Best DAC under 100

A digital-analog converter (DAC) is a system converts a digital signal into an analog one. A DAC outputs sound at the bitrate of audio files you play. Such a converter becomes handy when to record high-quality audio content. Finding the best DAC under 100 can take some time, as there are many models up for sale and many of them have additional features. Indeed, a cheap DAC can be bought to boost the sound quality, if there is no need in the professional-grade audio quality recording.

Modern DAC amplifiers can be tiny, but still, they are able to achieve high output volume. The main task of this converter is to amplify the input signal and output distortion-free sound. Though, some models may have additional connectivity options, like a USB port.

I would like to share my experience and help you find the best DAC amp under 100 that will meet all your requirements, providing you with additional features and clean audio output.

Dac Under 100 Reviews

Behringer Microamp HA400 4-Channel Stereo Headphone Amplifier

This is one of the best cheap USB DAC. It is tiny – the item dimensions are 4.1×2.2×1.8 in while the weight is only 13.1 oz. It has four independent stereo high-power amplifier sections, so you can control phones level per channel. It allows four people to listen to a record having different volume levels. This amplifier can be used with all types of headphones. The amplified output sound will stay clean and crisp even if you set the maximum volume for all the four phones connected. Ultra low-noise 4580 operational amplifiers (these are the amplifiers used in “full-size” audio equipment) boost the output signal.

This model is powered by a 12V DC adapter. All the ports are located on the top panel – the four phone ports, an input, and a power port.

The front panel has four knobs to control signal amplification. The small yellow light shows whether this DAC is on. It works well, but the lower frequencies are not very “deep” (which can be compensated with an equalizer).

AudioQuest DragonFly Black v1.5 Plug-in USB DAC

Here is a good option if you look for the best USB DAC under 100. It looks like a USB dongle with an output port. This model is quite small – the dimensions are 2.4×0.75×0.47 in. The item weight is 3.52 oz only.

This AudioQuest DragonFly is compatible with popular operating systems. It works with Windows 7 or later, Apple 10.6.8 and later and it is compatible with Linux, but no tech support is provided. This plug-and-play DAC amplifier is compatible with mobile devices as well. It works with devices (both tablets and smartphones) that run on Apple iOS 5 and later or Android 5.0 and later. To use this USB DAC with portable devices you need an Apple Camera adapter or a Made for Android/OTG adapter.

The DragonFly has the 32-bit ESS 9010 Sabre DAC installed. The installed DAC has a minimum-phase filter. It can natively decode resolutions up to 24-bit/96 kHz. This solution can play any file type, from MP3 to MQA and Hi-Res audio file.

The medium output is 1.2V and it’s enough to drive a wide range of headphones models. It can also output the signal to powered speakers and audio systems as well. The asynchronous transfer technology guarantees digital timing integrity.

FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier

This model doesn’t only amplify the input signal but also allows controlling the output signal. It has a wide frequency response range from 20 to 20000 Hz. The impedance range is from 16 to 300 Ohms. This model has the PCM5102 DAC chip installed and it can handle PCM files with the resolution up to 24-bit, 96 kHz. The amplification stage features the LMH6643 amplifier solution.

This DAC amplifier features a bass boost and low-pass filter features. Both features are built using the optimized circuitry – it minimizes noise when these features are engaged. The linear internal filter reduces delay and internal silence when you change tracks. It also helps avoid any phase shifting.

This solution has a front-panel headphone jack, a rear-panel line output, and a coaxial digital output. These ports allow you to use it as a part of a complex audio system. This model can be connected to a PC using a micro USB connection that also provides the DAC with power.

You need to install drivers to use this device and I got some errors here. I got the “kernel security check failure”, so if you choose this model, then you should be ready to deal with drivers issues, other than that, this model is quite good.

FiiO A3 Portable Headphone Amplifier (Silver)

Here is a budget DAC amplifier that has a bass boost feature that increases the output by 3.5 dB at 60 Hz (it bypasses the signal when the feature is turned off). The recommended headphone impedance is from 16 to 150 Ohms. This model has a gain switch to match output with headphone power needs.

The FiiO A3 has the OPA1642 preamplifier and the AD8397 amplifier section. The frequency response of this amplifier is from 20 to 20000 Hz while the signal-to-noise ratio is 108 dB and the crosstalk rejection is 72 dB.

It has a 1/8” stereo AUX port and a 1/8” headphone output. It has a LED that shows the device status. The LED starts pulsating when the battery is charging and if the battery is low, the LED starts flashing slowly. If something is wrong, the LED starts flashing quickly, which should grab your attention.

It has a mini USB port and a 1400mAh battery.

Unfortunately, you can’t use it during charging, as you get an electronic interference (the buzzing noise) while you listen to music and charge it at the same time.

Topping NX2S Ultra Slim HiFi DAC Headphone Amplifier

This model uses the OP (OPA1652) + BUF (LMH6643) structure. The maximum output power is 140 mW. The frequency response is from 20 to 100000 Hz and the gain is 5.6 dB, while the signal-to-noise ratio is 121 dB. The suitable headphones impedance range is from 16 to 300 Ohms, so this is compatible with numerous headphones models. The conversion stage uses the PCM5101A DAC provided by Texas Instruments. This solution is capable of processing a signal from 44.1 to 192 kHz, and the 16 or 32-bit resolution. This model can be used with PCs, iOS, and Android devices (using the corresponding cable).

This DAC amplifier is quite tiny, the approximate dimensions are 3.6×2.3×0.4 in.

It has a built-in 1000 mAh battery, which can be recharged using the Micro USB port. The input ports include a micro USB port and a standard stereo jack (3.5 mm). The output port is a 3.5 mm port.

The output sound quality is high – it is clean, but it is still not very loud, so if you look for powerful sound, this isn’t the best option.

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD USB Audio System

This is one of the best DAC under 100 with many functions. It comes with Creative Software Suite (it has additional features like Audio Control Panel, Entertainment Console, Creative Sound Blaster Media Center Edition Plugin, Creative Media Toolbox, etc.) that allows you to record, playback, cleanup, and organize music files. The high signal-to-noise ratio is 114 dB. The high definition audio quality is guaranteed by 24-bit digital-audio (audio-digital) conversion of the digital (audio) source during playback (recording) in 24-bit, using the 96 kHz sampling rate. The suitable headphone impedance is less than 300 Ohms, so it can be used even with professional-grade solutions.

The Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi has 1/4″ microphone and headphone jack on the front panel. The back panel features an optical I/O port, gold-plated stereo RCA I/O ports, a mini USB port. It also has a grounding knob that has to be connected to a turntable grounding wire or ground screw to exclude any humming noise. The Line In/Phono In jacks are equipped with RIAA equalization so you can record from a turntable directly – remember to select “Phono In” as your recording source in your OS.

The front panel has a sensitive volume dial. The LED lights up in blue when USB power is detected. It blinks when audio is muted.