A beginner's guide to DACs
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- Опубликовано: 29 июн 2024
- Camera: Jana Dagdagan | Editor: John Darko
What is a DAC? Do you need one? Chances are, you already have one inside your computer, smartphone or TV. The question then becomes: do you need an external DAC to improve the sound quality of your computer, smartphone or TV?
This video is a ramble through my own personal journey with external DACs, relayed here to help newcomers better understand what a DAC does, how it might benefit their listening experience and how to avoid distractions. (Discussions about DAC chips, digital source quality and hi-res audio can come later).
The DARKO DAC Index is now a PATREON bonus:
/ johndarko
Also featured in this video...
Marantz CD-63SE:
www.whathifi.com/features/was...
Logitech Squeezebox Touch:
darko.audio/2010/09/logitech-...
darko.audio/2012/05/enhanced-...
darko.audio/2012/05/spotify-o...
Schiit Modi 3 (US$99):
darko.audio/2018/11/schiit-mo...
darko.audio/2018/11/a-short-f...
Bluesound Node 2 (US$475):
darko.audio/2018/01/further-t...
AURALiC Aries G1 (€2199):
darko.audio/2018/08/a-short-f...
Chord Qutest (€1549):
darko.audio/2018/11/a-short-f...
Resonessence Labs Concero (US$850):
darko.audio/2013/03/resonesse...
Resonessence Labs Herus (US$350):
darko.audio/2014/07/improving...
darko.audio/2014/02/dsd-vs-pc...
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (US$299):
darko.audio/2019/07/a-short-f...
darko.audio/2019/07/10-more-t...
Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 (US$2399):
darko.audio/2018/04/dial-m-fo...
KEF LS50 Wireless:
darko.audio/2016/12/kef-ls50-...
darko.audio/search/KEF+LS50+w...
UE Boom:
darko.audio/2015/01/on-the-ro...
Cables...
AudioQuest Evergreen 3.5mm to RCA:
www.audioquest.com/cables/ana...
Zu Mission RCA to RCA:
www.zuaudio.com/cable/mission...
AudioQuest Cinnamon TOSLINK:
www.audioquest.com/cables/dig...
iFi USB-C to USB-A adapter:
ifi-audio.com/products/otg-ca...
Apple Lightning to USB adapter:
www.apple.com/de/shop/product...
#dacs #beginners #audiophile
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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. :)
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.
Can't wait for the amplifier version of this video!
John good to see that you played New Order’s Movement album.
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.
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.
14:55 "This is a big piece of Schiit"
Was waiting for that pun through the whole video
Saw it coming a mile away and still cracked up
Does anyone really want a big piece of Schiit?
Or maybe just a schittpyle.
i laughed so hard lmao
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU! I’m now ALMOST understanding DAC.
🤣🤣
Same!
I could still use a good interpreter.
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!
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.
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 :)
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 RUclipsr who acts like they know what they're talking about when in reality, they just got sponsored.
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SHIIIITTTTT! WHO YOU TALKIN BOUT???
Who?
Can you do a beginners video series for other things like amps,preamps,etc
And, balanced versus non-balanced things.
Yeah, why I need a preamp if I have an amp, I can google this but I prefer John's explanation.
And, a beginner's guide to speakers and rooms.
Great idea! Count me in! A personal request: CD transports....
@@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.
"big piece of schiit" caught me off guard, well done
Came looking for this...lol
What a great explanation on DACs. I lost count on the number of times the penny dropped. Thanks.
Yep, same for me. Thanks John. 👍🏻
Brilliant upload. Making sense of the "new" tech for dodos like myself who have been mystified for a while regarding this technology.
Cheers, John! 👍👍
You have a natural tallent for explaining things on camera.
Best video ever on DACs. Your history with them really covered their evolution. Thanks John
Tight, concise, well presented video with a splash of dry humor - well done!!
I'd been saving this up, finally watched it today and I really enjoyed it
Darko, you rock brother! The delivery of the information that you provide, versus how countless other RUclips 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!
Wow, what a presenter. Didn't know anything at all about DACs but now, well I want one. Best techo presenter on youtube I've ever seen. Calm, to the point and very, very descriptive and informative. Love that you are always showing why and how you would connect these gadgets. Makes all the difference to us novices. Tip of the hat to you kind Sir.
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.
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 ....
Great and informative video John Darko! It was a long time coming. For me at least. You provided a real service here. Thank you so much for it. 👏
John, I've liked you're channel for quite some time now. But this was the best, most helpful (for me) video you've made thus far. Thank you, and keep up the great work!
Clear, concise, non douchy. Appreciate the information. Subbed
You NEVER ramble…You are THE BEST in articulating technical things for Everyone to understand!!❤ from Montreal
This is one of the most informative, beginner friendly videos I’ve ever watched. Thanks for this content! I literally started researching DACs a day ago and this already has me feeling more comfortable with my comprehension and excited to put a functional system together
I needed this. So many other videos assume you already know what a DAC is and why you would need one.
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
I love John's videos for their perfect amalgam of explanation, market(isation) context, wryness, foregrounded distractions, and a certain kind of generosity that is lacking in much of modern life.
I randomly added this to my watch later playlist because it looked interesting. Now I know what a DAC is inside amps. Very educational!
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!
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.
"I want to keep this as simple as possible"
…Gives you an entire history lesson.
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.
"kiss" - keep it simple stupid, usually works best. Not that you or these comments are stupid...
Sound advice without the distractions makes for informative listening, well done and thank you.
Well done John. Love the way you explain the different features in each of the products. Happy Holidays!
Subscribed. Simple honest advice, presented in a simple manner. Can't beat that schiit.
Wait... only grampa's are allow such punning!
Thanks so much John for helping me up the beginner curve!
Wonderful how zooming in past the distractions helps when talking about a specific HiFi component.
Sound advice...this channel is worth my time to watch!
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👍
I've just ventured into the world of a Chord 2Qute DAC...absolutely stunning. Best hifi separate I have bought in 30 years
John, this video is the epitome of why I subscribe to your channel. It’s not just that I learn new facts, rather, you help me build a learning trellis that allows me to interweave the facts and concepts into a gestalt. Thank you for your efforts!!
New to this game after the world of work taken over my life! Great information - now will connect my CD player and Chromebook via an external DAC. Thanks for clear and honest appraisal.
Great review! Simple and easy to understand! THANK YOU!
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 !!
Thanks for an interesting, intelligent and simple explanation of what these DACs are all about... well done!
You have a rare gift: explaining complex subjects in an easy to understand method and making the experience enjoyable.
More personal, more “basic” topics,or just more Darko !
VERY very helpful, very understandable. More “beginner’s guides” please! 👍🏼💗
Thank you for taking us back to the beginning and explaining the evolution of DACs. I've been trying to sort this out for a while!
John I loved the video, you answered a lot of questions I hesitated to ask. Thanks for breaking it down so simply. As always, keep up the good work.
This is well done for the beginner. Having been "into" audio since I was a kid, and buying my first true stereo system in college (38 yrs ago) I bought my first stand-alone DAC when I got into headphones 10 years back. Side note: I went thru the transition from vinyl to CD. What you have access to today from a DAC standpoint is amazing. Don't underestimate the impact of a DAC, it plays a very key role.
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.
Simple and easy to understand and not riddled with unnecessary information. Thanks
Fantastic video and thanks for creating this! Being a middle aged analog head stuck in the past, I really learned a lot. Great pacing and production! Hope you make more "beginner's guides"!
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
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...
I'm so glad that I chose to watch this video. As a budding audiophile I appreciated the simplistic explanation of where dacs are found, as well as whether or not an external dac is worth it.
Nice job. Very informative. You know your stuff 🙂 . Thanks for taking the time to do this video. Cheers.
Thank you John for explaining the DACs in such simple words.
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.
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!
Also clarified the whole audio system ! YEEY, XD
Goodbuy Money :'(
I love your channel. Finally, got it why DAC is needed. Thanks for putting this together with the history.
This was very helpful towards beginners like myself, I would love to see more contents like this.
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.
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).
@@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.
I learnt a lot from this, thankyou
This is the absolute best video for explaining a DAC.
Keep them videos coming John. Very informative to newbies like me.
I know of no one who can connect a cable in a more satisfying way... Also: "audio file" 👍
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.
Perfect, enlightening! I'm thinking more collectively now about DAC and how to approach with all my devices. The historical background provided was a huge benefit to the overall picture of the content in this video.
I love these videos. I'm an enthusiastic audio newbie. I'm eager to learn. These vids are right up my alley. Thank you!
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).
Hegel man here, although entry-level stuff. My first was a HD2, which now acts as a dac for my home office headphones. Main listening system uses a HD11. Think I'll stick to them for quite some time.
I think in this world going for what works for "you" is likely best lol.
This video was one of your best! Keep them coming in the same style.
As always, very pleasing video. Cheers for the good stuff!
I swear by my Schiit dac best value out there imo
Hahaha just what I was waiting for, I got the dragonfly cobalt today!!! Thank you!!!!! You are a star!!!
I tested the Cobalt the other day, it sure was a big improvement over the Red/Black. Have fun!
I have been watching your videos for past one Year and always enjoyed it. Your way of presentation is very good. Very informative yet simple.
That was excellent, very informative, simple and bs-less intro to Home Stereo DACs, thanks John
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!
Yup. It's true, I still have one!
Me too. Is the audioquest dragonfly chip much different than the fantastic audio in an iPod?
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
Thoroughly enjoyed this video mate. Just getting into my first desktop set up. Thank you
A comprehensive presentation ! Bravo !
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!.
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
There needs to be a video about the difference between how dacs sound.
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! 😊
Topping D10 here wonderful piece of technology for a bargain price ........ maybe even the best bang for the buck out there
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.
Alas, a DIY enclosure means it isn't beginner friendly.
I use mine daily, at work. Amazing quality and sound for the buck! Even comparing to my Nagra DAC!
This is not what I was expecting, much better - Thanks!
Thank you for explaining this so well and giving your history with DACs. I Like the format and hope you do more like this, I have seen your videos before and enjoyed them, now I will subscribe. Now I’m rambling.....!
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.
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!
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.
Eat static, now that brings back memories. Abduction was my first eat static CD I got from my brother back in 90s. Saw them live. No laptops obviously, but analog gear.
Finally! I was getting confused on what to buy next for better streaming quality for my system this is good info thank you man From San Francisco
This is the best video explaining DAC that I have seen. Thank you for making it!!!
Please do a guide to Streamers with or without builtin DAC.
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
Thank you for providing an intuitive and relaxed look at how DAC's can benefit us.
This is a bloody amazing description. Thank you.
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.
I guess I'm dac curious now
This is the only youtube video which has effectively answered all of my questions. Thank you.
This is information we all needed....even if many here already know it, the simple fact that you remind us of what so often ends up as distractions? SOOoooo on point. My next dac upgrade is taking me some time (due more to indecision than finances), and you've just help me remember what's most important. The sound, baby! The sound.
"the chord cutest DAC sounds better than this Shit mode" i can't get it out of my head
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!
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
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
Excellent presentation. One of the best !
This was very comprehensive and easy to understand. Thank you!