DACs vs Amps: What's The Difference & Why You Need Both
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Understanding DACs, Amps, and What You Actually Need
Whether you're a novice audiophile, seasoned veteran, or tech wizard, understanding the importance of Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) and Amplifiers is paramount to a great listening experience. As two of the most essential components in a hifi system, DACs and Amplifiers are available in many different formats, configurations, etc.
We're here to help you weed through all of the noise and help you answer the million-dollar question: Do I need DAC, an amp, or both? In this blog you'll also find recommendations for which gear to get based on your requirements and ergonomic scenarios.
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DACs vs. Amps Decoded
You might not know it, but DACs and amplifiers are everywhere. You'd be surprised how many everyday devices contain them. From your smartphone to your television, wireless earbuds, and car sound systems, these components are hiding in plain sight.
What is a DAC?
The DAC is a necessary ingredient for any audiophile sound system. It's the one component that you can't do without if you're trying to listen to digital music.
In simple terms, a DAC converts digital audio signals (like those from your computer, phone, or streaming device) into analog signals that speakers and headphones use to produce sound. Those analog signals are processed by amplifiers and played through speakers or headphones. The DAC's primary function is to translate the digital data from stored audio files into an analog electrical signal. For many audiophiles, the DAC is like the wizard behind the curtain, transforming digital signals from our devices into the beautiful analog sound waves that our ears can appreciate.
Every device that plays digital audio (smartphones, computers, CD players, DAPs) has a DAC built into it. However, these built-in DACs are often basic and prioritize cost-effectiveness over sound quality. The quality of the DAC directly affects how accurately your digital music is converted to analog, which impacts the overall sound quality of your system.
Higher quality standalone DACs are used by audiophiles to improve sound quality because they can perform this conversion more accurately than the basic DACs found in everyday devices. DACs come in many shapes and sizes, from ultra-small portable USB DACs to desktop DACs, DAC/Amp combo units, and more.
Key functions of a DAC include determining the resolution and sample rate capabilities of your system, reducing digital noise and artifacts, and providing clean analog output for your amplifier.
What is an Amplifier?
Simply put, an amplifier is a device that provides power to your speakers or headphones. Amplifiers work by taking a low-voltage input signal coming from a DAC or another source, and using a power supply to increase both the voltage and current to levels that can physically move speaker drivers. The primary job of an amplifier is to provide power while maintaining the integrity of the original signal.
Speakers and headphones come in two variants: Active and passive. Active speakers and headphones have an integrated power source that doesn't need any additional or external power to make sound. Passive headphones and speakers do not have internal batteries or amplifiers and need to be connected to a power source, like an amplifier, in order to create sound. Most high-end headphones and speakers are passive and will require an amplifier to work.
Amplifiers come in all shapes and sizes, and your specific usage needs and configuration will depend on which type of amp is right for you. Headphone amplifiers are for headphones, and speaker amps are for speakers. Headphone amps often produce less power than speaker amplifiers; why? Headphones don't require as much power as the larger drivers contained in speaker cabinets. Then, if you get even more into the weeds, you have tube amps, solid-state amps, preamps, and more to choose from.
The amplifier sits at the end of your signal chain, right before your speakers or headphones, and determines how well your audio system can control and drive your transducers. Amplifiers are essential because the low-level signals from sources like DACs, turntables, or smartphones aren't powerful enough to drive most passive speakers and many headphones to adequate listening levels.
So, what's the difference? The difference between a DAC and an amp is that a DAC focuses on signal conversion and quality, whereas an amp focuses on power delivery. You need both functions in every audio system–the DAC handles the "transition" while the amplifier provides the "muscle" to make the sound happen.
Do I Need a DAC, an Amplifier, or Both?
First and foremost, no matter how you plan to listen to music, be it with headphones, IEMs, or speakers, you will need a DAC and an Amplifier. You can't have one without the other and expect to hear any audible sound. Knowing that you need both in any listening scenario, your job now is to decide what type of DAC and amplifier you need. Do you want a combination unit with a built-in DAC and amplifier or two separate components?
How you access your music, where you listen to your music, and what gear you're using to listen will determine whether you need one component, two components, or a built-in combo unit. Below are the most common scenarios people find themselves enjoying music, and depending on which bucket you fall in will decide what type of configuration you need.
Common Configurations
Home Audio System
If you primarily listen to music at home, you're more likely to benefit from a hi-fi system made of separate components or a DAC/Amp combination unit. At home, you get the luxury of enjoying your music over speakers (be it loudspeakers or smaller bookshelf speakers) or headphones/IEMs, so there's more flexibility in what types of components you can buy.
While headphones still require amplification, they don't need as much power as some loudspeakers, so you can easily opt for a combination unit with a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier. This combines the functionality of the DAC and headphone amplifier into one unit, saving you space and possibly money. You want to confirm that the headphone amp built into the combo unit can effectively power the amplification requirements of your headphones. If you have a collection of headphones with varying impedances and power needs, aim for a combination unit that can support the various needs. If your collection is too vast to pin down one product, you should consider a dedicated headphone amplifier unit.
That's not to say you can't get a dedicated DAC and a dedicated headphone amplifier, because you can! Owning the two components separately will grant you the flexibility to upgrade and swap out pieces in the future. If you love the DAC, but end up purchasing a pair of bookshelf speakers for your setup, you can swap out the dedicated headphone amplifier for a larger, more powerful one that can handle both headphones and speakers, like the Pass Labs HPA-1 Headphone Amplifier. This amp has a dedicated headphone jack for headphone listening and the capability to drive loudspeakers when paired with a power amp.
That's not to say you can't get a dedicated DAC and a dedicated headphone amplifier as a headphone listener, because you can! Owning the two components separately will grant you the flexibility to upgrade and swap out pieces in the future. If you love the DAC, but end up purchasing a pair of bookshelf speakers for your setup, you can swap out the dedicated headphone amplifier for a larger, more powerful one that can handle both headphones and speakers, like the Pass Labs HPA-1 Headphone Amplifier. This amp has a dedicated headphone jack for headphone listening and the capability to drive loudspeakers when paired with a power amp. Those driving only speakers should consider dedicated speaker amps.
Anyone who owns a pair of speakers or plans to invest in some for their home audio setup should consider investing in dedicated, separate components. Some great dedicated DACs include the Bryston BDA 3.14 Streaming DAC, Aurender A1000 DAC, and Bricasti M3 DAC.
Music Streamers are also great for home audio systems, combining the functionality of a DAC, headphone amplifier, and streamer into one standalone source device.
Desktop Audio System
If you're looking for a more casual system for your office (at home or work), you'll need components with a smaller footprint. Typically, most people listening at their desk are using headphones, IEMs, or very small bookshelf speakers. Bookshelf speakers tend to be easier to drive than floorstanding loudspeakers, so you have more flexibility with amplification needs.
Music Streamers are a great option for desktop listening. They combine the functionality of a streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier in one single unit. A component like the Matrix Audio Element X2 Music Streamer has two headphone jacks, 3.5mm and 4.4mm, for IEM and headphone listening, and a comprehensive suite of connectivity options for integration with your computer setup. Music Streamers act as full-featured standalone source devices, allowing you to access your entire digital music library or streaming service from your computer or smartphone and send it directly through the DAC, to the amp, and straight into your ears.
If streaming isn't a priority for you, you can opt for a DAC/amp combo unit like the Chord Electronics Hugo 2 DAC Headphone Amplifier. It saves space while still being powerful enough to drive some of your favorite headphones and IEMs. Something slightly larger with Bluetooth capabilities is the iFi Audio Neo iDSD 2 Lossless Bluetooth DAC/Amp. For separates, you can't go wrong with the iFi Audio ZEN One Signature DAC or the Sennheiser HDV 820 Headphone Amplifier.
Portable Audio / Mobile Use
Lastly, if you plan to enjoy your music on the go, you need a low-profile DAC and headphone amplifier that's small enough to tote around without becoming a nuisance. Luckily, the business of portable DACs and amps is booming, and you have several types of components to choose from. For portable listening, you will want a DAC/Amp combo unit.
Digital Audio Players (DAPs) are the most common portable audio device for headphone and IEM listeners. Often no larger than a smartphone, DAPs are mobile streaming devices that operate like a smartphone without cellular data. Think of DAPs like an iPod Touch on steroids. A DAP will feature a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier with several headphone jacks, a large touch screen for navigation, and Wi-Fi functionality for online music streaming. On top of that, you get built-in memory (and expandable storage depending on the DAP) for storing a personal digital music library that might otherwise be on your computer. A DAP will eliminate the need for a smartphone as the source device.
The Astell&Kern SP3000M DAP is our #1 recommendation for an ultra-portable audio player. It's no bigger than the newest Apple iPhone Max and possesses all the functionality you need to enjoy music on the go. You can listen wirelessly using the built-in Bluetooth, or you can enjoy your favorite IEMs or headphones wired.
The alternative to a DAP is a portable DAC/Amp combination unit. These come in two sizes: Dongle USB-style and slightly larger but still portable handheld units. A DAC/Amp unit that doesn't have built-in streaming capabilities will need to be connected to a source device like your smartphone for playback. The Clarus CODA Headphone Amplifier DAC is an ultra-portable, low-profile unit designed to be used with a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It might be mistaken for a USB flash drive, but this little beauty will deliver higher than CD quality while listening to your favorite download or streaming music.
For portable DAC/Amp combos that are slightly larger, you have several options. The iFi Audio Diablo 2 Portable DAC Headphone Amplifier is incredibly powerful with enough amplification to handle the demands of planar magnetic headphones and highly sensitive IEMs. You can tote it around in your hand, a backpack, or the included carrying case. And not to mention, it can also function as a desktop DAC/Amp unit for stationary listening. The Chord Electronics Mojo 2 DAC Headphone Amp is small, portable, and highly rated!
Recommended DACs, Amps & Combo Units
For Home Audio & Desktop Systems
Dedicated DACs
Dedicated Headphone Amps & Speaker Amps
DAC/Amp Combo Units & Music Streamers
For Portable Audio Use
USB DACs, DAC/Amp Combo Units
DAPs
Verdict
There is no one-size-fits-all component for every audiophile's need. DAPs aren't just limited to portable use, they also make great components for listening at your desk or in the comfort of your living room. The same goes for larger, desktop components. A Music Streamer that's small enough for your desk can also serve a purpose in your living room or on a shelf in your den.
Regardless of your listening setup, one thing remains true: You need a DAC and an Amplifier. Both components perform complementary but distinct functions in your audiophile setup.
Assess your current setup, identify where you'll be listening, and decide whether separate components or combo units will serve you best.
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