Capability

Digital-to-analogue conversion

Digital-to-analogue conversion turns digital audio into an analogue electrical signal that can feed an amplifier.

A DAC performs this function in a separate box or inside another product, such as a CD player. The player’s digital output passes audio onward without this conversion; its analogue output uses the converter.

Reading the specs

Check the supported audio formats, sample rates and bit depths for the input you plan to use. In PCM (pulse-code modulation) audio, sample rate means samples per second; bit depth means bits per sample. USB, optical and coaxial inputs may accept different signals, so a single headline maximum does not describe every connection.

A fixed analogue line output leaves volume control elsewhere in the system. A variable output lets the DAC adjust the level. Neither kind of line output can power passive loudspeakers directly: they still need a power amplifier.

Product categories with this capability

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DAC

Specifications

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USB Driver Support
- USB Driver Support — DAC
ST Optical Input
- ST Optical Input — DAC
Proprietary Link Input
- Proprietary Link Input — DAC
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HDMI ARC/eARC Input
- HDMI ARC/eARC Input — DAC
Volume Control
- Volume Control — DAC
Filter Names
- Filter Names — DAC
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Maximum Bit Depth (PCM)
- Maximum Bit Depth (PCM) — DAC
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Dynamic Range
- Dynamic Range — DAC
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BNC S/PDIF Input
- BNC S/PDIF Input — DAC
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Converter Layout
- Converter Layout — DAC
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DAC Converter
- DAC Converter — DAC
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Filter Types
- Filter Types — DAC
I2S Input
- I2S Input — DAC
MQA Support
- MQA Support — DAC
Output Voltage (Balanced)
- Output Voltage (Balanced) — DAC
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Output Stage Build
- Output Stage Build — DAC
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Dual AES Input
- Dual AES Input — DAC
USB Isolation
- USB Isolation — DAC
Maximum Sample Rate (PCM)
- Maximum Sample Rate (PCM) — DAC
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Optical USB Input
- Optical USB Input — DAC
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Output Voltage (Unbalanced)
- Output Voltage (Unbalanced) — DAC
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Conversion Type
- Conversion Type — DAC
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Digital Filter Mode
- Digital Filter Mode — DAC
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Selectable Digital Filters
- Selectable Digital Filters — DAC
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Roon Tested
- Roon Tested — DAC
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Sources

Digital-to-Analog Converter Basics — Analog Devices
DacMagic 200M User Manual — Cambridge Audio
CD14MKII Owner’s Manual — Rotel
Audio Chain — Benchmark Media Systems