DACs (digital-to-analogue converters) are one of the most important hi-fi components of our times. With online music streaming so widespread and popular, digital sources and connections are now the norm, so the task of converting digital audio into the analogue form that passive speakers or headphones can understand is a vital one.
Whether a DAC is integrated into a component such as a music streamer or integrated amplifier, or connected to a laptop, or housed in a standalone, purpose-designed piece of kit – and whether it is designed to be used in a speaker- or a headphone-fronted set-up (or both) – there are a number of dos, don'ts and 'we wouldn'ts' to consider.
