Posts with tag "DAC"

Just a few years ago, buying a digital-to-analog converter for two hundred dollars meant an inevitable compromise in sound quality. Devices at this price point could only be recommended for the most entry-level Hi-Fi systems. Fortunately, digital audio technology is advancing at the fastest pace of all - so today's market within this budget offers DACs that would have cost close to a thousand dollars five years ago. FiiO, Topping, SMSL, and other companies have truly transformed our understanding of what an entry-level DAC can deliver.

LAiV has launched the Crescendo VERSE, a desktop all-in-one audio component that combines a discrete R2R DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier in a single unit. The new model is aimed at listeners who want to build a modern compact system for a desk or a small room without cluttering it with a large number of separate components.

Greek company Ideon Audio is preparing to premiere its new Axiom DAC digital-to-analog converter at AXPONA 2026, which will take place from April 10 to 12 in Chicago. The manufacturer calls this model the largest-scale and most ambitious project in its history. According to the developers, the Axiom DAC is intended to become the quintessence of Ideon Audio’s accumulated experience in digital technologies, power supply design, precision engineering, and signal control.

For the Sennheiser HD 600, HD 650, and HD 800 S to truly open a window to another world, you'll need to carefully select the right partners. We've done the work for you, analyzing dozens of amplifications and digital-to-analog conversion combinations for these headphones, and determined which source would be the optimal choice, delivering that signature impeccable dynamics and creating a wide soundstage.

Matrix Audio, a company specializing in premium audio equipment, has introduced new models within its compact N series. The already available NT-1 digital music transport is now joined by the ND-1 external digital-to-analog converter and the NA-1 headphone amplifier. The manufacturer envisions the complete system as a desktop setup, complemented by another new addition – the modular TEMPO DX RACK stand.

Polish manufacturer of high-end audio equipment Ferrum Audio has announced the second generation of the Wandla GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 – an updated version of its DAC/preamplifier based on the original Wandla model and the special GoldenSound Edition variant. The new model develops the ideas of its predecessors and places even greater emphasis on flexible sound tailoring to match a specific system and the owner’s preferences.

American company Audio Research has introduced the Audio Research LS-2 preamplifier. Its fully tube-based design, operating in pure Class A, eliminates semiconductors from the signal path and is aimed at maximum sonic authenticity. At the same time, the classic circuit concept is complemented by modern features such as a touchscreen display and optional modular expansion.

The Italian audio manufacturer Unison Research has introduced a new amplifier set from the Unico V2 series, consisting of the Unico Pre V2 preamplifier and the Unico DM V2 power amplifier. Both components are built on a hybrid design and implemented in a “dual mono” concept.

The Japanese brand Esoteric has introduced a new XE series of electronic components, including the Esoteric N-05XE network player, preamplifier and DAC, and the Esoteric S-05XE stereo power amplifier operating in pure Class A. The new products will go on sale in March 2026.

British company Leema Acoustics has expanded its Leema 100 electronics range with two integrated amplifiers – the Leema i85 and Leema iD85. The difference between the models is that the iD85 includes a DAC section and, accordingly, digital inputs. There are still only a few photos and technical details available, but the prices of the new models have already been announced.

The well-known Slovak audio brand Canor Audio has introduced a new line of electronic components called Foundation, which includes the Virtus I4S integrated amplifier (which we have already covered) and the Verto D4S high-resolution external DAC. Both models feature fully discrete circuit design and a minimalist look with glass front panels plus convenient touch control. According to the manufacturer, they are aimed both at discerning newcomers and at “budget-minded” High End buyers.

Although all modern streaming services share broadly similar transmission algorithms and codecs - FLAC, ALAC - the same recordings can sound noticeably different from one platform to the next. Mastering choices, post-processing, server infrastructure, loudness normalization, and bitrate all influence the end result, and it is these small distinctions that separate a presentation that is merely good from one that is genuinely audiophile-grade. In this article we examine and compare the leading music streaming services and attempt to determine which one comes out on top for sound quality.

Audiophile brand Roksan has expanded its Caspian Series 4G line by introducing the Roksan Caspian Streaming preamplifier with network streaming functionality and the Roksan Caspian stereo power amplifier. The new models complement the two Caspian 4G integrated amplifiers released in 2024.

The latest Musetec MH DA006 Lite desktop DAC inherits the core design solutions from the brand’s flagship DA006 model. The differences in the Lite version lie in the power supply architecture, the analog output stage, and certain digital algorithms.

iFi company has released the iDSD Phantom – a digital-to-analog converter that also features a built-in network streamer and a headphone amplifier. The new model implements DSD Remastering up to DSD2048, as well as the well-known K2HD technology for professional sound processing. It also offers expanded sound customization options via XBass Pro and XSpace Pro modes and a set of digital filters.

The Luxsin brand has introduced the intelligent Luxsin X8 DAC and headphone amplifier, which became the second model in the manufacturer’s lineup, released just nine months after the launch of the first one – the Luxsin X9. According to the developers, the combination of powerful analogue hardware and an artificial intelligence-driven sound tuning system makes the Luxsin X8 a solution for listeners who value both reference-grade sound quality and modern software-based control.

The external Le DAC 3 marks a new stage in the evolution of Métronome components. Remaining faithful to the brand’s timeless aesthetic, it combines key technological advances that elevate sound quality and musicality to an even higher level.

Volumio has introduced the Primo Plus (€1,199), a DAC with network streaming functionality. This newcomer evolves from the popular Volumio Primo, offering numerous improvements and greater versatility.

Chord Electronics has updated its beloved portable DAC and headphone amplifier Mojo, now designated Mojo 2 (£395). The update introduces a 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced output and USB-C charging. One of the two 3.5 mm outputs from the original has been replaced with the Pentaconn connector, opening the Mojo 2 to a much wider spectrum of headphones while retaining the standard single-ended 3.5 mm output. Both headphone outputs feature independent volume memory, allowing precise level adjustment for different headphones.

Eight reference-class digital-to-analog converters - conversion architecture, block configuration, and key technologies. An updated 2026 ranking featuring an eighth entry.