We compiled a list of the best desktop DAC/Amp combos that are great for your PC and Mac.
A great desktop DAC/Amp is possibly the only thing you need (beyond headphones and a source) for high-quality personal listening at home or the office. It’s a jack-of-all-trades that accepts a digital input and outputs directly to your favorite cans. In a perfect world, it has every possible input you desire, and can deftly balance driving super-efficient IEMs and power-hungry full-sized headphones.
Sure, you can buy separate components, but a good integrated DAC/Amp desktop unit simplifies things and eliminates the need for unsightly interconnect cables. If desktop space is at a premium, a smaller sized DAC/Amp combo can help solve lots of issues.
Specifications are important when considering what desktop DAC/Amp will be right for you. They are inherently complicated devices, and all the technical terms come into full effect when reading specs. Reading about frequencies, wattage, and impedance can quickly become overwhelming.
Important Features of a Desktop DAC/Amp
To choose the right desktop DAC/Amp, you have to decide what features are most important to you:
- Format support: DSD, MQA, and/or high bit-rate and sample rate?
- Variety of digital and analog inputs?
- Power to drive a wide range of headphones?
- Sound quality?
- Bluetooth?
- Price and value?
- All of the above?
We’re here to help with our recommendations of some of the best desktop DAC/Amp options and a quick reference guide to compare the most important features. Comparing the specifications is a key part of making the right choice.
Best Desktop DAC/Amp Comparison Chart
Scroll to the right to see the full table ⏩
| Model | Buy | Chipset | PCM Max Bit Rate | PCM Max Sample Rate | DSD | MQA | Output Power (W @ 32 Ohms) | Balanced Output | USB Input Type | TOSLINK Input | Coaxial Input | AES Input | Bluetooth Input |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burson Audio Conductor 3x | BUY | ESS9038 x2 | 32-Bit | 768 kHz | DSD 512 | N | 5 | Y | C | Y | Y | N | Y |
| Chord DAVE | BUY | FPGA | 32-Bit | 768 kHz | DSD 512 | N | 1.4 | Y | B | 2 | 4 | Y | N |
| iFi Pro iDSD | BUY | PCM1793 x4 | 32-Bit | 768 kHz | DSD 1024 | Y | [email protected] | Y | 3 B | N | Y | Y | Y |
| JDS Labs Element II Best Budget 💰 | BUY | AKM4493 | 32-Bit | 384 kHz | DSD 512 | N | 1.3 | N | B | N | N | N | N |
| Questyle CMA Twelve | BUY | ES9018 | 32-Bit | 384 kHz | DSD 256 | N | 2 | Y | B | Y | Y | Y | N |
| RME Audio ADI-2 DAC Strong Runner-up 💪 | BUY | AK4490EQ | 32-Bit | 768 kHz | DSD 256 | N | 1.2 | Y | B | Y | Y | N | N |
| Sabaj D5 | BUY | ES9038PRO | 32-Bit | 768 kHz | DSD 512 | N | 1.9 | Y | B | Y | Y | N | N |
| Schiit Jotunheim | BUY | AK4490 | 24-Bit | 192 kHz | N | N | 5 | Y | B | N | N | N | N |
| SPL Phonitor XE Editor's Pick 🏆 | BUY | AK4490 | 32-Bit | 768 kHz | DSD 256 | N | 1 | Y | B | Y | Y | Y | N |
| Topping DX7 Pro | BUY | ES9038PRO | 32-Bit | 768 kHz | DSD 1024 | N | 1.7 | Y | B | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| xDuoo TA-30 | BUY | ES9038Q2M | 32-Bit | 384 kHz | DSD 512 | N | 3 | N | B | Y | Y | N | Y |
11 Best Desktop DAC/Amp Combos in 2021
Here are our picks for the best desktop DAC/Amp combos in 2021:
Burson Audio Conductor 3x
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 32/768
- DSD: 512
- MQA: N
- Bluetooth Input: Y
- Output Power ([email protected]): 5000
The Burson Audio Conductor 3x is part of Burson’s flagship line, which means it is designed to perform at the highest quality standards. Burson is a household name in DIY circles, as their discrete op-amps are heralded as high current and high voltage upgrade options featuring natural-sounding harmonics. The Conductor 3x sports their newest V6 opamps.
The Conductor 3x is extremely feature-rich and is packaged in an attractive and modest aluminum case. If desktop space is at a premium, it can even be stood on end and the display rotates to match the new orientation. Neat!
The Conductor 3x is a detailed and transparent DAC, with excellent frequency response, soundstage, imaging, and depth. 5 watts is plenty of power and additional headroom for almost any headphone. This all produces a natural, life-like, and engaging sound signature with both headphones and IEMs. Note that highly sensitive IEMs may have slight audible hiss when paired with the Conductor 3x.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Amazon
- Check Price on Official Website
Chord Dave
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 32/768
- DSD: 512
- MQA: n
- Bluetooth Input: N
- Output Power ([email protected]): 1400
The Chord Electronics Dave (Digital to Analogue Veritas in Extremis) is unmistakably a Chord product. Appreciate it or not, the Dave looks like nothing else in audio, resembling a porthole from Captain Nemo’s submarine (the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) as much as anything else. Clearly, it’s something special.
The unique case is also quite heavy, which Chord touts as crucial for minimizing vibrations and shielding the switching power supply, both of which yield significant improvements in sound quality.
As this is a Chord product, not only is the external design distinct, but the internals of the Dave are based upon Chord’s own Spartan 6 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chipset, rather than a standard, off-the-shelf, low power DAC chip.
With all that processing power and Chord magic under the hood, the pay off is with outstanding sonic performance. The Dave is an uncolored virtuoso that puts the music first. Imaging is precise, tonalities are natural sounding, and the music shines with outstanding depth and clarity.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Official Website
iFi Pro iDSD
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 32/768
- DSD: 1024
- MQA: Y
- Bluetooth Input: Y
- Output Power ([email protected]): 1500
The iFi Pro iDSD is perhaps the most feature-rich device on our list. In addition to DAC duties, it adds (wired and wireless) network streaming and both solid-state and tube amplification (using a pair of General Electronics 5670 tubes) discrete circuits. The tube circuit features negative feedback, adding smoothness to the sound (slightly decreasing detail) which makes it quite distinct sounding from the solid-state mode.
Overall the Pro iDSD is even and balanced sounding. The tonality is clean and refined, with impressive detail and cohesion. While not quite at the level of transparency and dynamics of some other TOTL DAC/Amps, the sheer flexibility and plethora of features of the Pro iDSD mean it must be considered when looking for the best-integrated desktop DAC/Amp.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Amazon
- Check Price on Official Website
JDS Labs Element II
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 32/384
- DSD: 512
- MQA: N
- Bluetooth Input: N
- Output Power ([email protected]): 1300
The JDS Labs Element II is one of the leaner (and more affordable) options on our ‘Best Of’ list. Its design (in both aesthetics and sound) is to embrace the beauty of simplicity. Physically it’s a small black box with an unusually large knob on top (illuminated by your choice of color).
JDS Labs got started by producing the Objective (O2) amplifier, and this dedication to uncolored sound has lived on in the Element II. It has a black background, with no unwanted noise. While not quite so neutral as the O2 amp, the Element II has a slightly more dynamic and full sound signature. This is a good compromise for a more enjoyable listening experience.
The Element II is a bargain when compared to much of the rest of our list, and it will find many fans with it’s no-nonsense and easy-to-use nature. The standout (err…) ‘element’ here is the amplifier circuit, while the DAC is a competent performer, if not quite on the same level as other high-end options.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Official Website
Questyle CMA Twelve
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 32/384
- DSD: 512
- MQA: N
- Bluetooth Input: N
- Output Power ([email protected]): 2000
The Questyle CMA Twelve’s no-nonsense looks are definitely influenced by the Chinese manufacturer’s history of manufacturing professional gear. It’s been twelve years (thus the name) since their original CMA (Current Mode Amplification) product. In this case, there are 4 groups of current-mode amplifiers working in pure Class-A amplification mode.
The Twelve is impressively solid with an array of tiny indicator LEDs (rather than a display screen). The tactile switches and weighted volume knob are a pleasure to use and another throwback to pro-level gear.
The venerable 4490 DAC chip, while not the newest flagship, is known for its neutral and realistic tonality. Paired with the excellent class A amplification, the sound signature of the Twelve is cohesive and controlled, yet powerful and engaging. It may be a bit much for highly sensitive IEMs, but certainly has all you could want for full-sized headphones.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Official Website
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 32/768
- DSD: 256
- MQA: N
- Bluetooth Input: N
- Output Power ([email protected]): 1200
The RME Audio ADI-2 DAC certainly stands out from the crowd with its distinctive full-color display featuring a real-time spectrum analyzer. Who doesn’t love bouncy meters?
RME is a German manufacturer that believes in quietly producing very high-quality devices. In fact, they have steadily updated the ADI-2 over the years with little fanfare. No new model name and no new price. They’ve changed the DAC chip (from AK4490 to AK4493), lowered the noise floor, and upgraded the remote control.
The ADI-2 is extremely feature-rich. It sports a 5 band EQ, loudness circuit, and can even be used to record DSD audio. All of this is accessed via the display. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite sport as many digital inputs, or Bluetooth, as some of the competition brings to the table.
The ADI-2 even automatically selects the appropriate output when it detects when headphones are connected. It slowly raises the volume when starting playback, allowing you to set an appropriate volume when switching between different headphones.
The good news is that all those features don’t outstrip the sound quality. The ADI-2 is incredibly precise and clear. Music is portrayed naturally and realistically. RME claims the ADI-2 can drive any headphone or IEM, and it features separate outputs for ultra-sensitive IEMs and an ‘Extreme Power’ mode for difficult to drive full-size headphones.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Amazon
- Check Price on Official Website
Sabaj D5
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 32/768
- DSD: 512
- MQA: Y
- Bluetooth Input: N
- Output Power ([email protected]): 1900
The Sabaj D5 is one of the most affordable DAC options sporting the flagship ESS ES9038Pro DAC chip. The implementation is done well with the Sabaj D5, and this yields impressively low distortion levels. It features a clear and sharp OLED display paired with only a single knob on the clean front face.
The solid aluminum case is heavy and well crafted. The unit sports a decent set of inputs and outputs but does not offer a Bluetooth connection. The typical 6.35mm single-ended and 4-pin XLR headphone outputs are on the front face.
The Sabaj D5 is very clean sounding, with high resolution and detail. Overall it sounds very neutral and non-fatiguing. Nothing is boosted or recessed in the music. The D5 just provides clean and clear power to your headphones.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Amazon
- Check Price on Official Website
Schiit Jotunheim
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 24/192
- DSD: N
- MQA: N
- Bluetooth Input: N
- Output Power ([email protected]): 5000
The Schiit Jotunheim is an absolute beast of a headphone amplifier ([email protected])! It’s also modular, with the buyer able to select between an AK4490 based DAC, Schiit’s proprietary multibit DAC, or even forgoing digital completely and adding a passive MM phono input for vinyl playback. The optional modules are separated from the amplifier and power circuits to further reduce noise.
The Jotunheim amplifier features Schiit’s ‘Pivot Point’ circuitry, which provides both balanced and single-ended outputs. Additionally, the internal power supply is a very beefy 48VA transformer with 6-stages of discrete regulation and 70,000 uF of filter capacitance.
All that power is remarkably finessed. Sound quality is superb with excellent tonality and detail. Bass response is as strong as expected with so much amplifier muscle powering the low end.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Official Website
SPL Phonitor XE
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 32/768
- DSD: 256
- MQA: N
- Bluetooth Input: N
- Output Power ([email protected]): 1000
The SPL Phonitor XE is available in traditional black and silver colors, but the red model is the real visual knockout. Those two large glowing VU meters and gorgeous knob and switch layout are really attractive. The XE is the TOTL model in the decade-old, 4-model, Phonitor lineup.
The Phonitor is another no-hold-barred DAC/Amp option. Only lacking Bluetooth, the sheer number of features (like user-adjustable crossfeed), and inputs/outputs is impressive. There are balanced and single-ended headphone outputs on both the front and the back, selectable via a switch.
The Phonitor’s sound is slightly warm, with excellent headroom and dynamics. Music reproduction is full and powerful. This is a large machine, both in size and sound.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Official Website
Topping DX7 Pro
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 32/768
- DSD: 1024
- MQA: N
- Bluetooth Input: Y
- Output Power ([email protected]): 1700
The Topping DX7 Pro is part of the Chinese manufacturer’s affordable lineup of products that are generating a lot of buzz as of late. Excelling in features and measured performance, they offer incredible bang-for-the-buck for cost-conscious audiophiles.
The DX7 Pro features Bluetooth, dual opamp output, adjustable gain and filters, and three headphone outputs (6.35mm, 4-pin XLR, and 4.4mm), yet takes up very little desktop real estate.
The DX7 is very clean and precise sounding. The balanced mode offers improved dynamics and spaciousness over the single-ended output. Compared to some of the heavy hitters on this list, the DX7 sound is tighter and faster but lacks a bit of the competition’s body, punch, and power.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Amazon
- Check Price on Official Website
xDuoo TA-30
Key features
- Max Bit Rate/Sample Rate (Bit/kHz): 32/384
- DSD: 512
- MQA: N
- Bluetooth Input: Y
- Output Power ([email protected]): 3000
The xDuoo TA-30 offers something different than the rest of the competitors on our ‘Best Of’ list. The TA-30 is the big brother of the TA-10 and TA-20, and its most obvious features are the large amplifier tubes and transformer cover on the top. This is unapologetically a tube amp first and foremost.
The TA-30 uses a high-voltage 5Z3P tube for rectification and a pair of ECC82 tubes for amplification. The DAC is a high-end affair featuring an ES9038Q2M chipset and features all the bells and whistles you’d expect from xDuoo including Bluetooth and user-selectable digital filters.
With 3 watts of power on hand and no low-gain option, this is not the amp for sensitive IEMs and is much more suited for full-sized headphones. Dynamics and sound stage are outstanding, with the expected warmth and character of tube amplification.
Where to buy
- Check Price on Amazon
- Check Price on Official Website
Why Buy a DAC/Amp Combo for Desktop Usage?
An integrated DAC/Amp combo is meant to be the heart of a desktop headphone audio system. It offers several benefits over purchasing and combining separate components:
- A combo DAC/Amp can be less expensive than purchasing each component separately.
- Often a combo takes up less desktop space than multiple components.
- You don’t need to buy special interconnects.
- One remote can control all the features.
- The overall look is cleaner and more organized.
- The ‘synergy’ between the DAC and amplifier is designed and intended by the manufacturer.
- It can typically work as a preamp for powered desktop speakers as well as headphones.
Why not use a portable DAC/Amp to replace a desktop DAC/Amp?
The main reasons for choosing a dedicated desktop DAC/Amp over a portable one are to do with power, features, and looks. While a portable DAC/Amp is most often smaller in size, the feature set is often limited in order to prioritize portability. If you want the flexibility and power to drive any headphone, while ensuring the best digital to analog conversion and amplification, a good desktop DAC/Amp can’t be beaten.
Trav Wilson
Audiophile or Audio-Phool? I don’t claim to have golden ears with magical properties, nor any ability to create music. But I do have a deep appreciation for music, founded at a young age, and curated over the years. I’m also unapologetically a gear-head and love lights, buttons, meters, switches and especially things made from traditional wood, leather, metal and glass materials. As with everything, take it for what it is: this is just one person’s opinion. Runs powerchordreviews.com
