DACS

A DIGITAL-TO-ANALOGUE CONVERTER IS A MODERN HI-FI MUST

Arcam miniblink £100

Awards 2015 This receiver has serious dynamic clout, with a zingy and fluid rhythm. The 3.5mm analogue output means an adaptor is needed for trad hi-fi. Inputs Bluetooth Size 2.5 x 3 x 4cm

Audioquest Dragonfly Red £170

Best USB DAC £150+, Awards 2017 A more expensive alternative to the Dragonfly Black, this is a marked improvement over the original, sounding more sophisticated and subtler. Inputs USB Size 6 x 2 x 1cm Resolution Up to 24-bit/96khz

Cyrus soundkey£100

Best USB DAC under £150, Awards 2017 An affordable, compact DAC that turns mobile listening into an authentic high-fidelity experience. IOS users may find connectivity a little inelegant. Inputs micro-usb Size 2 x 5 x 1mm Resolution Up to 24-bit/96khz

Chord Mojo £400

Best DAC under £500, Awards 2017 The majority of the £1400 Hugo’s performance for a fraction of the price. An enthusiastic performer that stays refined and superbly balanced. Inputs USB, opt, coax Size 2 x 6 x 8cm Res 32-768KHZ/DSD 512

Oppo HA-2 SE £290

Awards 2016 A minor upgrade but a good one. The SE costs more than the Dragonfly, but offers more features to go with its clear, agile and detailed sound. Inputs USB, 3.5mm Size 140 x 70 x 120mm Res to 384khz, 16/24/32-bit

Audiolab M-DAC £600

June 2015 A good desktop alternative to the Chord Mojo, with plenty more sockets and features. Smooth balance, fluid dynamics and subtle detail. Inputs USB, opt, coax Size 6 x 25 x 25cm Res Up to 24-bit/192khz

Audiolab M-DAC+ £800

August 2016 Audiolab’s follow up to the M-DAC gets a great deal right with a sound that’s neat, tidy and expansive. The M-DAC+ demands your attention. Inputs 2x coax, opt x2 Size 11 x 25 x 29cm Res Up to 32-bit/384khz

Chord Hugo 2 £1800

Best DAC £1000+, Awards 2017 The Hugo 2 has a he y price tag but, at this level, there isn’t another DAC near that can communicate so unambigiously or so effortlessly. Inputs Opt, coax, USB, B’tooth Size 2 x 10 x 13cm Res 32-bit/768khz

Chord Qutest £1195

May 2018 As with the 2Qute, the Qutest is a superior DAC which sets a new benchmark at this price with its clear and precise performance. Inputs 2x coax, opt, USB Size 4 x 16 x 7cm Res 32-bit/768khz PCM/DSD512