The Top Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) for Amazing Digital Music 2024

There are a LOT of DACs out there, so “Best DAC Overall” is not a label we take lightly. High-quality audio is a fickle thing. There are so many factors that play a role in how we hear our music, but like clockwork, the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M gets it right every single time. There were a lot of factors to consider, but at the end of the day, we crowned the DacMagic 200M as the best DAC overall because it provides the highest possible streaming quality for every streaming service, it’s easy to set up and easier to use, the whole suite of connections/Bluetooth capabilities ensures that any device can sound its best, and of course, it just looks so dang cool. It's no surprise that it's also our best-selling DAC, so don't just take our word for it... though, that is why you're here.

A big first for Cambridge Audio, this DAC (digital audio converter), supports MQA. If you don’t know, MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers studio-quality audio with a file size small enough to stream using platforms like Tidal, for example. In fact, the DacMagic 200M will acknowledge when it’s streaming MQA and the indicator on the front will turn blue when streaming an MQA Studio file, (a file approved in the studio by the artist or producer or has been verified by the copyright owner), or green when playing/decoding an MQA music file.

The heart of the DacMagic 200M is a pair of ESS Sabre digital-to-analogue converters. They handle digital audio files up to 32bit/768kHz or DSD512, meaning they can deal with digital music stored on CDs, smartphones, computers - or anywhere else. Once a digital file is uploaded to the DacMagic 200M, its twin DACs convert it to analog information while keeping all of the original dynamics and detail intact. Because the analog signal it sends to your audio set-up is so clean, you’ll end up with a sound bigger than the box it came from.

Digital optical, digital coaxial and USB inputs mean easy connection for CD players, gaming consoles, laptops, or any other digital equipment. Thanks to its Bluetooth aptX capabilities, it’s just as easy to wirelessly deliver files from your smartphone or tablet, too!

All-in-all, this DAC delivers and it's at a mid-range price point for someone looking to upgrade the audio quality of their system. Plus, we trust Cambridge Audio and their reputation for engineering in the pursuit of pure, hi-fi music reproduction. Just take a look at our our full review of their next-level EVO 150 all-in-one player here and you'll get it.

For the people that want a one-and-done quick and easy setup, look no further. Faster processing, a refined control dial, more connectivity options, and a 13% increase in internal volume are all improvements you’ll see on the second generation of the Naim Mu-so.

All the controls and menus are conveniently in the dial on top of the device. Input options, multiroom functions, and shortcuts to your five favorite applications as well as indicators for AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify, and of course, play/pause and volume control are all on the dial as well for quick access to all your streaming essentials.

Speaking of streaming, the Naim Mu-so comes with a wide range of connectivity options like HDMI arc, optical, and a 3.5 connector but can also handle wireless setups using Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify, Tidal, and Roon Ready. This all-in-one is ready to handle just about any sort of connection you’re going to throw at it.

Oh, it can also be a sound bar. A sound bar that gives some of the best a run for their money, too! 450 watts between six speakers (courtesy of the legendary Focal Audio), all work together to let the Mu-so pump out volume and some seriously crisp and clean sound without an overbearing low-end. Put it all together and you’ll see very quickly why the Naim Mu-so is the best all-in-one DAC system.

The iFi Audio Go blu is a tiny and powerful DAC that’s fully capable of 24bit/96Khz using a wired connection through its USB-C port or with Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth communication protocol. It's a versatile amplifier that handles standard and balanced headphones, while being about the size of a Zippo lighter and weighing less than a battery.

It’s small, light, and thoughtfully designed. The slightly textured back means it doesn’t slip in your hand, and the tiny crown wheel on the side allows you to adjust volume with a tactile feel. The convenient button within the crown allows you to play, pause, and skip tracks with the press of a button.

Aging myself, the Go blu is like the old trusty tape deck adapter every car in the 90s had so your new portable CD player could play in your 1984 Dodge Omni by bringing new technology to old connections. The Go blu will breathe new life into your old trusty headphones that aren’t Bluetooth capable but still rip.

There’s even a microphone in the Go blu to add one more level of convenience. Connect it to your phone, tablet, computer, or even your TV to enjoy music or movies with astounding audio with your wired headphones.

The world of DACs can get really confusing and really expensive very quickly. For the people who just want to upgrade their sound without investing in a whole new system or are just new to the world of high-end audio, the iFi Audio Zen DAC V2 might just be the best option for you.

It’s simple to use, you can find any of the controls you need right on the front and inside a 16-bit XMOS controller helps this unit reproduce incredible audio and even decode MQA (master quality audio) files so you can stream hi-res audio from platforms like Tidal or Qobuz. The true bass knob allows for easy access to a nice bass boost which is great for any headphones that may tend to lack low-end strength.

The volume is controlled by a big and smooth aluminum knob that has a nice backlight that is used to confirm the type of audio input you’re using and that you’re using MQA decoding.

The iFi Zen DAC is the best DAC and Headphone Amplifier under $200 because it brings a ton of value at a modest cost. A nice boost in sound quality, versatility for different types of headphones, and hi-res capabilities? Sounds like a no-brainer to us!