DACS

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

Zorloo Ztella $99

August 2020 (issue 437) ★★★★★ if you want to improve your smartphone sound, but don’t want a USB stick hanging off the end of it, this is a bit of a no brainer. Online only for now. Size 11cm long Resolution PCM (up to 384khz), DSD (up to 5.6MHZ), MQA

Cyrus soundkey £99

Best DAC under £100, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

An affordable, compact DAC that turns mobile listening into an authentic high-fidelity experience. IOS users may find connectivity a little inelegant. Size 2 x 5 x 1cm Resolution 24-bit/96khz

ifi Zen DAC £129

Best DAC £100-£200, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

Compare the ifi with price rivals and it’s clearly up there with the best for sound quality. But it also offers a degree of versatility that those rivals don’t. Inputs USB 3.0 Size 3 x 10 x 12cm Res 32-bit/384khz; DSD256; MQA

Audiolab M-DAC nano £149

Best DAC £100-£200, Awards 2019 ★★★★★

If you’ve got a good pair of wired headphones and want to improve your sound on the move, the Audiolab M-DAC nano makes a mighty strong case. Inputs Bluetooth 4.2 Size 44 x 44 x 14mm Res 32-bit/384khz

Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt £269

Best DAC £200-£300, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

If you loved the Dragonfly Red and you’re looking to make the next step up without compromising on size or form, this is something of a no-brainer Size 6 x 2 x 1cm Resolution 24-bit/96khz

Chord Mojo £399

Best DAC under £300-£500, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

The majority of the Hugo’s performance for a fraction of the price. An enthusiastic performer that stays refined and superbly balanced.

Inputs Coaxial, optical, USB Size 2 x 6 x 8cm Res 32-bit/768khz, DSD 512

Audiolab M-DAC+ £695

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 Coaxial x2, optical x2 Size 11 x 25 x 29cm Res 32-bit/384khz