Are you searching for the best hi-fi DACs under $1000? Look no further! In this post, we review the top standalone DACs on the market so you can find the perfect one for your needs and budget.
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is essential to any digital hi-fi system. It converts digital audio signals from your computer, streaming device, or other digital source into analog signals that can be played through your speakers or headphones.
If you’re looking for a great DAC under $1000, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the type of inputs and outputs you need. Most basic DACs have optical and coaxial inputs, but the more advanced models also have USB, HDMI, or balanced XLR inputs for greater flexibility.
Outputs typically include analog RCA and XLR outputs, but some DACs have headphone outputs. In this article, we will concentrate on standalone DACs, or DACs without a headphone amp, so you will not see any headphone outputs on this list.
Another important factor to consider is the DAC’s chip. The chip is responsible for converting the digital audio signal into an analog signal, and the quality of the chip will significantly impact the sound quality of your system.
We also believe that chips from different manufacturers also have a “house sound,” meaning that AKM chips usually have a warmer, smoother sound than an ESS chip, which is generally cooler and more analytical. That’s not to say that a DAC manufacturer can’t alter this with modifications.
Finally, you’ll need to decide how much you will spend. DACs can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. If you’re on a budget, we feel some great DACs are available under $ 1,000. No, you will not get the holographic accuracy you will get from a megabuck DAC, but you can still get plenty of detail, depth, and focus at this price point.
Here are a few of the best hi-fi DACs under $1000 in 2023:
- IFI Zen ONE Signature ($349.00)
The ZEN ONE Signature is not only a quality DAC but also an all-in-one hub with advanced connectivity options for high-resolution music playback. It features Bluetooth 5.1, USB, and S/PDIF inputs and 4.4mm balanced RCA and S/PDIF outputs. The Bluetooth playback supports many codecs, including aptX, apt HD, aptX Adaptive, aptXLL, LDAC & LHDC/HWA, AAC & SBC.
When paired with the ZEN CAN (sold separately) over 4.4mm balanced, it becomes a powerful headphone DAC/Amp stack. It provides crystal clear, high-resolution audio via the use of exceptional components, including an XMOS 16-core controller, Qualcomm 5100 series Bluetooth chip, Ultra-Low Jitter Audio Stage Oscillator, Texas Instruments PSU, and Burr-Brown Native DSD DAC. (Full Review)
- SMSL DO300 Balanced MQA DAC ($549.00)
The SMSL DO300 features the new ESS ES9O39MSPRO DAC chip and the new XOMS XU316 3rd generation system chip, offering impressive sample rates of up to DSD512 and PCM32bit/768kHz. The new hardware provides remarkable detail and depth over the DO200 and 200mk2. It also has a new menu that’s easier to read.
It incorporates low-noise power processing for improved efficiency, reduced consumption, and 11 high-end dual op amps and audiophile components. The DO300 supports MQA decoding and MQA-CD decoding through its USB, Optical, Coaxial, and AES inputs. It also has a new SMSL remote control that offers a better feel than older models. (Full Review)
- Schiit Audio Bifrost 2/64 ($799)
The Bifrost 2/64 by Schiit is an exceptional, fully hardware-balanced digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that delivers a superior performance to most Sub-$1000 DACs. Because it’s entirely hardware balanced, it features four 16-bit DACs (Texas Instruments DAC8812), one for each phase, and uses Schiit’s True Multibit technology with unique D/A converters and a proprietary digital filter. It also offers a Non-Oversampling mode for a bypass of the digital filter.
The device also includes Schiit’s Unison USB interface, which provides superb isolation and low power draw. The Bifrost 2/64’s Autonomy Architecture allows for easy upgrades through slide-in hardware modules and a MicroSD card slot, making it the only DAC under 1k that offers complete hardware and firmware upgradability. This product gives you a good taste of megabuck DAC performance for less than 800 bucks.
This device has versatile input options, including Coaxial SPDIF, Optical SPDIF, and USB. It offers decoding up to 24/192 for all inputs. It provides RCA (single-ended) and XLR (balanced) output options with an output impedance of 75 ohms.
When evaluating the Best Hi-Fi DACs Under $1000, it is crucial to prioritize your requirements and financial limitations. However, if your goal is to find a DAC that offers both exceptional sound quality and affordability, any of the DACs mentioned in this list would be an excellent option.
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