Read More Audiophile DAC & CD Player Reviews
Ferrum Wandla HP Digital to Analog Converter Reviewed
These are exciting times to be an audiophile. It wasn’t long ago that really good-sounding equipment was financially out of reach for many of us. Value-oriented companies such as Schiit, Topping, Benchmark and countless others have been pushing back against… Read the Review »
Denafrips Terminator-Plus15th DAC Reviewed
I continue my digital music journey and remain optimistic about where things are headed as recording quality, high-definition music source options, and the playback gear continue to improve. I love the high-def streaming services, with Qobuz being my personal favorite for sound quality.… Read the Review »
Onkyo ICON C-30 CD Player Reviewed
Onkyo as a brand is in a time of resurgence. After being somewhat dormant for a few years while the company was for sale, Onkyo has re-remerged with the ICON product line in 2025 with the M-80 amplifier, the P-80… Read the Review »
PS Audio PMG Signature 512 DAC Reviewed
I recently reviewed the PS Audio PMG Signature preamp (read my review) and was highly impressed. I remember it sounding extremely open, highly detailed and blazingly fast, but never edgy or harsh. When I had the opportunity to review another PS Audio Signature… Read the Review »
Fosi Audio ZD3 Balanced Stereo DAC Reviewed
The old curmudgeon was right. I am eating my hat right now, because some visionary from the days of antiquity has decided that all we need are $200 DACs and anything beyond that is akin to investing in wooden nickels.… Read the Review »
FiiO K15 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier Reviewed
My first thought when I learned that I was receiving the FiiO K15 desktop DAC and headphone amplifier was that the name was a mouthful, which was quickly followed by excitement, as FiiO is one of the Chi-Fi brands that… Read the Review »
Metronome DSC mini DAC Reviewed
The French audiophile brand Metronome was founded in 1987 and is known for building some of the finest digital components available. Historically, this has been a company that has only made very, very high-end audiophile components. Luckily, this is changing… Read the Review »
Shanling CR60 Compact Disc Transport and Ripper Reviewed
One of the more challenging questions for many audiophiles who own a physical media collection is how to both play your Compact Discs and get them ripped to your network server or wherever you like to keep your music files.… Read the Review »
S.M.S.L. D400EX DAC Reviewed
If you’re familiar with Chinese-made audiophile products (Chi-Fi), then you have likely heard of S.M.S.L. One of their integrated amplifiers, the S.M.S.L DA-8S (read the review), was among the first products ever reviewed on this site, back in 2022. While… Read the Review »
TEAC UD-507 DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amplifier Reviewed
The TEAC UD-507 is a completely redesigned 500 series DAC/preamp/headphone amplifier that TEAC says incorporates trickle-down technology from their reference TEAC 701 series design concept, but in a more compact two-thirds form factor. Given its smaller size, many music enthusiasts’… Read the Review »
Gustard DAC-X18 DAC Reviewed
One of the most popular conversations in the audiophile community today is centered around the value of Chi-Fi DACs. With companies like Topping, which have products that are priced at $1,000 (and lower) that can punch many times above their weight class,… Read the Review »
HiFi Rose RD160 Digital to Analog Converter Reviewed
Last year, HiFi Rose introduced the RS130 (read my review), their first and only state-of-the-art dedicated network transport (streamer, no DAC) at a retail price of $5,195, was one of their most expensive products at that time. Obviously, HiFi Rose… Read the Review »
Topping D70 Pro Sabre DAC Reviewed
You won’t have to search the audiophile portion of the Internet too hard to see how Chinese-made gear has disrupted the audiophile market. Companies such as Topping, S.M.S.L. and others have brought audiophile DACs to market with features on the surface that their North American… Read the Review »
Linear Tube Audio Aero Tube DAC Reviewed
Much like the FutureAudiophile.com crew, Linear Tube Audio’s team tends to attend the best regional audiophile shows all over the continent. Nicholas and his team are a fun-loving group of guys, and their audiophile-grade hotel room demos always sound notably… Read the Review »
McIntosh MDA200 DAC Reviewed
Perhaps no single brand in the history of audio defines the high end of the hobby more than McIntosh. The marquee’s legacy dates back before the boom in popularity of music, as well as audio, in the late 1960s. In… Read the Review »
Topping D90 III Sabre DAC Reviewed
One of the most exciting yet volatile categories in the audiophile hobby includes DACs and streamers. Without question, the Chi-Fi brands have disrupted this category in ways that can only be seen as good for mainstream consumers and value-seeking audiophiles alike. External DACs was… Read the Review »
Bricasti M19 SACD and Compact Disc Transport Reviewed
I am quite invested in Bricasti, having put 15 years into adding and upgrading their products as the core of my ever-changing audiophile reference system. When the news came across my desk of the new Bricasti Design M19 (M19) transport, I had… Read the Review »
Weiss Engineering Helios DAC Reviewed
With over four decades in the art and science of audio, Daniel Weiss started his audio tenure in 1979 with pioneering company Studer, then founded his own company making pro series equipment and moved into home audio in 2000. I… Read the Review »
T+A DAC 200 DAC/Preamplifier Reviewed
In my last T+A review we discussed how the source component performs the critical job of injecting the audio you want to listen to into your system while keeping it pristine. I would argue that this next component has an… Read the Review »
iFi Zen One Signature Digital to Analog Converter Reviewed
In some ways, there are few things that will be as important to the modern audiophile as their DAC, as the vast majority of music today is being listened to through digital sources. Streaming continues to get more and more… Read the Review »
T+A MP200 Multi Source Player Reviewed
The first component in your audio system playback chain is your source component, and it’s arguably the most critical in your system. Your source component needs to be able to play your media and get it to the rest of… Read the Review »
PS Audio Stellar Gold Digital to Analog Converter Reviewed
PS Audio is one of the most time-tested and trusted brand names in the audiophile hobby. Not every audiophile knows that, a few years back, PS Audio made the controversial move to dump all of their traditional dealers, thus leaving… Read the Review »
Bricasti M3 Audiophile DAC Reviewed
The audiophile world is jam-packed with companies making uber-expensive components that cost what they cost mainly because of scarcity, esoterica and, sometimes, simple gross profiteering. Bricasti’s audiophile offerings are a breath of fresh air in this sometimes-polluted world of technological… Read the Review »
Chord Qutest DAC Reviewed
The Chord Qutest audiophile DAC is a small form factor $1,595 dedicated digital-to-analog converter designed for both audiophile and desktop solutions. Made in England, this diminutive DAC is built to survive any possible unforeseen nuclear fallout, with its thick aluminum… Read the Review »
Benchmark Media DAC3 B Digital to Analog Converter Reviewed
Audiophiles today have more and more digital music options available to them, thanks to the last of the spinning disc players and countless options in the streamer and/or endpoint market. Many of the above audiophile digital source components come with… Read the Review »
Jay’s Audio CDT3 MK3 Compact Disc Transport Reviewed
Streaming music is all the rage for audiophiles of all ages and at any level of progress in the hobby. Vinyl has had an unlikely comeback with today’s youth, perhaps as an anti-technology statement to their often-too-connected or too-much-blue-light world… Read the Review »
Bricasti Design M1 Series II DAC Reviewed
The $12,000 Bricasti Design M1 has been beating oligarch audio-level DACs exceeding $50,000 in performance since 2010. It has won numerous awards over its tenure and made it into the engineering studios of world-famous music halls and countess audiophile systems at the… Read the Review »
Marantz SACD 30n CD/SACD Player Reviewed
The Marantz SACD 30n SACD player (buy at Crutchfield), like the recently reviewed Model 30 integrated amplifier, has a blend of old-school features and design with modern technology. Marantz calls the SACD 30n a complete digital source player, and while it does not handle… Read the Review »
Schiit Yggdrasil+ OG DAC Reviewed
The Schiit Yggdrasil+ OG (Yggdrasil+) is one of three currently available versions of the company’s flagship, audiophile digital-to-analog converter. OG—in case you’re not familiar with early-1970s street slang or early-1990s hip-hop culture—stands for “Original Gangsta,” because it is the original… Read the Review »
Music Hall CD25.3 CD Player Reviewed
Music Hall recently released its latest audiophile Compact Disc player, the CD25.3, a no-nonsense source component that is very competitively priced for an audiophile-grade disc spinner at $649. Music Hall is well-known for its high-value offerings in the audiophile world, ranging… Read the Review »
Benchmark DAC3 HGC DAC Reviewed
The Benchmark DAC3 HGC (buy at Amazon) is one flavor of many in their DAC 3 line-up. The HGC model is a full-featured, mature DAC rocking the latest and greatest ESS ES9028PRO chipset. At 37 years strong, Benchmark has been making studio-grade electronics… Read the Review »
PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK2 Review
About eight years ago, PS Audio introduced the PerfectWave DirectStream audiophile DAC to quite a bit of audiophile fanfare. It immediately garnered significant acclaim and was praised for its sonic capabilities relative to its price. Introduced late in 2022 (but… Read the Review »
Meitner MA3 DAC Reviewed
In the early days of digital audio, Ed Meitner was frequently asked about circuit design from industry people interested in his ideas. It was this recognition of an insight into digital audio that led to one of the most innovative… Read the Review »
Bricasti M21 Platinum Series DAC Reviewed
Bricasti Design was founded in 2004 by two executives formerly associated with Lexicon. Bricasti’s initial focus was on the pro audio side, and the company immediately gained a solid reputation thanks to its M7 reverb unit. Before long, Bricasti turned… Read the Review »
NAD C 538 Compact Disc Player Reviewed
NAD is a company with a long-standing history (50 years, in fact) of making great products. The NAD C 538 (buy at Crutchfield) is a great example of what the company does so well, as it’s a straightforward entry-level Compact Disc player… Read the Review »
FiiO K9 Pro DAC/Preamplifier/Headphone Amplifier Reviewed
The first time I saw a FiiO audio component, the old nursery rhyme “fee, fi, fo, fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman” popped into my head. FiiO’s track record of commandeering the market share of their competitors from… Read the Review »
iFi GO bar DAC/Headphone Amp Reviewed
The GO bar by iFi (buy at Crutchfield) is a $329, ultra-portable USB-based audiophile DAC and headphone amplifier. If you want to know what I mean by ultra-portable, it is approximately the size of my index finger (15/16 inch wide,… Read the Review »
Grace Design m900 DAC Reviewed
An audiophile digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is a device that converts a digital signal into an analog waveform that your speakers can produce and your ears will ultimately understand. DACs are in everything these days. They are ubiquitous devices that perform… Read the Review »
iFi xDSD Gryphon DAC/Headphone Amp Reviewed
Updated October 2026: The iFi xDSD Gryphon has been discontinued. Its replacement is the iFi iDSD GR 2 (buy at Crutchfield). The iFi xDSD Gryphon (Updated October 2026: the iFi xDSD Gryphon is no longer sold, so we now link… Read the Review »
All 45 Audiophile DAC & CD Player Reviews
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Audiophile DAC and CD Player Comparison Chart
Every DAC, CD player, CD transport and disc player we have reviewed, sorted by price. Streaming DACs are in our music streamer comparison chart. Click any model to read the full review.
| Model | Price at review | Type | Inputs | Outputs | Balanced out | Headphone amp | DSD | MQA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schiit Modi 3E | $119 | DAC | USB, coax, optical | RCA | No | No | — | — |
| Sony BDP-S6700 | $119 | Blu-ray player | Disc (CD, SACD, DVD, Blu-ray), Bluetooth, Spotify Connect | HDMI, coax out | No | No | — | — |
| Fosi Audio ZD3 | $179 | DAC/preamp | USB, coax, optical, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth (aptX) | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | — |
| Marantz Professional PMD-526C | $249 | CD player | Disc, USB, SD, Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | — | — |
| Shanling CR60 | $299 | CD transport | Disc | Coax out, optical out, USB-A | No | No | — | — |
| iFi GO bar | $329 | DAC/headphone amp | USB-C | headphone (4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iFi Zen One Signature | $349 | DAC | USB, coax, optical, Bluetooth 5.1 | RCA, 4.4mm balanced line out, coax out | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Onkyo Icon C-30 | $399 | CD player | Disc | RCA, coax out, optical out, headphone | No | Yes | — | — |
| NAD C 538 | $399 | CD player | Disc | RCA, coax out, optical out | No | No | No | — |
| Panasonic DP-UB820 | $499 | Blu-ray player | Disc, USB, network (Wi-Fi) | HDMI x2 (A/V + audio-only), 7.1ch analog, optical out | No | No | Yes | — |
| FiiO K15 | $549 | DAC/preamp/headphone amp/streamer | USB-C, coax, optical, Bluetooth (LDAC/aptX), Ethernet, Wi-Fi (Roon Ready, AirPlay), analog RCA | RCA, XLR, headphone (XLR, 6.35mm, 4.4mm) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rotel CD11 Tribute | $599 | CD player | Disc | RCA, coax out | No | No | No | — |
| iFi xDSD Gryphon | $599 | DAC/headphone amp | USB-C, S/PDIF (3.5mm coax/optical), Bluetooth 5.1 | 4.4mm balanced + 3.5mm (headphone and line out) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Music Hall CD25.3 | $649 | CD player | Disc | Analog stereo out, coax out | No | No | — | — |
| Grace Design m900 | $650 | DAC/preamp/headphone amp | USB, coax, optical | RCA, 2x headphone | No | Yes | Yes | — |
| Gustard DAC-X18 | $700 | DAC/preamp | USB, AES, coax, optical, I2S (HDMI), Bluetooth 5.0 | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Topping D70 Pro Sabre | $715 | DAC/preamp | USB, coax, optical, AES, Bluetooth | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | — |
| FiiO K9 Pro ESS | $849 | DAC/preamp/headphone amp | USB, coax, optical, Bluetooth (LDAC/aptX), analog RCA + 4.4mm | RCA, XLR, headphone (1/4-inch, 4.4mm, XLR) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Topping D90 III Sabre | $899 | DAC/preamp | USB, coax, optical, AES, I2S (HDMI), Bluetooth | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| SMSL D400EX | $950 | DAC | USB, coax, optical, AES, I2S, Bluetooth (LDAC) | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Audiolab 7000CDT | $1,000 | CD transport | Disc, USB (storage) | coax out, optical out | No | No | No | — |
| Chord Qutest | $1,595 | DAC | USB, 2x BNC coax, optical | RCA | No | No | Yes | — |
| Benchmark DAC3 B | $1,899 | DAC | USB, coax x2, optical x2 | RCA x2, XLR x2 | Yes | No | Yes | — |
| TEAC UD-507 | $2,099 | DAC/preamp/headphone amp | USB-B, USB-C, coax, optical, Bluetooth, analog XLR/RCA | RCA, XLR, headphone (6.3mm, 4.4mm, 4-pin XLR) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Benchmark DAC3 HGC | $2,299 | DAC/preamp/headphone amp | USB, coax x2, optical x2, analog RCA x2 | RCA, XLR, headphone x2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Schiit Yggdrasil+ OG | $2,699 | DAC | USB, coax, BNC, optical, AES | RCA x2, XLR | Yes | No | No | No |
| Ferrum Wandla HP | $2,795 | DAC/preamp/headphone amp | USB-C, AES, coax, optical, HDMI ARC, I2S, RCA analog | RCA, XLR, 4.4mm balanced headphone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Marantz SACD 30n | $2,999 | SACD/CD player | Disc, USB, coax x2, optical x2, Bluetooth, Ethernet/Wi-Fi (HEOS, AirPlay 2) | RCA (fixed + variable), headphone, coax out, optical out | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC | $3,950 | DAC | USB, coax, optical | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | — | — |
| PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC | $3,999 | DAC | USB, coax x2, optical, I2S (HDMI) x2 | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| McIntosh MDA200 | $4,000 | DAC/preamp | USB, coax x2, optical x2, MCT, HDMI ARC | Balanced + unbalanced (fixed/variable) | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Jay's Audio CDT3 MK3 | $5,000 | CD transport | Disc | coax out (RCA/BNC), AES out, I2S out (HDMI, RJ45) | No | No | No | — |
| HiFi Rose RD160 | $5,295 | DAC | USB, coax (RCA/BNC), optical, AES, I2S (HDMI) | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | — |
| Metronome DSC mini | $5,799 | DAC | USB, S/PDIF, optical, AES, I2S | XLR | Yes | No | Yes | — |
| T+A MP 200 | $5,900 | Multi-source player | Disc, USB, coax x2, optical, Bluetooth, Ethernet/Wi-Fi, FM/DAB tuner | Coax out, USB-SYS out | No | No | — | — |
| Bricasti M3 | $6,500 | DAC | USB, coax, optical, AES (optional Ethernet/streaming card) | RCA, XLR (optional M3H headphone) | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK2 | $7,999 | DAC/preamp | USB, coax, optical, AES x2, I2S (HDMI) x2 | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | — |
| Denafrips Terminator Plus 15th | $8,599 | DAC | USB, coax (RCA/BNC), optical, AES x2, I2S (HDMI) | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | — |
| T+A DAC 200 | $8,895 | DAC/preamp/headphone amp | USB, coax, BNC, optical, AES, optional HDMI, analog RCA | RCA, XLR, headphone (4.4mm) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| PS Audio PMG Signature 512 | $8,999 | Streaming DAC | USB, 2x coax, optical, 2x AES, 2x I2S (HDMI), Ethernet, Wi-Fi | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Bricasti M19 | $10,000 | SACD/CD transport | Disc (CD, SACD) | AES out, S/PDIF out (RCA/BNC), I2S out (RJ45) | No | No | Yes | — |
| Meitner MA3 | $10,500 | DAC/preamp | USB, AES, coax, optical, Ethernet (Roon Ready), USB media drive | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bricasti M1 Series II | $12,000 | DAC | USB, AES, coax, optical; optional Ethernet or I2S | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Bricasti M21 Platinum | $19,000 | DAC/preamp | USB, coax, BNC, optical, AES, Ethernet | RCA, XLR | Yes | No | Yes | — |
| Weiss Helios | $21,995 | DAC/preamp/headphone amp | USB, coax (RCA S/PDIF), optical, AES, Ethernet (Roon Ready/UPnP) | RCA, XLR, headphone (via rear-output adaptor) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
Audiophile DAC and CD Player Buyer’s Guide
What Is an Audiophile DAC?
Every digital source in your system, from a music streamer to a CD transport to a computer, stores music as ones and zeros. A DAC (digital-to-analog converter) turns that data into the analog signal that your preamp or integrated amp can play. Every digital device has a DAC inside of it, but a dedicated audiophile DAC uses better converter chips (or custom FPGA and R-2R ladder designs), cleaner power supplies and better analog output stages. In a resolving system, the difference is easy to hear. Prices run from under $200 to well over $10,000.
DAC vs. CD Player vs. CD Transport: What’s the Difference?
A standalone DAC only converts. You feed it from a streamer, a CD transport, a computer or a TV. A CD player (or SACD player) spins the disc and has a DAC built in, so it connects straight to your preamp or integrated amp. A CD transport only spins the disc and sends a digital signal to an external DAC. If you already own a DAC you love, a transport is the better buy. If you want one simple box, a CD or SACD player is the way to go. Many DACs also add a preamp (volume control), a headphone amp or both.
Do You Need a DAC If Your Streamer Has One Built In?
Not always. Many streaming DACs sound very good on their own. An external DAC makes sense when you want sound quality beyond what is inside your streamer, when you have several digital sources (a streamer, a CD transport, a TV, a computer) to feed into one converter, or when you want true balanced XLR outputs. Most streamers have a digital output for exactly this reason. See our music streamer reviews for streamers that pair well with an outboard DAC.
Balanced (XLR) or Single-Ended (RCA) Outputs?
If your preamp, integrated amp or power amp has XLR inputs, a fully balanced DAC can lower noise and handle longer cable runs. Be careful, though: some affordable DACs have XLR jacks that aren’t truly balanced inside. Our comparison chart shows which DACs we have reviewed have balanced outputs.
What About DSD, MQA and High-Resolution Files?
Nearly every modern DAC plays high-resolution PCM files. Support for DSD (the format used on SACDs) and MQA varies from model to model, and the chart above shows which DACs support each one. MQA matters a lot less than it used to, since Tidal moved its high-resolution catalog to FLAC in 2024.
Is a Chi-Fi DAC Good Enough?
Often, yes. Chinese brands like Topping, S.M.S.L., Gustard, Fosi and FiiO build DACs that measure extremely well for the money. Our favorite, the Topping D90 III Sabre, uses two flagship ESS chips and a fully balanced design for under $1,000. Measurements aren’t everything, however. As you move up in price, power supplies, analog output stages, build quality and support from the manufacturer make a bigger difference.
How Much Should You Spend on a DAC?
Under $500 gets you a very good Chi-Fi or portable DAC. The $500 to $2,000 range is the sweet spot for most audiophiles, with DACs like the Topping D90 III Sabre and the Benchmark DAC3 B. From there, high-end DACs from companies like Bricasti, PS Audio, Weiss and T+A run into five figures, topped by reference converters like the Bricasti Design M1 Series II. A good DAC also deserves good digital cables and clean power.
How We Test DACs and CD Players
Volume matching is very important in reviewing digital audiophile gear. We use an SPL meter to make sure that you hear apples-to-apples comparisons sonically, since the changes between DACs can be subtle. Disc spinners get heavily tested with physical discs. We also test the various digital connection options. This is only the start of our review process. Read more about our editorial policy and review process.
Audiophile DAC & CD Player FAQ
What is the best DAC for audiophiles?
It depends on your budget and system. Our best high-end pick is the Bricasti Design M1 Series II. Our best audiophile value is the Benchmark DAC3 B. For an affordable Chi-Fi DAC, we like the Topping D90 III Sabre.
Do I need an external DAC for my CD player?
No. A CD player already has a DAC built in. An external DAC is worth adding if you want to upgrade the sound of an older player that has a digital output, or if you buy a CD transport, which has no DAC of its own.
Is an expensive DAC worth it?
In a resolving system, yes, but returns diminish quickly. Today’s affordable DACs are excellent. More money usually buys better power supplies, analog stages, build quality and features rather than night-and-day differences, so match your DAC to the rest of your system.
Are CD players still worth buying?
Yes, if you own a CD collection. CDs are inexpensive, sound excellent and, unlike a streaming library, the music is yours to keep. A good CD player or transport paired with a quality DAC can sound as good as high-resolution streaming.
Can a DAC replace my preamp?
Some can. DACs with a volume control (often sold as DAC/preamps) can connect straight to a power amplifier. If you also play analog sources, like a turntable, you will still need a preamp or integrated amp.
What is a DDC?
A DDC (digital-to-digital converter) takes a USB signal from a computer or streamer and converts it to coaxial, AES/EBU or I2S for a DAC that has better-sounding inputs than its USB port. Most modern DACs have good USB inputs, so a DDC is an optional upgrade.
THE BEST Audiophile DAC & CD Player Reviews FROM THE GEAR WE LOVE AWARDS
