Many PC and laptop users want to make their devices sound better. Built-in sound cards do not achieve this effect. And here the entry-level external devices that are able to convert and produce high-quality sound come onto the scene. Budget DAC - a very useful thing if the owner of the PC is an audiophile. However, audiophile DACs may not be budgetary. It is rather for lovers of quality sound. Be that as it may, it is worth considering the most popular models to choose the best audio processor. This is not an easy task. See for yourself.
Why DACs are needed
The fact is that the built-in sound card can in no way provide decent sound (especially with a high-end speaker system ). Although the majority of the built-in “zvukovushki” shows a sampling frequency of 192 kHz, and a depth of 32 bits, this is far from the case. But the external DAC is fully capable of providing such a sound quality. But such a device is also decent. Although there are very cheap models that connect to a PC or laptop using a USB connector. Such devices look like the best solution for the average user. But for audiophiles and professional musicians, such an audio processor does not fit.
However, not a single DAC ... To ensure high-quality sound, not only the audio processor is important. Other components of the system are of great importance: computer, acoustics and the rest. In order to successfully use the USB-DAC, you need to have an appropriate PC. We’ll talk about this now.
PC selection
Any vibration and any radiation can affect the body of the audio processor. Therefore, the computer should work as quietly as possible. Ideally - silently. The trouble is that most of the "boxes" do not know how to do this. They roar with all their coolers, like Ferrari in afterburner. Therefore, to work with the DAC, the best option would be a laptop. Ideally, an ultrabook (they are quieter). Hypothetically, the system unit can also be made to work silently, but it is strongly discouraged to do this yourself, because you can impair the cooling of the components, and the whole system will shut down. A laptop is the best solution. Now you can choose a budget DAC with high-quality sound.
Arkam irDAC
This miniature external DAC can hardly be called budget. Its price is rather close to the cost of mid-range models, but it's worth it. It implements problem-free sound conversion according to the 24/192 standard, it has a bunch of connectors for connecting a stereo system and headphones and interacts with a computer via USB. The gadget is even equipped with a remote control. But it looks like they bought it at a flea market. Officially, Arkam is imprisoned for Apple devices. But he copes well with other devices. Everything would be fine, but the lack of balanced outputs for connecting passive monitors is somewhat frustrating. For such a price, they could be included in the kit.
Be that as it may, the Arkam irDAC is the best budget DAC with an amplifier. Although without the support of balanced outputs and DSD. But this is not scary. Many entry-level models are limited in additional options. And this audio processor is no exception.
Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus
This is a real combine for lovers of high-quality digital sound. This device has everything (except for DSD support): balanced outputs, standard 24/192, headphone amplifier and much more. And it costs a lot cheaper than our previous "patient". The low-cost DAC from Cambridge promises users a high-quality sound without any significant material costs. True, provided that the remaining components of the system are also of the proper level. Without this, it will be impossible to achieve good sound.
Among all that is currently on the market, the Cambridge audio processor is the optimal solution. The balance of quality and price is almost perfect. By purchasing this budget Dac DAC, you will definitely not regret it. You will always have an almost professional sound.
ASUS Xonar Essence STU
This is one of the cheapest audio processors on the market today. However, it has all the necessary options. There are even balanced outputs with phantom power. And this is very rare for devices of this class. The audio format is 24/192. Plus support for DSD. China produces this budget DAC, but this does not make it worse, because in the Middle Kingdom they learned how to make high-quality equipment. The only trouble is that finding this creation from ASUS is not very easy. This is a terrible shortage. For the demand for it is simply inhuman.
Nevertheless, this audio processor is one of the best solutions for arranging a home studio. Optionally, you can connect a multi-band speaker system or studio single-band monitors. The latter option can give very interesting results. Since this USB DAC is pretty cheap, almost anyone can afford it. But do not forget about high-quality acoustics.
Denon DA-300USB
The miniature DAC for home use will not leave anyone indifferent. This budget DAC is fully capable of satisfying the desires of even an audiophile. It has all the options a good audio processor has to offer: a high-impedance headphone amplifier, all the necessary connectors, DSD support, 24/192 format, and an attractive appearance. What else is needed for happiness? But the most important thing is its price. It is even cheaper than the product from ASUS, but at the same time it is not inferior to it in quality and functionality. A USB port is used to connect to a PC. However, this is a standard feature of entry-level audio processors.
This device can also be used as a budget DAC for headphones. It differs from portable audio processors only in that it is difficult to take it somewhere with you. But the sound quality is much better. And it fits perfectly into any interior thanks to its unique design. Everything is strictly according to the classical canons.
TEAC UD-301
This is the undisputed leader. And not only in sound quality. It has a complete set of interfaces for connecting speakers. It offers user balanced outputs, RCA connectors, coaxial and optical connectors. In general, all that is necessary for a high-quality professional device. And the price is not much higher than the previous candidate. This "monster" will be a worthy decoration of any interior and provide first-class sound. There is also support for DSD. And this, you see, is worth a lot. A budget DAC of this level is a rarity. Therefore, do not even hesitate.
True, if you already buy a device of this level, then you should take care of the appropriate speakers. Audiophile's “golden rule” states that the speaker system should be one and a half times more expensive than the used audio processor. Only then will its full potential be revealed.
Sound Card vs Budget DAC
Many people think that if you put an advanced level sound card on your PC, it will easily replace any DAC. This statement has no right to life. The fact is that an adequate card, capable of giving out what even the most budget DAC is capable of, costs a lot. For purely practical reasons, do not get carried away with such nonsense. And do not forget that in the sound card because of its design there are no and there can be no additional connectors (such as balanced).
So comparison "sound card vs budget DAC" is completely useless. Even due to the design features, separate audio processors are preferable. Not to mention the price and sound quality. So do not chase the built-in options - they still will not be better. Only worse. And more expensive. Even semi-professional solutions cost fabulous money.
A bit about DVD
Very good audio processors are sometimes installed in budget players. However, using such devices as a DAC is extremely difficult. Not to mention the fact that it’s difficult to achieve the full functionality of even a cheap processor from them. The best audio DACs on budget DVDs , of course, provide high-quality sound, but they are greatly reduced in functionality. And for many, this turns out to be a decisive factor.
Such devices are enough to play movies. They also do pretty well with music. But at least somehow connecting an adequate speaker system to such a device is not possible. Not to mention studio monitors that need a balanced connector. However, on the other hand, such a system should be enough for home use.
A little bit about CD
This is generally a separate issue. A high-quality CD player may not be budgetary. It should have the technology of damping vibration and compensating for reading errors. Otherwise, the sound quality will be disgusting. Therefore, if you do not know what to choose - a budget CD-player or a cheap DVD-DAC, it is better to give preference to the latter. And the CD format is already hopelessly outdated. On a standard player it will not be possible to listen to Hi-RES stereo. But on DVD - easily.
And besides, DVD seems to be a more universal solution than even the coolest CD player. For if you wish, you can watch a movie on the latter. But with a regular CD player this definitely will not work. And yet there is no better solution than a budget audio processor. The main thing is to equip it with a good speaker system.
Conclusion
Choosing an audio processor is a rather complicated matter. Among the variety of models to choose a good budget DAC is not easy. But there are quite interesting solutions for adequate money. It is only important to remember that the audio processor is just the tip of the iceberg. Because without an acoustic system of the appropriate level, all your efforts will not succeed. You will not listen to the sound from the DAC on tweeters from Genius? Calculate your desires according to financial possibilities. And to choose something worthy among the whole variety of labor will no longer be. There are a huge number of good entry-level audio processors in the price range up to fifty thousand rubles.