Our mobiles have become an essential tool in our day to day. Gone is the time when we used the phone to make calls, send messages, and little else. Now, we have real pocket computers, which boast more than enough power to move all kinds of games and applications. You can even improve its sound using a portable DAC!
Yes, today’s smartphones are small computers with an impressive capacity, more if compared to a decade ago. We talk about solutions that allow us to play, surf the Internet, use social networks, watch all kinds of multimedia content in surprising quality … And yes, listen to music.
Is a portable DAC worth it?
And is that something similar happens to the telephony sector to that of smart televisions. In the case of Smart TVs, its minimalist design where the thickness of each television presented is less, means that there is no physical space to add quality speakers. And something very similar happens with the hearing quality of current smartphones.
Yes, many models incorporate a small DAC to offer superior sound quality, even the most leading models boast Hi-Fi certification that guarantees that they can play content in high fidelity. But, due to the limited space available in such a device, its components adapt to the situation. And no, it has nothing to do with a portable DAC that integrates a terminal inside.
More than anything because a portable DAC has many more functionalities, not only for being able to reproduce more audio formats without compressing it to achieve a high acoustic landscape, but they also work better with different powers. To give you an idea, if you use cheap headphones, you will hardly notice the difference using this gadget or not.
If you have premium headphones, this accessory is essential
On the other hand, if you have more professional models, things change. Yes, it has nothing to do with what quality headphones sound like in a portable DAC to what its acoustic landscape looks like if you connect them directly to the jack input of your phone (or to the corresponding adapter if your terminal does without this element).
Now that the advantages offered by a portable DAC for mobile phones have been made clear, let’s see what options we have to significantly improve the sound quality offered by our smartphones or tablets. In addition, it must be borne in mind that these types of devices are compatible with many more formats.
Do you have an old iPod at home? Well now you are going to turn it into a powerful hi-fi system. What happens if you connect a DAC to your desktop or laptop? Well, the improvement of the sound will be so remarkable that it will simply leave you impressed. In short, a product that will satisfy the needs of the most music lovers, so that they can enjoy their favorite albums with a quality never seen before on a mobile phone.
IFi Hip-dac portable DAC
We start this compilation with one of the latest iFi solutions . We are talking about a firm with a great reputation and that boasts a range of portable DACs that will leave you speechless. And this particular model is a wonder. At the aesthetic level, the firm has opted for a design reminiscent of a flask. Even his name is a play on words, since hip flask in English is hip flask.
To this, we must add 12 hours of autonomy for a DAC that has support to improve the sound of headphones with a maximum power output of 400 mW. Add the Power Match and XBass technology that it incorporates to improve balance, and we have a round product.
Sabaj SABER9018Q2C DSD512
Secondly, we have another of the best manufacturers of this type of accessories. And the SABER9018Q2C DSD512 model from the Sabaj firm is one of its great references. Say that this unit boasts an OLED screen to access the different options available, and can also support up to 32 bits / 768 kHz and up to compatible DSD512. And if you take into account its connectivity options (2 headphone output connectors, 3.5mm UNBAL and 2.5mm BAL) you will have no problem connecting any headphone.
IFi Nano iDSD Black Label Portable DAC
We already anticipated that within this compilation you will find a few iFi solutions. But it is that it has the honor of being the manufacturer with the best range of devices, so its solutions are synonymous with quality. Taking this device as an example, to start with it should be noted that it plays all high-resolution audio formats , including DSD 256, DXD 384, PCM 384 kHz and MQA.
Add its aluminum body, which handles Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) to avoid distortion during playback. The result? An exceptional sound and that will make your phone a remarkable quality jump in its hearing aspect.
Fiio Q1 I
Do you have an iPhone or iPad? This portable DAC will be an ideal complement to Apple solutions. More than anything because it boasts of having Apple MFI certification , as well as an XMOS input chip for the USB DAC with support of up to 384 kHz / 32 bit PCM. Take a look at their reviews on Amazon to make it clear that it is a great quality product.
M-Audio Bass Traveler portable DAC
If you want an affordable model to start in this world, this unit is not going to disappoint you at all. For starters, its restrained design means you can take it wherever you want. In addition, its gain regulator is capable of supporting high quality and impedance headphones (from 16 to 100 ohms), which makes it clear that you will not be disappointed at all.
Fiio A3 (E11K)
We turn to one of the best designed models you will find. And, this Fiio A3 (E11K) bets on a body made of brushed aluminum to give this portable DAC a very premium appearance. In addition, its finishes are responsible for preventing distortions during playback, improving the overall acoustic landscape.
Add an output power of 450 mW output power, as well as a range of up to 16 hours so that the battery of this gadget is not a problem, and you have before you one of the best accessories to improve the sound quality of your mobile phone.
DAC Prozor
Continuing with this reminder of the best portable amplifiers to improve the sound of your smartphone, tablet or any other compatible device, we are going to recommend this Prozor unit. A model that has really positive ratings on Amazon. The reason? Its support for high impedance headphones (16-150 ohms), plus a professional DAC ES9018K2M to decode the sound and improve it surprisingly. And all at a price of real scandal …
HIDIZS Sonata HD Hi-Res
And what about this portable DAC that is ideal if you are looking for a simple and functional system. Yes, despite its more than measured dimensions, it hides a product that offers a significantly higher sound quality than that of your phone. And you can also connect it to your computer!
Fiio – A1
The last Fiio solution that we are going to recommend is this A1 model. A product with a very measured design, in addition to up to 13 hours of autonomy and a design that will allow you to take it wherever you want in a comfortable way.
HIDIZS S3
To finish with this compilation of the best models that you will find if you want a portable DAC to improve the audio of your phone or tablet. Like the other Hidizs model, the great strength of this device is its measured design, and the fact that it does not need any type of power to function.