Top 9 Best DACs Under $200: Budget DAC Guide

All of your household gadgets, including the television, computer, and headphones, have a DAC built-in. However, you do have a reason to purchase a hardware DAC device, it is much better. If you want to improve your music experience or if you hear anything apart from sound recordings, a DAC is a good solution.

You’re looking for the best DACs possible without spending a fortune, there are some great options out there for under 200$. Check out our list of the best DACs under 200 and find the perfect one for your needs!

Read more: Top 6 Best DACs Under $50

XtremPro X1-1 High-Performance DAC

Looking for an audiophile-grade DAC that can drive your headphones directly? Look no further than the XtremPro X1-1! This high-performance device plays all music files, from MP3s to 24-bit/192kHz tracks, and features a fixed output that feeds into a preamp or AV receiver.

It also has a variable output that can drive powered speakers or a power amp. So whether you’re listening at home or in the studio, the XtremPro X1-1 is sure to deliver amazing sound quality.

Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC

The Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC is perfect for serious gamers who want to take their audio game to the next level. It delivers an ultra-high dynamic range of 130dB, giving you the clarity and precision you need to hear every footstep, gunshot, and explosion with stunning realism.

Plus, its 32-bit 384 kHz audio quality ensures that you’ll experience every note and nuance of your favorite music tracks with pristine clarity. And it’s supported on a wide range of devices including PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. So if you’re looking for an edge in your next gaming showdown, make sure to equip yourself with the Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res DAC!

FiiO E10K-TC Headphone Amplifier USB DAC Type-C

The FiiO PCM5102 DAC chip is used in the USB Type-C DAC and Headphone Amplifier to improve the sound quality of your laptop’s audio output. It can play PCM files in up to 32-bit, 384 kHz resolution via USB or output 192 kHz via coaxial S/PDIF.

This device offers an Output Power of 200mW and features a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, making it perfect for listening to music or watching movies on your computer or laptop. Plus, the headphone impedance range has been widened to support 16-150Ω headphones. With its clean sound and impressive performance, this amplifier is perfect for anyone who wants to get the most out of their headphones!

EarStudio ES100 MK2-24bit Portable High-Resolution

The ES100 is a great device. The audio quality and clarity are still impressive, with only one exception: the placement of controls could be better without having to look down or up from where you’re sitting in front of your TV screen – there’s just no easy way for us older folks (who have poor eyesight) find certain buttons on these things!

Packed with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 and high-quality codecs, EarStudio ES100 MK2-24bit Portable High-Resolution lets you enjoy your music to the fullest extent possible. It also doubles as a USB DAC/headphone amp, so you can get the most out of your headphones. Whether at home or on the go, EarStudio ES100 MK2-24bit Portable High-Resolution is the perfect way to experience your music.

Soundavo HP-DAC1 Digital to Analog Converter

The Soundavo HP-DAC1 is a USB & Analog Playback and Record multimedia audio system that delivers clearer high, deeper bass and richer sound. This product has a built-in high-performance headphone amplifier (32 – 600 Ohm headphone impedance recommended), making it perfect for audiophiles. It also features one optical digital input for most HDTVs, game consoles, or other digital audio sources with optical digital output.

The Soundavo HP-DAC1 digital to analog converter is perfect for anyone who wants to improve the sound quality of their music. With its TI PCM1754 24-bit 192 kHz DAC and PCM1808 24-bit 96 kHz ADC chips, this converter provides high-fidelity sound that is free of noise and distortion. And with its volume control, you can adjust the output level for both headphones and RCA outputs.

FiiO Q3 Headphone Amplifier DSD512

Looking for a headphone amplifier that can handle the most demanding audio files? Look no further than the FiiO Q3! This powerful little amp can decode up to 768kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD512, so you can experience your music with stunning clarity and detail. And if you need to adjust the gain, it’s as easy as pressing a button – just look for the light! With its 1800 mAh battery, the Q3 is perfect for extended listening sessions. And thanks to its modern USB Type-C input interface, it’s easy to keep your setup current.

The Q3 is a one-stop-shop for all your audio needs. It provides both 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced outputs as well 3, 5 mm single-ended jacks so you don’t have to worry about any adapters! The Q3 is the perfect solution for the person who wants to keep their eyes on what’s happening in front of them. The RGB lights are a quick way to see if sampling rates have changed and there are three different colors so you can quickly identify which setting they’re set at!

iFi Hip-dac Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier

The FiDiFi Hip-DAC improves your music while you’re on the move. Your musical experience will be more enjoyable and striking while working on the Mac Book in a café, jogging, or during a flight. The sensitivity of the input can be adjusted to fit your skill level, bringing you joy. The finest DAC under 200 is a fantastic combination of quality and price.

Now you can have studio-quality sound anywhere with the iFi Hip-dac Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier. This amazingly compact and lightweight device delivers 6 hours of playback time on a single battery and connects to most devices with a USB input. Tone controls like Power Match and Xbass provide analog adjustments that enhance and customize your music, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes with amazing clarity and detail.

EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000 Gaming Audio Amplifier

Looking to take your gaming audio experience up a notch? Look no further than the Sennheiser GSX 1000 Gaming Audio Amplifier. This powerful little device has a binaural audio engine that helps create an incredibly realistic soundscape, complete with virtual 7.1 surround sound.

And if that’s not immersive enough for you, the onboard screen also lets you customize various modes and settings to get the most out of your game. Plus, with its sound tone system, you can control your own volume of the sound – perfect for when you need to stay sharp in noisy environments.

This handy device features convenient presets that let you focus the sound frequencies where they are most needed, as well as separate game audio and chat controls so you can customize your experience exactly to your liking. You can even switch between audio modes, profiles, and headset/speaker balance on the fly without having to tab out of your game. And when it comes time to take a break, the large volume ring allows easy fingertip control – so you can adjust the sound level quickly and easily.

AudioQuest DragonFly Black v1.5 Plug-in USB DAC

AudioQuest DragonFly Black is perfect for music lovers who want to improve their listening experience without breaking the bank. This tiny device connects to your computer’s USB port and delivers a resolution of up to 24-bit 96kHz, making it possible to hear every note and nuance of your music with stunning clarity.

Its 1.2 volts provide plenty of power, and the fast roll filter ensures minimum phase distortion. Plus, the black soft-touch finish and leather pouch makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.

The AudioQuest DragonFly Black v1.5 Plug-in USB DAC is a small, yet powerful digital-to-analog converter that can be used with a variety of devices. It’s easy to use and compatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. The DAC also has a fixed output that feeds into a preamp or AV receiver.

DACs: What You Need To Know

There are several different types of the best DAC under $200 on the market. The following are some examples:

Full-sized Digital to Analog Converters (DACs)

The majority of these DACs are somewhat larger, have a lot of ports and connectivity, and don’t skimp on features.

Portable Digital to Analog Converters (DACs)

Some of the DACS may be carried in the pockets, but because they are smaller, they have fewer ports and less connectivity.

Bluetooth Digital to Analog Converters (DACs)

Bluetooth-based DACs have the ability to convert audio signals wirelessly and do so without using wires.

FAQs

What is a DAC?

DAC stands for Digital to Analog Converter. A DAC is a device that improves the sound quality of music by amplifying it and making it clearer when played through speakers or headphones. They are often used in computers, laptops, and other devices that need to process audio files.

Is the DAC compatible with mobile phones?

Yes, a DAC with the appropriate ports and connections may connect to mobile phones if it includes them.

Is the DAC capable of improving sound quality?

Yes, it improves both the quality of sound as well as the bass. Some DACs may also be used to improve the quality of a microphone.

Is it necessary to use any software or is a DAC simply enabled when connected?

Some DACs don’t need any software or drivers, but some do.

Is USB DAC better?

Connectivity is a key element to consider when combining your codec with an existing audio system.

• Optical is a digital audio signal connection cable, also known as a superconducting optical cable. The conductor sheath is made of the Duraflex compound, allowing the transmission of music at frequencies up to 96khz.
• Coaxial gives better sound quality than Optical. Supports 24-bit/192kHz signal quality.
• The USB port is a multi-function connection port, supporting music transmission at a frequency of 786khz. This is also the port that supports connecting a computer to a DAC decoder.

Conclusion

We’ve taken a look at some of the best DACs under $200 and we hope that this article has helped you find just what you were looking for. These are great options for anyone looking for a quality piece of equipment without breaking the bank. If not, please leave a comment below and let us know your budget range so we can get back to you with more options!