A beginner's guide to DACs

Camera: Jana Dagdagan | Editor: John Darko

What is a DAC? Do you need one? Chances are, you already have one inside your computer, smartphone or TV. The question then becomes: do you need an external DAC to improve the sound quality of your computer, smartphone or TV?

This video is a ramble through my own personal journey with external DACs, relayed here to help newcomers better understand what a DAC does, how it might benefit their listening experience and how to avoid distractions. (Discussions about DAC chips, digital source quality and hi-res audio can come later).

The DARKO DAC Index is now a PATREON bonus:
  / johndarko  

Also featured in this video...

Marantz CD-63SE:
https://www.whathifi.com/features/was...

Logitech Squeezebox Touch:
https://darko.audio/2010/09/logitech-...
https://darko.audio/2012/05/enhanced-...
https://darko.audio/2012/05/spotify-o...

Schiit Modi 3 (US$99):
https://darko.audio/2018/11/schiit-mo...
https://darko.audio/2018/11/a-short-f...

Bluesound Node 2 (US$475):
https://darko.audio/2018/01/further-t...

AURALiC Aries G1 (€2199):
https://darko.audio/2018/08/a-short-f...

Chord Qutest (€1549):
https://darko.audio/2018/11/a-short-f...

Resonessence Labs Concero (US$850):
https://darko.audio/2013/03/resonesse...

Resonessence Labs Herus (US$350):
https://darko.audio/2014/07/improving...
https://darko.audio/2014/02/dsd-vs-pc...

AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (US$299):
https://darko.audio/2019/07/a-short-f...
https://darko.audio/2019/07/10-more-t...

Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 (US$2399):
https://darko.audio/2018/04/dial-m-fo...

KEF LS50 Wireless:
https://darko.audio/2016/12/kef-ls50-...
https://darko.audio/search/KEF+LS50+w...

UE Boom:
https://darko.audio/2015/01/on-the-ro...

Cables...

AudioQuest Evergreen 3.5mm to RCA:
https://www.audioquest.com/cables/ana...

Zu Mission RCA to RCA:
https://www.zuaudio.com/cable/mission...

AudioQuest Cinnamon TOSLINK:
https://www.audioquest.com/cables/dig...

iFi USB-C to USB-A adapter:
https://ifi-audio.com/products/otg-ca...

Apple Lightning to USB adapter:
https://www.apple.com/de/shop/product...

#dacs #beginners #audiophile
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