCM1792 chip. There is also a built-in chic preamplifier – based on the LEEDH regulator.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
DACs — Soulution Audio 360 DAC
Model name
360 DAC
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
N/A
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 24 bit / 192kHz and DSD128
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
0
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
200 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
4
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
2
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
10
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
5
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
< 0.0003
Dimensions (mm)
430 x 350 x 142
Weight (kg)
10
Official link
More content
Top-7 Newest Turntables – Rating of Summer 2025
How to Choose an LP Record Player Today?
The summer season of 2025 pleased us with a sufficient number of new audio equipment – especially in the turntable market. So, the editors have prepared for you a rating of the seven most interesting models for playing records
WADAX Studio Player Review – an Ultimate Digital Source
Cost-no-object masterpiece
WADAX Studio • Player is a unique product in every sense. A digital-to-analog converter built on a proprietary topology and using 620 custom machined parts and a total of 14 different materials and alloys in its design. A top-class network streamer with embedded Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz clients and certified Audirvana and Roon. And also a multi-format disc player supporting CD and SACD. Well, let's hold our breath and move on to testing!
Western Electric 91E Review – Tube Euphoria
Test of a Single-Ended Amplifier on the Iconic 300B
By resuming the introduction of 300B tubes, Western Electric has created a full-scale storm on the audiophile market. Well, the American manufacturer has many more things in its arsenal that can surprise fans of good sound – for example, the Western Electric 91E integrated single-ended amplifier, which we are testing today.
Top 7 Floorstanding Loudspeakers – Summer 2025 Rating
Main New Products on the Market
Choosing new floorstanding loudspeakers is not an easy task, but our new guide will help you navigate the flurry of new products. Acoustic systems with high-class sound have become much more affordable – which makes market research even more interesting.
Which Network Player to Choose in the Summer of 2025?
Digital Streaming with Comfort and Quality
Our new buyer's guide and equipment rating is visited by full (with a digital-to-analog converter) streamers or network players. The number of these components is growing day by day, which is why the selection turned out to be interesting - from inexpensive models to High-End class mastodons.
