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.

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.

Best Audiophile DACs & CD Players: Expert Reviews

Read More Audiophile DAC & CD Player Reviews

Schiit Audio Modi 3e DAC Reviewed

The Schiit Modi 3e (buy at Amazon) is the latest update to Schiit Audio’s popular low-cost digital-to-analog converter line. The company calls this one a “do-all” DAC, because it accepts coaxial and optical digital inputs, but also Schiit’s own Unison… Read the Review »

Rotel CD11 Tribute CD Player Reviewed

While streaming is more and more likely to be the principal means by which you access your music these days, there are also millions of physical CDs floating around music collections just waiting to be played. The Rotel CD11 Tribute… Read the Review »

Panasonic DPUR820 UHD Blu-ray Player Reviewed

Panasonic DP-UB820-K 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player Reviewed

Updated October 2026: Crutchfield no longer carries the Panasonic DP-UB820, but it is still available at Amazon. Recently I reviewed the Sony BDP-S6700 (Updated October 2026: the Sony BDP-S6700 is no longer sold, so we now link to its replacement, the… Read the Review »

Marantz Professional PMD-526C Compact Disc Player Reviewed

The Marantz Professional PMD-526C is a compelling pro angle on an audiophile Compact Disc player that has plenty of features you won’t find on similarly priced disc spinners. The $249 retail price places this component firmly in the budget category,… Read the Review »

A front view of the Sony BDP-S6700 disc player

Sony BDP-S6700 Blu-ray Disc Player Reviewed

Updated October 2026: The Sony BDP-S6700 has been discontinued. Its replacement is the Sony UBP-X700U (buy at Crutchfield). Your first thought when you see this post could very well be, why are you reviewing a Blu-ray player on an audiophile… Read the Review »

All 46 Audiophile DAC & CD Player Reviews