A DIGITAL-TO-ANALOGUE CONVERTER IS A MODERN HI-FI MUST
Up to £300
iFi Go Link £59
October 2023 ★★★★★
The iFi Go Link feels like the perfect device for enhancing your headphones on the move and on a budget, living up to its brief.
Size 13.5cm long Resolution PCM 32-bit/384kHz, DSD 256, MQA
iFi Zen DAC V2 £159
Best DAC under £200, Awards 2023 ★★★★★
A good jump in quality over the Award-winning original, to keep features and performance best in class – and for not much extra money.
Inputs USB 3.0 Size 35 x 160 x 117mm Res PCM 384kHz, DSD256, MQA
iFi hip-dac 2 £179
April 2022 ★★★★★
At this level, you’re unlikely to find a portable DAC as clear, zealous, fully featured, or as downright good-looking as the iFi hip-dac 2.
Inputs USB 3.0 Size 14 x 7 x 102mm Res 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256
iFi Go Blu £199
February 2022 ★★★★★
When portability is paramount, the iFi Go Blu is every millimetre the convenient sonic upgrade your phone needs.
Size 54 x 34 x 13mm Resolution 24-bit/96kHz (wired)
Audioquest DragonFly Cobalt £269
Best DAC £200-£300, Awards 2023 ★★★★★
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
£300 to £1000
Chord Mojo 2 £449
Best DAC £300-£1000, Awards 2023 ★★★★★
Familiar in form but next-level everywhere else, the Chord Mojo 2 is the The Godfather Part II of DAC sequels.
Inputs Coaxial, optical, USB Size 23 x 83 x 62mm Res32-bit/768kHz, DSD
Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M £449
Best DAC £300-£500, Awards 2021 ★★★★★
25 years and several evolutionary steps along the DacMagic line in terms of features and performance, the DacMagic 200M is a talented all-rounder.
Inputs Coax, opt, USB Size 6 x 22 x 19cm Res 32-bit/768kHz, DSD 512
£300 to £1K
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
Chord Qutest £1195
Best DAC over £1000, Awards 2023 ★★★★★
