The Best Desktop DACS, Streamers, and More of 2024
The Best Desktop DACs and Music Streamers for your Audio Setup
It's that time of year again, and we're taking a look at our top products for 2023. There's no sugarcoating what our top gear is - because it's all based on what you lovely folks are getting. These are not just the top 5 selling desktop DACs of 2023, but the most popular as well, and for good reason. Your ears deserve better, so make the sonic upgrade to a music streamer, desktop DAC, DAC/Headphone Amp combo, and more–all below.
Best Desktop DACS & DAC Amplifiers
Matrix Audio Mini-I Pro 4 DAC
The Mini-I Pro 4 DAC from Matrix Audio is the latest in compact desktop streaming. With excellent digital input selection, streaming capability, high-quality DAC, a fully balanced amplifier, and more, the Mini-I Pro 4 illustrates what modern advances in technology can achieve: more power at an even smaller size. The software side is equally as important and impressive to the Matrix Audio Experience. With the MA Remote App, you have a robust and complete music streaming experience on your phone or tablet, giving you complete control over your music remotely and your device at the same time.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: The Silver Dragon Interconnect is one of our best-selling cables at Moon Audio and our top recommendation to pair with the Element Mini-i Pro 4 from Matrix Audio. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key.
iFi Audio Neo iDSD 2 Lossless Bluetooth DAC/Amp
Transform your desktop audio setup with the iFi NEO iDSD 2 Lossless Bluetooth DAC/Amp, a three-in-one unit featuring a built-in DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier. What makes the iFi NEO iDSD 2 a next-level Desktop DAC is the implementation of the latest Bluetooth codecs transforming it into a Lossless Bluetooth DAC Amp. Equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology and support for the new aptX Lossless, you can enjoy your favorite digital music without sacrificing sound quality. aptX Lossless is the first Bluetooth codec capable of streaming CD-quality audio and even hi-res audio without using any compression methods that notoriously deteriorate sound quality.
With improved headphone outputs and line outputs, newly added analog processing modes, and upgraded power consumption the iFi NEO iDSD 2 is an upgrade from its predecessor the iFi NEO iDSD Performance Edition Headphone Amp DAC.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 Lossless Bluetooth DAC/Amp with the Silver Dragon Interconnect with RCA and XLR connectors and the Black Dragon Coax Digital Cable with RCA connectors. The Silver Dragon Interconnect Cable is the perfect link to connect the Neo iDSD 2 to other audio devices. Sold in pairs, our interconnect cables offer a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. For connecting an external master clock, we recommend our Black Dragon Coax Digital Cable with RCA connectors. You'll get the best possible digital transmission when timing matters the most.
Aurender A1000 Network DAC
The missing addition to your audiophile setup, the Aurender A1000 Network DAC is a music server, streamer, and DAC with versatile input/output options for seamless system integration. The A1000 is a hi-fi unicorn capable of acting as a preamplifier with HDMI ARC input, robust connectivity, and across-the-board versatility. Unlock next-level audio performance with this dynamic-sounding music server/streamer equipped with a brilliant-sounding AKM 4490REQ dual-mono DAC chip and Quad-core 2.0GHz ARM Cortex-A55 CPU—each fueled by their own linear power supply—translate to playback that's rich, smooth, detailed, and fast.
The Aurender A1000 Network DAC represents the next generation of hi-fi components with Bluetooth AptX HD and Chromecast Audio allowing users to wirelessly cast sound output from a variety of mobile devices. Whether you're enjoying background music or focusing on a critical listening session, you can put the screen down and comfortably manage your queue using the fully-equipped Bluetooth LE Remote Control. And for those with an extensive digital music library, the Aurender A1000 has a user-installable storage tray capable of installing up to 8TB SSD. Prefer streaming over storing files? Leave the tray empty and don't pay for storage capacity you won't use. The Aurender A1000 is the perfect integrated solution for audiophiles and music lovers who want high-quality audio playback but prefer a more streamlined, all-in-one single-box solution.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Aurender A1000 Network DAC with the Black Dragon Power Cable, Silver Dragon Network Cable, Silver Dragon Coax Digital Cable, Silver Dragon Interconnect Cable, and Silver Dragon USB Cable (USB A to B). The Silver Dragon Network Cable will provide a stable ethernet connection to the Aurender A1000 for music streaming and data transmission. The solid-core silver conductors in the cable provide high speed, low latency, and low jitter-perfect bit rate communication between audio components. Our Silver Dragon Coax Digital Cable with RCA connectors will provide plenty of detail and an open presentation to your music, providing the best digital transmission possible for your gear. Additionally, the Silver Dragon Interconnect Cable with RCA connectors can be used to connect the A1000 to other components in your existing audio system.
NAD M33 BluOS Streaming DAC Amplifier
NAD Electronics high-end streaming DAC Amplifier, the M33 combines multiple audio components into a single, sophisticated unit delivering superb audiophile sound. As a BluOS enabled component, the M33 can be combined with other players in a BluOS ecosystem of wirelessly networked music players throughout the home for an outstanding whole-home audio system. With the employment of the new Purifi Eigentakt™ Hybrid Digital amplifier technology, the M33 follows NAD’s long-standing tradition in identifying and developing cutting-edge amplification technology. With a minimum of 200W per channel on tap, the result is lifelike performance, exemplified by ultra-low distortion and noise.
Whether you're looking to connect digital or analog sources, the M33 comes well equipped to accommodate it all: 6 digital inputs and 3 analog inputs, including MM phono. Around back, the rear panel hosts two sets of speaker outputs capable of bi-wiring and a stereo Subwoofer output with a fully configurable Digital Crossover. Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth AptX HD allow for local wireless streaming from a phone or tablet. To minimize the risk of future obsolescence, the M33 comes with two MDC (Modular Design Construction) slots that allow for further expansion. NAD introduced the MDC platform well over a decade ago and allowed updating products with new technologies which didn’t even exist at time of introduction. Designed to stand out, the NAD M33 is the perfect all-in-one unit for your home audio setup.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the NAD Electronics M33 with the Black Dragon Power Cable, Black Dragon Speaker Cable, and Silver Dragon Interconnect Cable. The Silver Dragon Interconnect with RCA connectors will allow you to connect the M33 to other devices within your setup, like preamps, Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), and network streamers. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. For use in your home theater setup, our Black Dragon Speaker Cable is the perfect fit. It's a smooth, transparent-sounding cable that falls on the warm side of neutral, yet is very dynamic. It utilizes 4 x 11 AWG ultra-pure, slow-drawn annealed and enamel-coated copper conductors that smooth out the top end while adding bottom-end weight, making the midrange sound more musical. It's a great cable for vocals and a variety of music genres. Available in a variety of lengths and terminations, the Black Dragon Speaker Cable can be configured in standard, biwire, or biwire/biamp by custom request.
TEAC UD-701N Headphone Amplifier, USB DAC and Network Player
The TEAC UD-701N functions as a USB DAC at its foundation but combines a network player, an analog preamp, a headphone amplifier, and various other functions for this ultimate all-in-one. This TEAC flagship with a newly developed TEAC ΔΣ (Delta Sigma) discrete DAC has achieved a new level of sound fidelity. As a USB DAC and network player, 22.5MHz DSD and 384kHz/32-bit PCM are supported. Using the newly developed TEAC ΔΣ discrete DAC, all digital signals are converted to analog signals with high audio quality. Not only can this be used for all kinds of digital playback, from systems centered on a PC or Mac to audio server systems using NAS and streaming playback, but it can also fulfill a core role in systems as a preamp with analog and digital inputs. The UD-701N is an all-around unit that flexibly supports new listening styles in a new age. Along with allowing listening through speakers in combination with a power amplifier, it also supports balanced headphone output using a 4-pin XLR jack. If you’re looking for a music player that does it all, then the TEAC UD-701N is a solid choice that we give a big thumbs up to. The internal design, discrete DAC, great sound, and even more impressive functionality with streaming integration, wireless and high-resolution Bluetooth codecs make the UD-701N a little black box that deserves a designated shelf in your system.
Chord Electronics Hugo TT 2 DAC & Headphone Amplifier
The Hugo TT 2 is one of Chord's most popular tabletop DACs. As expected, it delivers radically improved technical specifications and measurements across the board and exhibits drastic sonic benefits over its predecessor with five times the processing power of the original Hugo TT, and double that of the award-winning Hugo 2. This powerhouse DAC supports most headphones, including harder-to-drive ones like the Sennheiser HD800S, and most planar magnetic headphones, such as the Audeze LCD-3,4, and 5.
Like other Chord products, the TT 2 is a detail freak - making it a great choice to add to the signal chain of just about any hi-fi system - no matter the sound signature. The Hugo TT 2 also upgrades from a 4-element design to a 10-element design, which works in harmony with the radically upgraded FPGA and code to deliver unrivaled audio. We also love pairing the DAC with the popular M Scaler - Chord's upsampler that - when paired with the TT 2 - gives even the DAVE a run for its money. The Hugo TT 2 is a bit warmer than the original Hugo and the DAVE. It's also more exciting and vibrant, and a lot of this can be adjusted in the flexibility of DAC itself and what you can do with it. Bluetooth, digital filters, crossfeed, and a great selection of inputs and outputs, the TT 2 is a versatile DAC. Complete with a powerful headphone amplifier, you'll also find a 3.5mm and dual quarter-inch headphone jacks on the front. With a more forward-leaning sound signature, the Hugo TT 2 DAC will be sure to bring out all the details in your music. It's great for every genre of music across the board - and we like what it does for classical, R&B, jazz, acoustic music, and more, in particular.
Bricasti M3 DAC or DAC Amplifier
The M3H easily drives the most demanding headphones on the market. We have put it to the test with the Hifiman Susvara & HE6, Sennheiser HD800, and just about every planer dynamic headphone from Audeze and Meze. It has little problem with the control of demanding drivers. The Susvara is one of the hardest and the M3H provides adequate power for the bulk of the market. Bar the guys that like to make their eardrums bleed. The Voltage rails do a very good job of controlling the high-impedance swing of the Sennheiser HD800. We typically recommend tube amplifiers for this headphone because of the need for higher voltage. The amplifier is very quiet with sensitive IEMs we have here at Moon Audio. It's on the warm side yet very detailed and controlled.
The M3 features 2 digital audio conversion paths, 1 for PCM which utilizes a sigma-delta type as found in the M1, and one for DSD, a true one-bit modulator of our own design and unique to the industry. This DSD conversion is a true 1-bit analog converter followed by an analog post-noise filter. There is no chip or part for the DSD per-say; it’s a very high-speed analog switch that will run up to 10Ghz with an analog filter, all the mutes, level changes, fade-outs, etc. are done by the analog level control. You can say it is an analog discreet design. The result is a pure DSD playback, unlike any other converter in the market. Both converters create a true differential analog waveform from the digital data stream, and as in the M1, the M3 also employs a discrete current-to-voltage conversion stage to create a true balanced signal. Clocking is implemented with a technique called DDS (direct digital synthesis) which takes clock-induced jitter to immeasurable levels. It's a premium-quality DAC with the option of integrating a headphone amplifier. Classical, EDM, Rock, Folk, and Singer-Songwriter genres sound exquisite. The Bricasti M3/M3H is one of our favorite DACs at Moon Audio.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Bricasti M3 and M3H with the Silver Dragon Interconnect. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. Get the best cables for your best audio gear.
dCS LINA Network DAC
The LINA DAC is a giant in a small box. It features dCS' patented Ring DAC system, digital processing platform, and Expanse technology. It's fully balanced, compatible with all digital audio formats, and Roon Ready. dCS' proprietary Ring DAC technology is at the center of the LINA. Instead of using off-the-shelf DAC chips, dCS builds its Ring DACs from the ground up. One of the key advantages of the Ring DAC is its upgradeability via firmware updates. The Ring DAC uses a network of FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) that are running proprietary dCS software that controls the digital-to-analog conversion process as well as digital filtering.
The LINA DAC is a network streaming DAC, meaning that it has integrated streaming capability - built right in. There is a lot of proprietary tech in the LINA that you won't find anywhere else. Expanse is a crossfeed processing algorithm developed by dCS. It applies different processing filters to give two different responses: E1 and E2. With Expanse, listeners get a unique headphone listening experience that stays true to the original recording. Crossfeed is the process of blending the left and right channels of a stereo audio recording, to help make audio sound more natural when played through headphones. The crossfeed setting that is most suitable for you and the music you are listening to may vary, so it is recommended that you test the different settings. It's next-level headphone listening. You can also combine the LINA DAC with the rest of the LINA system - including the LINA Master Clock and the LINA Headphone Amplifier. Using all three together is about as end-game sound as you can get and it's one of our most jaw-dropping setups here at Moon Audio. It's a true reference system for the most discriminating listener, and the LINA DAC shows off what the future of high fidelity can sound like. It plays every genre on the planet with extreme accuracy as a faithful reproduction of the original recording, and it's tough to find any faults with this DAC.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the dCS Lina Network DAC with the Silver Dragon Interconnect Cable for connecting the amp to other digital audio devices. Sold in pairs, our interconnect cables offer a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. The Silver Dragon Network Cable will provide a stable ethernet connection to the Lina Network DAC for music streaming and data transmission. The solid-core silver conductors in the cable provide high speed, low latency, and low jitter-perfect bit rate communication between audio components. For connecting the Lina Master Clock to the Network DAC we recommend our Silver Dragon Coax Digital Cable with BNC connectors. You'll get the best possible digital transmission when timing matters the most. Lastly, our Silver Dragon USB Cable will provide the most stable connection for digital transmission between your source device and Network DAC. Our USB cables have been optimized for audio transmission of large high-resolution audio files, so you can enjoy your music with the utmost fidelity.
dCS Bartok APEX DAC Headphone Amplifier
Designed for the discerning audiophile, the Bartók APEX DAC Headphone Amplifier combines the functionality of a music streamer, upsampler, preamp, and headphone amp in one state-of-the-art unit. Equipped with dCS' next-generation APEX Ring DAC, the new Bartók APEX DAC delivers an even more transparent and immersive listening experience than the original Bartók. Enjoy powerful, dynamic, and detailed sound with new levels of resolution and refinement. With flexible and upgradeable software and hardware, the Bartók APEX can grow and evolve, providing a state-of-the-art listening experience for years to come. Designed and built by hand at dCS headquarters in Cambridgeshire, England, the Barók APEX boasts an elegant and timeless aesthetic that combines meticulous craftsmanship and obsessive attention to detail. Available in silver or black, the Bartók APEX showcases dCS' uncompromising approach to design.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the dCS Bartók APEX DAC Headphone Amplifier with the Silver Dragon Network Cable to provide a stable internet connection. The Silver Dragon Network Cable delivers high speed, low latency, and low jitter-perfect bit rate communication between audio components. For audio device interlinking, we recommend our Silver Dragon Interconnect Cable with XLR connectors. This will allow you to connect the Bartók APEX to other devices within your setup. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key.
Our Black Dragon AES Digital Cable with XLR connectors for all your high-end audio digital applications. Some uses are to connect a CD Transport or computer's Pro Audio Card like a Lynx to an outboard digital to analog converter. Lastly, we recommend powering the unit with the Black Dragon Power Cable. The Black Dragon Power Cable is the ultimate power cable designed to be dead quiet and reject all EMI and RFI interference. 4-11Awg Stranded high purity slow drawn Copper conductors are used per cable in a star Quad configuration. The cable has a single 100% coverage shield but can be doubled up for noisy environments plus it is relatively flexible.
Best Music Streamers
Matrix Audio MS-1 Music Streamer
The Matrix Audio MS-1 Music Streamer is a cornerstone of the all-new M series that signifies Matrix Audio's bold leap into traditional Hi-Fi systems. This series, which includes the MS-1 music streamer, the MP-1 preamplifier, and the MA-1 power amplifier, forms a comprehensive flagship system that embodies Matrix Audio's deep understanding of Hi-Fi audio. The MS-1, as part of the M series, is a testament to Matrix Audio's commitment to innovation and excellence. It adopts the new Matrix Design language, setting the stage for the future evolution of Matrix Audio's products. Experience the pinnacle of sound quality and design sophistication with the Matrix Audio MS-1 Music Streamer, an essential component for any audiophile's system.
The MS-1 is a brand-new class of flagship music streamers. Its industrial design embodies simplicity, featuring hundreds of circular perforations of varying sizes and depths arranged in an array on the simple hexahedron, resembling rhythmic beats dancing on the surface.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Matrix Audio MS-1 Music Streamer with our popular Silver Dragon Interconnect. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. We also recommend using the Black Dragon Power Cable, designed to be used with all equipment in mind: DVD/CD Players, Dacs, Home Theater Processor/Pre Amps, and speaker/headphone amps. The cable is dead quiet and rejects all EMI and RFI interference.
Bluesound Node Icon Reference Music Streamer
Bluesound's latest reference music streamer, the NODE ICON is a flagship wireless music streamer, designed for the audio-obsessed. With its sleek aluminum chassis, and vibrant 5” full-color display, it sets a new benchmark for wireless music streamers. Seamlessly connect it to any premium amplifier, powered speakers, or headphones, and enjoy BluOS hi-res streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, THX AAA™ technology, and more. HDMI eARC, Dolby Digital, and Dirac Live* ensure an immersive audio experience for music and TV.
The NODE ICON redefines HiFi listening with its expertly crafted Dual-Mono DAC design. Featuring two cutting-edge ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DACs and transparent circuitry, it delivers sound with unparalleled dynamic range, ultra-low distortion, and exceptional resolution. MQA Labs' groundbreaking QRONO d2a technology further refines DAC performance by correcting timing errors during digital-to-analogue conversion, ensuring the timing response aligns perfectly with the original recording for an authentic listening experience.
Technics SL-G700M2 SACD Player and Network Music Player
The Technics SL-G700M2 SACD Player and Network Music Player is a versatile audio component that combines the best of SACD playback with the convenience of network streaming. This advanced player is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality for both physical discs and digital music files. With its high-quality DAC and network connectivity, the SL-G700M2 offers a range of features to elevate your audio experience. Whether you're enjoying your favorite SACDs or streaming music from online services, this player promises rich, detailed sound and versatile playback options. It features the dual ESS ES9026PRO chip DAC design, symmetrical architecture, Technics' proprietary coherent processing technology, and much more. If you're looking for an SACD player that delivers your favorite music with the presentation it deserves, then look no further. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allow you to stream your music from a wide variety of sources, or play traditional CD/SACD with crisp, clear audio. The SL-G700M2 brings out rich details and tones in music files, no matter what the format.
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