What's a DAC and why do you need it?
In this article I will specifically talk about audio dac's. DAC stands for Digital to Analog Converter. It's the processing core of audio chips which are in about any electronics that have an audio output like your smartphone, Playstation, digital musical instrument etc..
What does it do?
It converts a digital signal to an analog signal. It's the only way your mp3's are able to reach your earbuds.
It tries to convert the sampled bits and pieces of your mp3 to an fluent analog waveform. The better the chip, algorhythm and analogue components in your audio device the better sound.
Stand alone DAC's
In HIFI stores you can buy standalone dac's which usually have several digital inputs so you can connect several digital devices to your home cinema set.
Why would you need this you might ask. Very simpel answer a stand alone dac usually is more expensive then the audio chips in your dvd player, or pc even. Much better components and will make for a better and more accurate transition from your precious audio files or high def movies to your receiver.
A good option is the Argon dac which has a good price/ quality ratio but other options for example are TEAC, Benchmark, Sony, Yamaha but these are more costly.
There is no general rule for how much you should spent on this, but keeps things in perspective. Don't buy 2000 euro dac if you only have a 200 euro receiver. But a 200 euro dac will make things sound way better then your 60 euro dvd player. Just saying..
I couldn't believe my ears when a friend of mine bought one and connected his digital equipment to it, it made it sounds so much better. Much more depth to the sound, better stereo imaging and better frequency response. The rest of his equipment was up to par so the dac was the last part in his setup that needed changing.
In this digital age there is more to a hifi setup then a cd player, receiver and a set of speakers. A good DAC is almost mandatory.
Unless your are like Jack White and you only listen to records over your tube amplifier then ofcourse you don't need it.
