Audioengine D1 Premium 24-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) allows you to bypass your computer’s soundcard or headphone output and send audio through USB or optical. That being said, this device isn’t designed to be a dedicated recording or mixing device so if you’re looking for something for that purpose, the Presonus Audiobox USB would be more well-suited.

x 83 x 62mm; Max bit depth/sampling rate: 32-bit/768kHz; Inputs: 1 x micro-USB (power), 1 x micro-USB (input), 1 x Optical TOSLINK (input), 1 x 3. Once again, this is a somewhat nit-picky flaw that doesn’t affect the overall performance or function, just something to keep in mind if that factors into your specific criteria. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic.In terms of DACs the Joutenheim’s is just a little add-on board and doesn’t support DSD (which the 4490 supports natively), whereas the CMA600i is a real DAC.

Or, if you’re looking for a way to improve your computer’s or your sound system’s audio, you will do better with wireless options such as Auris Blume and Audiolab M-DAC Nano. In much the same way as having an ultra high definition TV will make low-resolution videos look better. Imagine that you want to leave your laptop at home when you go out but you still want your music to have the same oomph.This is a clever configuration because it means the HC3 has a male USB-C connection and doesn’t need an additional cable to connect to the output of your source player. They determine the quantity and quality of audio information your DAC is able to process and, as a rule of thumb, the higher the numbers, the better your audio should sound.