Smartphones have come a long way, and they offer a convenient way to listen to music. But if you aren’t happy with your phone’s sound quality, then it may be time to invest in an external DAC.
When you play a song on your phone, you’re playing an encoded digital audio file—at it’s most simplistic a stream of ones and zeros. The thing is, your headphones aren’t capable of turning that stream into analog sound without the help of a, very appropriately named, Digital to Analog Converter (DAC).
DACs are built into most devices, and they transform digital signals into headphone-friendly analog signals. That being said, not all DACs are created equal, and cheap built-in DACs tend to produce low-quality sound. If you can’t figure out why your otherwise good wire headphones sound like garbage when you plug them into your phone, it’s most likely the phone’s cruddy built-in DAC.
Luckily, there are plenty of portable external DACs on the market. Some of them are expensive, some of them are affordable, but they’re all a significant upgrade from your built-in DAC. Just keep in mind that newer phones without a headphone jack won’t work with some DACs. If your phone lacks a jack, then you’ll need a model with a Micro-USB or USB-C jack.
Best for Most People: FiiO A1 Ultra-Portable DAC ($28)
If you’re looking for a cheap, ultra-portable DAC, then you should check out the FiiO A1. This tiny device has four built-in EQ modes, responsive volume controls, and a little pocket clip for on-the-go listening. Plus, it has a 13-hour battery life, and it can be charged while in use. It’s a great way to see if adding a DAC to your setup without breaking the bank.
Best for Phones with USB-C: NextDrive Spectra USB-C DAC ($127)
The NextDrive Spectra is a convenient, high-quality alternative to bulky DACs. It produces rich sound without looking like you’re carrying around a power transformer, and it’s powered by your phone’s USB-C port, so you don’t have to worry about charging a battery.
If you want to use the NextDrive Spectra with an iPhone, then you have to get the USB-A model and a USB-A to Lightning adapter. Other models of the NextDrive Spectra don’t work with the iPhone, even with an adapter. Honestly, unless you’re sold on the form factor, iPhone users should check out the MFI-certified FiiO Q1 Mark II instead or the iPhone-friendly Audio-Technica Wireless DAC.
Best for High-Impedance Headphones: FiiO A3 DAC ($56)
If you’re looking for a premium DAC at an affordable price, then you should check out the FiiO A3. This thing is like the FiiO A1’s big cousin. It has a satisfying volume knob, built-in gain and bass controls, and 16-hour battery life.
This DAC is especially useful for people who use high-impedance headphones ranging from 16 to 160 Ohms. If your expensive headphones don’t seem to get loud enough, then they’re probably high-impedance headphones, and they require an extra bit of power to work properly.
Best for Apple Users: FiiO Q1 Mark II Native DSD DAC ($100)
