What Is A DAC? Can A Digital To Analog Converter Improve Computer Sound?

You've heard the acronym but what is it exactly? What is a DAC, do you already have one, or do you need one? Could a better one improve your audio experience - even create the ultimate gaming set up? In today's video, Andrew defines a DAC and talks about when you should considering upgrading for computer or headphone listening.

00:00 Start
00:34 What is a DAC? | Digital to Analog Converter |D2A | D to A
02:58 Do I need a DAC?
03:57 Laptop/Computer DACs
06:20 An external DAC
07:16 Axiom M3 Computer Speaker
00:00 Start
00:34 What is a DAC? | Digital to Analog Converter |D2A | D to A
02:58 Do I need a DAC?
03:57 Laptop/Computer DACs
06:20 An external DAC
07:16 Axiom M3 Computer Speaker

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Questions?
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[gnolan]

Thanks for this. I just plugged in the included DAC cable to my laptop and into a brand new set of speakers. The difference is quite noticeable. With the DAC the sound is smoother and easier on the ears. Using it means I'll have an extra visible cable on my desk but the tradeoff is worth it. I'd never heard of the term so your explanation is much appreciated.

[MrBlitzpunk]

From my limited experience, the sound difference that DACs bring is often overexaggerated in reviews. They made it seem like your Headphone would sound entirely different or improved significantly. But in reality you'd have to A/B them and listen really closely to even tell a difference

[Glashutte]

Thank you very much for explaining it to me, I have watched so many videos on youtube to understand the whole purpose of DAC but they all failed to put that into my head, you nailed it. Thank you again.

[mlkman]

Thank you for this!!! Well done on the explanation. Cheers!

[BradHebert]

Thank you for this! I have a 2018 Razer Blade laptop. It's powerful, but it has had many issues with drivers, etc. For months, it drove me mad with a subtle, occasional clip or click sound. The audio driver has issues, so I was waiting for an opportunity to factory reset the computer and reinstall everything from scratch (a difficult, time-consuming chore in my world). But then I saw this video! I decided to buy a relatively cheap USB DAC, and now the audio is perfect! So glad I don't have to overhaul my computer (and I don't even know if that would have fixed it). The videos from this channel lately have been excellent.

[befrankpls]

Very well explained. Thanks from Antonio Goa, India

[dante]

Most competent dacs are so good these days so any further improvement would be very minuscule. You would see much more improvement on a better speaker or headphone

[RNJz]

I really enjoyed the video, thank you for the information!

[_HAL__]

Ironically this video has unredeemable sound quality.

[Curiosity]

I have a 7.1 channel sound card and a 5.1 speaker system.
I want to know how can I use a DAC to get DTS or Dolby digital sound.
My sound card has optical port.
But my speakers does not have optical port.
I want to connect the sound card with the DAC with optical cable.
Then the DAC with the speakers with 3.5 mm to RCA cable.
Can I get the desired sound quality in this way?
Please help.

[DANVIIL]

I was interested in a DAC for a CD or DVD player for improved sound quality but you never mentioned that.

[NathanOakley]

That’s an empty speaker 🔈…you can see though the port.

[nicolocastelbarco]

would something like a schiit modi 3 be noticeable upgrade from your standard laptop dac?

[OnesimusX]

Great video. Would you say that a Toslink cable from your desktop to a receiver is better than a 3.2mm audio jack in terms of audio quality?

[monster]

sir.. external DAC or external sound card which is better for PA systems..?

[markowright]

I'm using a dac for my x box one.now I've got a box one x and the dac only works for the front speakers not the rear

[edwin_cho]

Hi, I'm using an old Bose Lifestyle 3 set up and play music on my handphone thru a Bluetooth receiver connected to the Bose. It sounds rather flat these days. I wonder if an external Dac could boost the bass and treble and how should i set it up? Thanks

[bobwa]

If I connect my I pod to my Amp. will it give the same quality as my Cd player gives, for listening to music?

[rico]

I think my phone has low quality audio output can i use dac to improve the quality?

[ChannelExposure]

I have one optical port and one 3.5 port in my tv .. so, by using this converter does it improve my sound quality? Or same as 3.5 mm port . Please reply