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Product category

DAC

A digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) turns digital audio into an analogue signal for an amplifier. A standalone DAC provides this function in a separate box; CD players can contain it too.

Connections

Connect your source’s digital output to a matching DAC input, then connect the DAC’s analogue output to an amplifier’s or preamplifier’s line input. A line output cannot power passive speakers directly. Some DACs include a separate headphone amplifier, but this is not guaranteed.

What to check

Check the audio formats, sample rates and bit depths supported by the input you will use. Sample rate describes how often the signal is sampled; bit depth describes the number of bits per sample. USB, optical and coaxial inputs can have different limits, so the highest advertised figure may not apply to every connection.

Volume control

A fixed output needs volume control elsewhere in the system. A variable output lets you adjust the level at the DAC.

Required capabilities

Other catalogue tags

These tags occur on some products in this category. They do not confirm built-in features or compatibility.

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Specifications

This list covers specifications tracked for the category. A specification may describe several functions; follow the capability label that matches your use. A listing does not confirm a feature on an individual product.

Sources