What is DAC and does it really improve sound quality?
(Dan Tri) - If you are new to the audio world, you may have been advised to buy a separate DAC to improve sound quality. So what exactly is a DAC and does this device really make a difference?
An audio decoder and amplifier for computers (Desktop DAC/AMP) connected via USB can be used to process audio signals before sending them to headphones (Photo: APN Photography/Shutterstock).
What is DAC?
DAC is an abbreviation for "Digital-to-Analog Converter", which means a digital to analog signal converter. This is the component responsible for converting digital audio data into electrical signals so that the sound emitting device can reproduce it into sound that humans can hear.
For example, when listening to music online on Spotify, digital audio data is converted into analog signals before being sent to an amplifier and speakers or headphones.
Most digital music players today have integrated DACs. Therefore, buying an additional DAC does not always bring a noticeable difference.
However, in some cases, a separate DAC can help improve sound quality or solve the limitations of the integrated DAC circuit. Efficiency depends on the quality of available hardware, pairing equipment and usage needs.
For example, when listening to digital music on a phone, the audio data is processed by the built-in DAC before the signal is sent to the amplifier and speaker system. Therefore, TVs, computers, phones, tablets, soundbars and many other digital audio devices can all have built-in DACs.
A good quality integrated DAC can fully satisfy normal music listening needs. However, the quality of the DAC circuit, amplifier, and power supply design may vary between devices.
In cases where the integrated audio circuit produces noise, distortion, or does not meet power requirements, a separate DAC or DAC combined with an amplifier can provide a noticeable improvement.
Separate DACs come in many forms. Desktop DACs are usually connected to a computer or music player; The portable DAC is small in size and can be connected to a phone, tablet or laptop; while USB DAC uses the USB port to receive audio data from the source device.
However, separate DACs vary widely in price, and some high-end products can cost thousands of dollars. Therefore, users should determine the problem of the sound system before deciding to upgrade.
When do you need a separate DAC?
If you own a transmitter with interference (such as a PC/Laptop) combined with a headphone/speaker of good quality or better, a separate DAC is the key to "unlocking" the full power of that system (photo: Nick Beer/Shutterstock).
An external DAC can be useful if the audio output device is creating noise or distortion, especially when using wired headphones or a high-quality audio system.
In this case, a separate DAC can help separate the audio signal processing from the source device, while providing an amplifier circuit more suitable for headphones.
However, if the device in use already produces clear sound quality, without significant noise or distortion, switching to a separate DAC may not make a noticeable difference.
Another case is when the user uses a device without a 3.5mm headphone port. A portable DAC connected via USB can then act as an audio converter for using wired headphones.
For those using high-impedance or low-sensitivity headphones, it's not just the DAC that matters, but also the headphone amplifier. Some devices are sold as DAC/AMP, combining both functions in one product.
If the headphones don't reach the desired volume level or the sound distorts when the volume is turned up, a suitable amplifier may be more helpful than simply replacing the DAC.
Do expensive DACs sound better?
A separate DAC will allow your system specializing in playing high-quality digital music (Hi-Res Audio, Lossless) to fully exploit underground data, helping you hear microscopic details that are hidden (photo: DC Studio/Shutterstock).
High price does not mean the DAC definitely provides better sound quality.
Modern DACs can achieve very high levels of performance, where differences in noise, distortion and conversion accuracy can be below the threshold that most listeners can perceive under normal conditions.
Therefore, if the goal is to improve the music listening experience, users do not necessarily have to choose a DAC that is too expensive.
In many systems, headphones or speakers have a more pronounced effect on sound quality. With speaker systems, speaker placement and the acoustics of the listening room can also make a significant difference.
Therefore, before investing in a separate DAC, users should determine what problems the current system is having. If the integrated DAC already meets your needs well, upgrading may not bring about a significant change.
On the contrary, if the system exhibits noise, distortion, lack of power, or the source device does not have a suitable connection to the headphones, a separate DAC or suitable DAC/AMP may be a solution worth considering.