A beginner's guide to DACs

[@DarkoAudio]

Being 'beginner friendly' doesn't start and end with this video. It relies on viewers leaving helpful comments that advance the conversation in a thoughtful way. :)

[@creativeslink]

I am just getting into a let’s make this sound good lifestyle. I worked in music and live was how I heard all of my friends. Most of my music is folk Americana and pop edm. My question is if I want to Bluetooth from my phone to a receiver from Spotify is their a good dac in a budget receiver I should buy? I just purchased jbl studio 230 towers and before they get here I want to know if I should just go with a budget Yamaha rs202 or maybe spend a little more. Dankeschön is it better to go from Schitt Modi to receiver. I’m basically looking at how I can best spend the 100 bones.

[@xxpandathomasxx]

Can't wait for the amplifier version of this video!

[@javiers.3433]

John good to see that you played New Order’s Movement album.

[@shazadirani]

How important is it to choose a hi-end cd player, If my primary source is CD. Won't the ability of the CDP reading the information off of the CD, play a major role in the quality of the music before the DAC converts it ? I'm thinking, there's only so much a DAC can do if the source digital signal is compromised.

[@vvmmuu]

Thank you very much. I now understand this, something that I thought was witchcraft, sold by snake oil peddlers. The CD player explanation was what turned the lightbulb on.

[@megamind8359]

Can you do a beginners video series for other things like amps,preamps,etc

[@WayneCarrigan]

And, balanced versus non-balanced things.

[@javiern4278]

Yeah, why I need a preamp if I have an amp, I can google this but I prefer John's explanation.

[@martijnm85]

And, a beginner's guide to speakers and rooms.

[@lazarosnikolaidis256]

Great idea! Count me in! A personal request: CD transports....

[@NoEgg4u]

​@@javiern4278 In order to make use of an amp, you must use a pre-amp. Amps have no volume control, balance control, or anything else (some might have a mute button). A pre-amp has all of the controls (perhaps tone controls, too, on lower-end models). If you already have an amp, and you are using it, then some other piece of gear in your system is functioning as a pre-amp. For example, some CD players have volume controls. That is a form of a pre-amp. Pre-amps also have multiple inputs, allowing you to have one box with a volume control, yet choose which player you want to hear, by way of choosing the associated input on the pre-amp. Any device that has a volume control can feed your amp, directly, such as a CD player that has a volume control. But if you have more than just a CD player (maybe you have a stand-alone tuner or a turntable or tape deck, etc), then to avoid having to switch cables, you plug everything into the pre-amp, and then choose the input on the pre-amp that will determine which device's sound will be passed on to the amp. Note that turntables must first be amplified via a phono-amp, which then feeds the pre-amp, which then feeds the amp, which finally feeds the speakers. Many pre-amps come bundled with a phono-amp. In such a case, you would be able to plug your turntable into your pre-amp (you are really plugging it into the phono section of your pre-amp). Receivers are pre-amps that have other components bundled in. For example, receivers typically include a tuner, a stereo amplifier, tone controls, and maybe a phono amp. Every item that comes bundled with a receiver can be purchased individually. In a nut-shell, amps, by themselves, do nothing other than amplify the analog signal that it receives from the pre-amp. The louder the pre-amp's signal, the louder the amps will amplify that analog signal.

[@juliaset751]

I have tried to explain the basics to people not familiar with all this stuff. I have failed at trying to keep is simple, and I tend to get into the weeds at times. I will now just refer them to this vid, thank you.

[@karlhendricks8864]

Your videos are always informative! John and you make it really simple and easy for me to understand , and you have a lovely smile while explaining ! : )

[@mcd5478]

VERY very helpful, very understandable. More “beginner’s guides” please! 👍🏼💗

[@t3chnno]

I’ve still got my Marantz CD63 KI Signature. It’s the only piece of hi-fi I just can’t bear to sell. What a beautiful piece of kit.

[@pauljwhelan]

Thank you so much. That really clarified things for me. I know you described it as a bit of a rant but for me that made it all the more informative.

[@fengbi8979]

The reason why I subscribed and like this channel is because of the ramble way. xD

[@dinhduynguyen3809]

Great video and very helpful for a beginner like me! I don't have that much experience (yet) but the thing that i always ask myself is: when should i upgrade to an external dac? Does it improve the sound quality as much as a new amp? Like what is the sequence of upgrading ones gear? For my understanding it would be 1. Speakers 2. Amp 3. Dac 4. format. Something like that

[@anthonyhopkin]

Really well done. Great intro. Thanks John

[@catire98]

This is useful and informative. Thanks for posting/making

[@kevintran1070]

Awesome video! Thanks so much!

[@MacsForever1]

OK so I've been a big Sonos fan and have been using the Sonos Connect with my K-Horns for a few years, partially being lazy not wanting to get up and put in a CD. But for the heck of it the other day I put in a CD and forgot how good my K-Horns sound. WOW! I knew the Sonos uses compression for all of its wizardry but wow what a difference. So then I started looking at a way to stream my music digitally and thought I could use my Squeezebox Touch as you have to access my library as I use to before going Sonos. Now you mentioned the Squeezebox Touch DAC was OK but how much better is the Schiit Modi 3 Dac that you mentioned. Not going to go up to the Chord Qutest unless it's lightyears better. Thanks!

[@MacsForever1]

Update to my post above. Unfortunately I learned the Squeezebox Touch that I have has fallen out of support so I ended up getting the Modi 3 in black and installed it yesterday. Like I said above CD's sound much better than the same music on my Sonos. Only thing is picking each CD to listen to is is a pain. I wanted to access my entire library and have great sound. So I decided to repurpose an old laptop to attach the Modi 3 to and access my Apple music app. The music sounds great with the convenience of my entire library available digitally. BTW I tried the DAC in the laptop without the Modi 3 and it was bad, actually worse than Sonos. I didn't buy the multi-bit version, just the $99 one and it's good enough for me. As a guy heading toward 60 I'm not sure if my older ears could detect the difference. But between the Sonos...big difference. Do I hate Sonos? No because I can play music anywhere or everywhere around my house as it's super convenient for background music. However if you want to have your digital music sound as good as possible for critical listening get he the Modi 3. Bottom line just get this thing as you will enjoy it!

[@stevethetoolman2435]

Excellent. Thank you

[@weisstdudochnicht1]

I have an Opera Cononance amplifier A18P and I’m thinking to replace my preAmp with a Schiit Modius DAC with xlr output after this video 😁

[@rightturnnews805]

Good info. Thanks!

[@Mad.Maxx.77]

Great video! I've been using a Gustard X20 Pro (dual ES9028 Pro) for my PC gaming/video system for about a year. My speakers are KEF LS50 and SVS SB2000. A pair of Outlaw Model 2200 monoblocks provide the power. Everything sounds amazing. I like it so much that I sold my Gungnir Mulltibit which sounded muffled in comparison. I'm very curious about the new AK4499-based dacs on the way, like Gustard A22 and Topping D90.

[@thepowerflux8180]

I am running a Marantz CD player from the Coaxial output to the Coaxial input of my Pioneer Elite Receiver. Just to make sure I’m understanding, using the Coaxial output is in essence bypassing the DAC of the Marantz, and utilizing the DAC of the Pioneer Elite? If that’s the case, I need to do some experimenting. Thanks for what you do!

[@thepowerflux8180]

So after testing Coaxial vs RCA or Marantz DAC vs Pioneer DAC... I preferred the Marantz DAC. Thanks again for the info you provide!

[@NicMG]

Kudos for Eat Static man, awesome!

[@fcamiola]

John...what are your thoughts on the older Burr Brown PCM 69A DAC as compared to a newer DAC, even something like the Modi? It's so hard to decipher the sound of these newer DACS without actually hearing them and/or comparing them. Thanks man

[@adammateen]

Very informative, i'm pretty new to the audiophile world and have a question - I primarily use my phone to listen to music so a portable DAC is in the future for my headphone commute listening, but when I am in my car I have a good SQ system (Morel system) with an amp driving my speakers and a dedicated amp driving my sub =. I have a pretty low end Pioneer head unit. Would a DAC benefit me in a setup like that? I transmit audio to the head unit via bluetooth but I could install an aux input if necessary. I assume the head unit will be converting the digital file to analogue, so would I theoretically be able to get better audio by connecting a DAC between my phone and the head unit? I have also seen a couple of DACs that offer bluetooth connectivity, would the fact that it is over bluetooth degrade the quality of the 'stream', and therefore would I be better off just sticking to wired? Edit: Also I use Tidal and have a large library of "masters" so I would probably lean towards an MQA compatible DAC, in case that makes any difference to any suggestions.

[@realismartmoment]

John, So what about Tidal? I'm using a Fiio M11PRO DAP to play streaming services on my Andromeda and HD660s, and it can do MQA decoding. So when i listen to Tidal, is it not full CD quality?

[@paulr3660]

Thank you for the video's. Finally, found something better than ambien. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[@jerrychandler657]

For me, a Synology NAS and a Denon is the Schiit.

[@EngrRomero]

I wonder how to evaluate a DAC with a DSP if you can't compare it to the original source. It's like evaluating a tube amp where the sound is influenced by its inherent non-linearity and compression distortion plus transformer hysteresis distortion that gives a warm sound so good to the ear, but it's not a gain cable. So what is high fidelity? Just thoughts and reflections of the good old days. Oh, I forgot to mention that a DSP can be programmed with a transfer function to sound like tubes or the likes of the engineer.

[@h10aus]

Hey Darko...so which your current favourite smart phone with the best DAC mate?

[@masnaumeed]

14:55 "This is a big piece of Schiit" Was waiting for that pun through the whole video

[@DoNultima]

Saw it coming a mile away and still cracked up

[@ghiagoo]

Does anyone really want a big piece of Schiit?

[@mikelucey5035]

Or maybe just a schittpyle.

[@zodspeed]

i laughed so hard lmao

[@CarlosPanades]

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@theguitaramptech]

THANK YOU! I’m now ALMOST understanding DAC.

[@ethimself5064]

🤣🤣

[@christinearmington]

Same!

[@kudzu01]

I could still use a good interpreter.

[@VirtualGuth]

As a music lover now in my late 50's, who has long avoided crossing the mental chasm that exists within myself regarding external DAC's, I sincerely wanted to thank you for this particular video. Planned well in advance or not, this was one of the most straightforward pieces covering the basics of what is really needed to proceed successfully in this realm that I have found. By including the so-called distractions as you've done here and pointing out why you actually consider them to be distractions is beneficial in a variety of ways. I wanted you to know that I really appreciated this aspect of your approach as well. Fantastic video, once again - thanks very much!

[@glazedjesus]

"big piece of schiit" caught me off guard, well done

[@koditv6296]

Came looking for this...lol

[@charlespratt4935]

I appreciate your “let’s keep it simple “ philosophy and the resulting explanations. I’m not a technophile, but I can follow your narratives quite easily.

[@peterahlberg6512]

Great video, breaking down this topic! The most valuable tip for me is to chose a DAC based on how it sounds, playing what I normally listen to, rather than chasing specs. Obvious when you think about it, but so easy to get lost in this wonderful world of Hifi :)

[@Prince_Pig]

What a great explanation on DACs. I lost count on the number of times the penny dropped. Thanks.

[@Hawk999]

Yep, same for me. Thanks John. 👍🏻

[@StevenSchmitt]

I love John's videos. (The take-a-way) "Hey, you might want to try an external DAC because by doing so your music might sound better." Well alright then... Keep up the great work👍

[@HP83Smoke]

Subscribed. Simple honest advice, presented in a simple manner. Can't beat that schiit.

[@xaxx1st]

Wait... only grampa's are allow such punning!

[@nsw72]

Brilliant upload. Making sense of the "new" tech for dodos like myself who have been mystified for a while regarding this technology. Cheers, John! 👍👍

[@winksworks]

You have a natural tallent for explaining things on camera.

[@miguelbarrio]

It’s great you highlight the importance of redbook (aka CD quality) playback - I find that this is not stressed enough given most of the digital content is available in this format. And frankly, most of the high res content doesn’t sound any better than their CD versions. I think in fact DAC reviews should always have a section analyzing how well a particular DAC plays redbook.

[@PureMoods85]

Please do more videos like this as it was full of useful information and we can use these videos as a reference in the future ... Maybe start a series on How to build a Hi-Fi system for beginners as some of us are not experts. To date, I have spent nearly £8,000 on a system which sounds excellent I didn't know anything about Hi-fi systems until I started watching your Videos less than a year ago !!

[@Gravy_Master]

My name is Gravy Master, and I am DAC-curious.

[@justinpatterson4164]

I really loved hearing about gear you used to use. To some of us beginners, it can seem like audiophiles just start out with the best of the best, and it’s refreshing to hear stuff about your journey to where you are now!

[@tonybennett1306]

That Marantz CD player was the go to CD player back in the day. Great sound for a sensible price. I'm only just starting to really get back into my audio setups now because life got in the way, so its nice to see something I can relate to in videos like this one. I need a half decent DAC to feed my Swan speakers so I can hear them at their full potential, hence watching videos like this where someone just speaks openly, honestly, and without all the waffle so many others are prone too.

[@uniqhnd23]

I love how you're actually a guy who genuinely knows what he's talking about through years of experience instead of some big name KZbinr who acts like they know what they're talking about when in reality, they just got sponsored.

[@mumulove]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SHIIIITTTTT! WHO YOU TALKIN BOUT???

[@cattusfattus6369]

Who?

[@Audio_Simon]

The reason to buy a DAC is because it can be used with multiple digital sources. Why pay for a good DAC in every device when you can have one that does for all? My TV, CD, PC and ChromeCast streamer all connect to one DAC (and also benefit from the DSP room correction it applies). GET A DAC WITH MULTIPLE INPUTS! ...Distraction: some DACs even include a volume control so they can be connected directly to active analog speakers or a power amp.

[@robbintories]

Another great video John, always look forward to your videos popping up. I'd be pretty chuffed if you could do a beginners guide to streaming, something I'd like to get into but don't have any experience with. In particular what I find a headache is how to rip the hundreds of cd's I have, in the best possible format, store them and be able to play them through something like the LS50 wireless or a more traditional amp and standmounts. Anyway great work, and thanks for your efforts.

[@Damsjov]

I know of no one who can connect a cable in a more satisfying way... Also: "audio file" 👍

[@elcolin_]

Would any of the DACs discussed thus far in the video (I'm 15min in lol) make audio coming out of a desktop PC also sound better the same way you say it will make audio sound better coming from the Macbook laptop? I can't figure out if the onboard audio on my motherboard (ASUS Crosshair Hero VIII) is any worse than an external DAC. If I buy a DAC, I want/need to make sure it's going to sound better than my current setup: USB output into 3.5mm headphone jack Y-split out to Left & Right powered M-AUDIO BX5a studio monitors.... so many things to choose from, sheesh!

[@atticusrussell1225]

Yes it should. But buy on Amazon and it there's no difference just return it. Try a Modi If you wanna be cost effective

[@MrBlitzpunk]

It cleans up the sound, that's for sure. No need to get too expensive into DACs as the difference is quite negligible in an untrained ears. I've tried a 13$ dongle DAC vs a 130$ DAC and honestly couldn't tell the difference. If i can't tell the difference between 10x jumps in price i don't think it's worth going any higher, but that's just me. Keep in mind if you buy a dedicated DAC you'd also need to buy a dedicated Amp to go with it, since DACs don't usually have a headphone jack (unless it has integrated amps). And most of them won't work with headphones that has 2 separate jack for mic and audio

[@roberthardy1372]

Mr Darko - really enjoyed the general break down of ideas - connections of dacs/streamers so simple but really interesting 👍🏻 need more simple stuff - keep it going john ....

[@shahidyt]

Thanks, enjoyed the video, would like to see more “off the cuff” videos if it means more content. Since I got back in to audio, I’ve got the Chord Mojo, then based on your video I purchased a Chord Poly. For my HiFi I switched from the internal DAC on my PS Audio Sprout100 to the Modi 3. Now I have a Rotel RA-10 amp (but with KEF R300, instead of LS50) on your recommendation and a Denafrips Ares2 DAC on Steve G’s recommendation. I’ve shelved the R300 for Maggie LRS thanks to Steve too. Because of you, Steve and Zeos (Kef R300, Fiio FH7 & Stax SRS 2170) I’m a happy non-audiophile. Thank you very much

[@williamheideman1081]

Doesn’t compare to my “Realistic” tuner amp , trombonics record player, Marantz 8 track tape deck and either a Westinghouse or Hotpoint simulated wood cabinet. Also love my unbalanced chinese solid core uninsulated speaker cable...

[@nico3641]

I needed this. So many other videos assume you already know what a DAC is and why you would need one.

[@djmarc]

"a big piece of schiit" - nice one!!! Great video and explanation of DACs

[@drew5027]

Tight, concise, well presented video with a splash of dry humor - well done!!

[@rbrookes]

A very watchable channel. A massive relief after all the whiny Americans shouting at me.

[@Ccodebits]

So there is no sound without the Dac. Instead, you just get a bunch of digital code, until the DAC converts that into audible sound? Now it makes sense why different Dacs sound better than others.

[@quickdraw7675]

I bought the Chord Qutest recently, and while it certainly sounds great I didn't feel that it sounded any better in real listening and musical enjoyment terms than the Astell & Kern AK70 mk2 (less than half the cost) that I already had in my system. I realised I was already happy with my set up and was just being influenced by marketing hype and review hype. Enjoying your music is the most important thing and you really don't have to spend loads of money to get great sound. it's too easy to get swept up in the upgrade culture that surrounds hifi. There are plenty of awesome network streamers and dac s on the market now for reasonable money that will make your music sound mazing!.

[@Raidz-448]

Agreed, I've heard a few DAC's and I really struggle to tell the difference in audio quality between any of them at all

[@powdermnky007]

There needs to be a video about the difference between how dacs sound.

[@WiraB]

Agree.. cheap flat DAC without volume control and colorization (without preamp) is good enough for me. Let's other tasks conducted by preamp-power- and good speakers! 😊

[@AlonsoBonifacio]

So wait, is the DAC in the Bluesound Node 2 better than the MODI? If I have a Node 2, would it be worth getting a MODI or similar?

[@BijBijTCG]

Go for a Mytek dac with MQA

[@audiorick841]

I also have a Node 2i and also wonder how the DAC part stacks up to a MODI

[@emil1322]

"I want to keep this as simple as possible" …Gives you an entire history lesson.

[@TheEchelon]

Well, simple is relative. And just because something is lengty, doesn't mean it's complex. He could've also explain all the technicalties of how a dac works, the electrical engineering implementation and placebo effects etc.

[@kfl611]

"kiss" - keep it simple stupid, usually works best. Not that you or these comments are stupid...

[@stevenholt5484]

A good DAC won't help bad speakers.

[@Pirxel]

hey John, loved it, I'll share the video with less "audio-savy" friends that are interested. But I think at the end you missed a quick the change to mention some notable exceptions like the LG VXX series which will have an internal dac better to some external ones (especially of the older/cheaper variety).

[@Angstattacke]

Would you recommend the Shiit modi instead of the DAC inside the Node 2i?

[@davidthomson8164]

Hi, I'd be interested to hear how you would rate the Apple TV 4K (connected to a Yamaha RX-V581) for Spotify. Cheers Dave

[@tomchan4739]

Please do a guide to Streamers with or without builtin DAC.

[@dimaxxx]

Great video. Thx Darko. Btw i just got an old pre-amp from my dad which is a PROCEED PAV (preamp) with 2 channel PROCEED Amp as well. Wow when i look at the review this is wonderful. However i want to make it into "modern" hi-fi equipment so 1st thing is DAC with Bluetooth. Q1: Since the PROCEED have balance input, should i find "good value" DAC does have Balance output? how difference is it between RCA and the Balance output. Q2: And should the DAC should be DAC only? Since most DAC now has pre-amp inside or should i find a "passthrough" DAC preamp? Anyone have experience feel free to give me input. Thx.

[@paulstubbs2778]

Bluetooth is a start, however if you want to make the most of it, and the balanced inputs, then you need to go beyond bluetooth, as it employs lossy compression. However you didn't mention your audio source so that limits the reply.

[@realNikoCousin]

"Google Play Music, if it still exists" - been worried of this for the 8 years I've had it..

[@azamarman525]

Me too, love it.

[@santishorts]

Oh man, the day they announce it's going I'm going to panic. I don't mind so much having to switch to another service (even though I picked GPM for its simplicity and being uncluttered), but I have a collection of over 2000 albums in my music Library and Google gives you no way to export that list.

[@realNikoCousin]

they killed it and I'm still lost

[@kryptomiadeathmetalizer8628]

Thank you bro.. very well explained

[@davidthomson8164]

Be great to see a video comparing the audio on streamers/external DACs like the Bluesound Node with AVRs that claim to have high quality audio DACs like the Yamaha RX-V685 and Denon AVRX3600

[@jeppemichaeljensen2684]

More personal, more “basic” topics,or just more Darko !

[@joshuapinter]

I would love a detailed explanation as to how a DAC can be the size of a thumbnail all the way up to the size of a rack-mounted server, and where the value/features are coming from between the two.

[@KingKook]

Briefly, the thumbnail size DAC, such as the Dragonfly, is meant for lower impedance (portable) headphones or IEMs which do not need great quantities of power to drive them (although the amazing Cobalt Dragonfly can competently drive many 300Ω headphones.) The larger, more complex DACs normally are used in higher end audio systems because they offer superior sound processing as well as more options in the form of the outputs. Instead of just the 1/8th stereo jack of a portable DAC the more sophisticated DACs may offer Balanced Outputs in the form of dual XLR jacks which then connect to a quality per-amp or integrated amp, or Left and Right RCA outputs to connect to an amp or integrated amp, or even coax or optical outputs to connect to a muti-channel processor for a home theater system. Then there's the issue of the quality of the power supply that the DAC is using. The small portable DACS relay on USB power which may introduce noise into the signal and is very low voltage so not much amplification is possible. Better DACs tend to have much better power transformers and converters providing a more clean, consistent signal resulting in superior sound quality. And then many DACs are designed to be upgraded or user-modified, where it's possible to substitute in different DAC processor chips according to your personal tastes and as newer improved chips are developed. There are more reasons for the enormous variety of size and quality of DACs but I've listed the most common ones. Oh yeah, there's also the fact that some people have more money than brains so savvy audio companies offer outrageously priced products meant to vacuum up the poor pitiful fool's cash. Yoink!

[@tsurezright9001]

As you know, probably, chips nowadays can do a lot in a very small package. And since a DAC is a chip, itself doesn't need a whole lot of space. What does need space however are things like VRM's (Voltage Regulator Modules). A better regulated power in the system = better sound. Though you can get into audiophile territory here, for example: they make watches nowadays that are accurate to 1 second of drift in a thousand years. Do you need that? Probably not, but if you have the money to spare.... Also, you can technically improve sound by makeing sure the dac is always at exactly the same temperature. This will, again technically, improve sound. But things like that cost space, also you want to keep power channels and analogue sound channels away from each other as much as possible to avoid interference. So, to sum this up: a lot of things can improve sound, but it's like trying to see the picture quality of 2 screens that are basically the same, but 1 is 4k and the other is 1080p and you have to judge it from across the room. It can be done, but a lot of people can't.

[@rsq72]

Hi John. Recently bought a pair of Sennheiser HD 58X, BLON BL-03 and an EarStudio ES100 BT receiver (wanted a Dragonfly Cobalt but this was a third the price, and I'm cheap!) and I'm LOVING getting back into HiFi sound thanks to your channel along with Steve Guttenburg, Z Reviews and others. Need to pull out some old KEF reference speakers and a NAD A/V receiver that have been in the loft for a decade as we have a pair of SONOS Play 5s. Next stop, Tidal (we have Spotify) and a THX amp. This could get addictive and expensive!

[@mashidesu01]

I myself was clueless about these DAC/Amp stuff like why some IEMS and Speakers can costs thousands of dollars until I was curious enough to step into those audio shops, where they allow you to experience them for yourself. I was quite skeptical myself until I experienced them 3 years ago and gotten friendly opinions or advises from the audio shop staffs. Like Darko mentioned, every DAC sounds different from one another. I even find it funny that different quality of audio cables too affect the way the sounds project. In the end, it all depends on mix and match of the headphones/speakers + DAC + AMP or even the cables quality to get the listening experience you're after for. Always never ever buy them blindly without testing them for yourself. For me I would check out some reviews of those gears and then visit those audio shops to test them out myself. Currently I'm using the Chord Mojo + Campfire Andromeda Gold IEMs with Ares II cables.

[@e7mnhkuk]

I remembered that one generation of iPod player was highly sought after due to its Wolfson chip. That was ages ago, I can't even remember what happened to my iPod!

[@SkullLeader]

Yup. It's true, I still have one!

[@BoyarsMedia]

Me too. Is the audioquest dragonfly chip much different than the fantastic audio in an iPod?

[@madsupervilian.]

THANK YOU for your explanation. Thank goodness I saved my fathers CD music collection (shit load of thousand of serious eclatic of music) and starting to understanding his favorite past time listening to his 2-channel setup audio setup. The Mcintosh Mc2205 and C29 Preamp. Thanks Pops, RIP you a great man, I love you!

[@nfrank99]

This was an excellent introduction to DACs. I learned so much more in your 18 minute video than I did hunting for articles on the topic. Thank you for the clear and easy to understand presentation.

[@botdamian5688]

I like how you call it distraction. Not everything is ironic, wish more people did such things, being simple.

[@Djokkinss]

"the chord cutest DAC sounds better than this Shit mode" i can't get it out of my head

[@Steger13]

Hi, question, you seam to know what you talking about:) i just got speakers (EDIFIER Studio R2730DB And i like to know what kind of DAC i need to buy to blug them to my pc? The pc just have a normal sound card. Thank for your help. For the price it would be around $150 to $250

[@ajreis536]

Love your presentation style, really chills me in the evening! Also trying to make a purchase decision in the next 24h, started research 24h ago XD: Really goo info!

[@ajreis536]

Also clarified the whole audio system ! YEEY, XD Goodbuy Money :'(

[@chaseroyell7227]

I didnt think I was going to like this vid, but I gave it a chance. So glad I did. You hit it out of the park! (or in your country...GOOOOAAALLL) When it came to DACs, I alway looked at the High Res function first... Higher Res means its "better" right? I will not be "distracted" by that way of thinking anymore. Cheers! Keep up the vids for beginners. I (we) enjoy them not to mention need them.

[@just.for.the.downshifts]

Clear, concise, non douchy. Appreciate the information. Subbed

[@humbertoazevedo850]

Hello John, thank you for excellent video. I have a Node Bluesound connected a Musical Fidelety M6SI and I think its working well. In that case an external dac could be used to improve the sound quality?

[@esbenrasmussen4289]

can you give us an impression of how these days sound different. I have found that the audio community have a lot of myths, like the thick cables with off copper and silver

[@moricemeandros3049]

Very well explained. Thanks!

[@jharcombe4208]

Exactly the type of information I'm looking for as I explore my digital setup and getting the best possible sound for my music collection and getting it to my speakers. Thank You

[@epix8012]

all I learned today was about Schitt and Dongle!

[@monkeygrp]

Such a good watch! I love how you repeat the fundamental truth: external DACs just sound better. My first external DAC was a Dragonfly black, v1.2. It was US$100. I swear to anyone who is on the fence about spending the money, I can hardly think of another example of $100 buying me so much happiness. The difference to my home stereo was immediate and striking. To make sure I wasn't crazy, I did some blind sound tests on my wife--a self-described non-audiophile. She also fell in love, and could instantly hear the difference 100% of the time.

[@HFIntegrale]

I really want to get one. How can i connect one to a phone (Note 10+) that doesn't have a headphone jack? And also, is there a way for it to improve sound over Bluetooth? (sorry if this is a dumb question).

[@JT_6233]

@@HFIntegrale You always connect it via USB to your smartphone :) Because the DAC needs the audio in digital form so that it can work properly. The Note 10+ supports OTG which means with an USB C to A Adapter you can use this thing as your sound output device.

[@OkieDokieSmokie]

Got too baked. Only part I remembered was the distractions...

[@MojoMagic977]

Did you feel like you were on another planet?

[@bongofury3176]

I've just ventured into the world of a Chord 2Qute DAC...absolutely stunning. Best hifi separate I have bought in 30 years

[@Quetzalcoatl0]

How do we know if dac A will sound better than dac B, when we can't hear them ? Most of the good dacs are sold onside my country and i can't just go to a local shop and have a listen.

[@dannyr6485]

I have been using the DAC in my preamp as my primary means to convert digital to analog but now I'm considering a standalone DAC. I have multiple sources (CD player, smart TV, xbox etc) but the external DACs seem to have only one input. How would I be able to use or switch different sources?

[@mikomiko9733]

No, an external dac can have many inputs: Coaxial, Toslinkl USB.

[@Rascallucci]

@@mikomiko9733 I have never used an external DAC before, so please bear with me. But, each connection type has its own technical limitations as to how hi-res it could go right? Take the Chord Cutest for example, USB-B can handle 32 bit/768 kHz PCM/DSD 512, coaxial 24 bit/384 kHz or optical 24 bit/192 kHz DSD 64. And if you have multiple sources, you would have to compromise I suppose since you don't have multiple USB-B inputs? So, my CD/SACD hybrid player's DAC upsamples to 32 bit/192 kHz, do I still use an external DAC? Or like Darko says here, don't look at the numbers or the chip as there are other factors like the quality of the analogue output stage of the external DAC?

[@arthurott4561]

Why waste money on a good DAC if you're just going to feed it noisy, jittery garbage from a crApple laptop? That's insane.

[@DarkoAudio]

Whilst I applaud you for recognising that there IS a difference between transports, perhaps you might watch the video again and take note of this topic as a newcomer's distraction?

[@clegga]

Arthur Ott I agree with you. Also streaming Spotify rather than a lossless service also makes little sense. The source is key; a lossless (gapless) bit perfect source at 16/44 will make a huge improvement and should be the go to source before you start wasting money on (expensive) stand alone DACs.

[@danieldurling]

I'd been saving this up, finally watched it today and I really enjoyed it

[@idlecaptain]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@perevozchikovyaroslav4759]

Great review! Simple and easy to understand! THANK YOU!

[@sirjohnpiraan1662]

Its still quite sad; more number of people dont really care about all this - and sound is last priority vs other short term wow factors.

[@HazzaMan56110]

I swear by my Schiit dac best value out there imo

[@lupegonzales5120]

Darko, you rock brother! The delivery of the information that you provide, versus how countless other KZbin bloggers provide is what keeps me watching, connected and subscribed. I am sharing this video with a couple other of fellow novice audio enthusiasts. Keep up the great work!

[@burkhall1]

Thanks so much John for helping me up the beginner curve!

[@markd4292]

John. This really helped me out in terms of understanding them and making a decision. Have you had the chance of hearing the ADI 2 DAC? It is a professional DAC but they also have a commercial. Anyway, I got a lot from this video. Thank you.

[@richardkuipers7295]

Topping D10 here wonderful piece of technology for a bargain price ........ maybe even the best bang for the buck out there

[@DueM]

toppings standalone dacs are really solid, i gave my father my d20 and he's been stoked with it. we're in the process of digitizing his cd collection so he can access it from a tablet, he's 85 and constantly amazed.

[@DarkoAudio]

Alas, a DIY enclosure means it isn't beginner friendly.

[@alfagtv533]

I use mine daily, at work. Amazing quality and sound for the buck! Even comparing to my Nagra DAC!

[@chinrenyu4299]

Hi John, i just started getting into the HiFi world, and was wondering if I could use a headphone DAC (with 3.5mm out) with bookshelf speakers. My logic is as such. USB connect from my laptop to the DAC, which i then use an aux cable to connect the DAC to my amp, which only has Bluetooth and RCA inputs.

[@StallionV8]

Chin Ren Yu, In short, yes. I am using my headphone amp/dac as an external DAC for my hifi system. Granted I have a line level output on mine. If your 3.5mm out is controlled by volume knob you can hook it up directly to a power amp (vs an integrated amp) and if plugging into an integrated amp, “turn up” your headphone DAC/amp all the way and control the volume on your downstream device.

[@homebrewinstrumentals7700]

I learnt a lot from this, thankyou