A digital audio convertor or DAC can convert digital audio signals into analog signals to provide better sound quality. These are the Best DAC for gamers to get the most audio experience, as audio is primarily forgotten in many gamer settings. A dedicated AMP or DAC
should be a requirement for any serious audiophile.
When it comes to gaming, all gamers focus on the visual aspect to get a whole experience that involves good audio quality. Let’s upgrade the audio setup by choosing one of the best options available in the market.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best DAC for Gaming in 2022
A DAC takes the digital information of 0s to 1s from the audio device and converts it into an analog to get a much more desirable audio experience. In addition to reducing internal device noise, it increases the bitrate of the audio output and provides crystal-clear sound. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Name
Image
Features
Price
Sound BlasterX G6
Dynamic Range: 130dB (A-weighted)
Dimensions: 4.37 x 0.94 x 2.76 inches
Weight: 7.1 ounces
Fiio E10K DAC
Digital In (USB/OTG DAC)
DAC Chip: Single AKM4452
Audio Input: Micro USB/3.5 mm Jack
Audioengine D1
Product dimensions: 3.5×3.75×1″ (89x95x25mm)
Weight: 1.0lbs (0.5kg)
DAC type: USB and Optical
Creative Sound Blaster
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Headphones up to 600 ohm
112dB DAC
Dimension: 4.6 x 2 x 1.9 inches
Weight: 6 ounces
Output gain levels: 5.6Vrms and 1.7Vrms
16-bit / 48 kHz 7.1 surround sound
High resolution 24 bit / 96 kHz stereo
2-year Sennheiser/EPOS warranty
Sound BlasterX G6
Virtual Surround Sound
SPECIFICATIONS
Dynamic Range:130dB (A-weighted) Dimensions: 4.37 x 0.94 x 2.76 inches Weight:7.1 ounces Interface/Power:USB 2.0, USB Bus Powered DAC Specs:32-bit / 384 kHz Amp Specs:Low output impedance 1Ω, up to 600Ω headphones THD+N:~0.0002% Sampling Rate (DSP Playback):PCM 16/24/32-bit / 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0kHz Sampling Rate (Direct Mode Playback): PCM 16/24/32-bit / 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 176.4, 192.0, 352.8, 384.0 kHz, DoP 24-bit / 176.4 , 352.4 kHz
Pros
✓External USB Sound Card
✓Xamp Headphone Amp
✓Hardware Dolby Digital Decoding
✓7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
✓Enhances in-game audio cues
✓Multi-bit modulator
✓Playback & Recording
✓Mismatch shaping technology
✓Ultra-high dynamic range
✓Unaltered lossless model
✓Untouchable Audio Quality
✓1-year Limited Hardware Warranty
✓Sidetone/Speaker Control for PS4, Nintendo, Xbox One
Cons
✗The device gets pretty hot after some hours of usage.
Sound BlasterX G6 is the highest-ranked product on the list. G6 is the updated version of BlasterX G5 to give a more enjoyable experience than the previous one to improve the audio immediately. The USB Sound card works perfectly with Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and PS4. It doesn’t depend on the amp like a PC or console as it emphasizes a comprehensive collection of connectivity options.
A Virtual 7.1 surround sound features, Scout Mode, Dolby Digital, game voice volume balancing, and sound enhancement technologies from Sound Blaster make this a powerful sound enhancement device.
Accurate Positioning
Support for 7.1 virtual surround sound and Dolby Digital decoding produces the opponents’ gunshots, footsteps, and other audio cues in the games with remarkable accuracy.
Sidetone volume control
Upgrade the gaming moment on XBOX ONE, PC NINTENDO SWITCH, and PS4 as BlasterX G6 immediately enhanced the controller audio and bare motherboard enjoyment. It also offers gaming-centric features like easy-to-reach profile buttons and Sidetone volume control.
Dolby Digital Technology
The device allows enjoying virtual surround sound with Dolby Digital decoding that is perfect for movies and games. The gamers can enjoy audio customization by improving audio realism with accurate cues, immersive 7.1 surround virtualization, in-game voice communication improvements, and bass boost. Topping D50 is also a good option for digital technology.
Scout Mode and Discrete Headphone AMP
Activate the Scout Mode to give a distinct tactical advantage. This model has scout mode to magnify the in-game audio signals like enemy footsteps, gun-shot voices, etc. A custom-designed Xamp headphone amplifier quality features discrete elements through all amplification stages in a bi-amp pattern.
Fiio E10K DAC
Amplifier for PC/mobile phone
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimension:3.9 x 0.47 x 2.32 inches Weight:3.56 ounces Audio Input:Micro USB/3.5 mm Jack Input/Output:3.5 mm Input and Output, 2.5 mm Balanced Output Digital In(USB/OTG DAC) DAC Chip:Single AKM4452 Amplifier Chip:OPA1662 (low-pass) and OPA926 Max recommended sampling rate:Up to 384kHz/32bit PCM and DSD256 Output Impedance:<2 ohms (2.5mm balanced out) and <1.2 ohms (3.5mm out) Battery required.1 LR44 Decoding up to384 kHz /32-bit PCM
Pros
✓ADC volume adjustment mechanism
✓Native DSD decoding chips
✓Exceptional DAC and amplifier parts
✓Official Apple MFi certification
✓Automatically determines input type.
✓Hi-Res Audio Certification
✓Multiple usages
✓The stylish obconical volume knob
✓Both single-ended and balanced outputs
✓Abundant accessories for an exquisite experience
✓Gain and bass-boost switches
✓Reasonable Price Range
Cons
✗Not available
Fiio q1 mark ii is the portable DAC that improves the iPhone better sound but can’t hit some intense competition. This DAC/AMP is tiny in structure, but it doesn’t compromise functionality and is not exactly small in sound. Being equipped with the XMOS allows it to maintain decoding of more setups with outstanding performance. It is competent in decoding up to 384 kHz /32-bit PCM and up to DSD256 (a green light indicates the latter).
The device comes with an exclusive package that contains interconnect (IC), two sets of stacking bands (regular and large sizes), a bolt of lightning-to-micro USB cable, and one stacking pad.
Volume knob
The Q1MkII uses a digitally-stepped volume adjustment that is supposed to decrease the difficulties of channel shortcomings. The digital volume adjustment produces very soft “clicking” sounds while setting the volume up or down during music playing.
The volume knob is excellent, and the motion is smooth; it will not produce any clicking sound while turning the volume knob.
Bass Boost
Q1MkII’s bass boost is the actual reason for its popularity, as it provides a substantial amount of mid + sub-bass. This bass boost reaches from 20Hz to 100Hz, before slowly falling off, but 125 Hz to 250 Hz is the range where the vocal could over thicken/muddy.
This bass is decayed fast and polite, and it might not be impactful or weighty enough if the bass boosts off.
Gain Switch
The high gain switch doesn’t give a considerable volume increase from the low gain. Fiio stated that the volume among low and high gain is 5.7 dB for 3.5 mm out and 5.9 dB for 2.5 mm Balanced out.
The Amp is moderately clean with the background noise, even on extreme gain.
Usability and Compatibility
This DAC/Amp is easy to use with Apple devices. Just plug, play, and enjoy the better sound quality. Remember, the Q1MkII will not drain the Apple smartphone’s battery and will use its battery power instead.
SOUND QUALITY
The Fiio Q1MkII is more musical as a DAC than technical. The vocal sound/music is clear and natural as it takes to a very slightly warm sound signature. The IEM itself adds unwanted bloat while it detects the wrong frequencies.
As an Amplifier, the amp tends to append mid-bass and lower-mid warmth to the sound.
FiiO K3 USB DAC
FiiO Headphone Amps
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 2.76 x 2.28 x 0.87 inches Volume Knob:ADC USB Audio:USB 1.0/ USB 2.0 USB Driver:ASIO/KS/DS/WASAPI/DSD DOP NATIVE Optical output:UP TO 96KHZ Bass Boost:0/+6dB Drive Ability:16-150 Ω Supports up to384kHz/32bit Output Power1(3.5mm headphone output):220mW(16Ω); 120mW(32Ω). Output Power2(2.5mm headphone output):320mW(16Ω); 200mW(32Ω)
Pros
✓Modern USB Type-C input interface
✓Power supply via the USB port
✓Convenient and safe
✓Boost the computer’s sound
✓Finest components for maximum potential
✓Two modes of USB audio
✓ADC volume control
✓Overvoltage protection
✓Ensure power supply stability
✓A tactile audiovisual experience
✓All-aluminum black body
✓Versatility from multiple interfaces
✓High-performance discrete headphone drive
✓Circuit protection
Cons
✗Pops/clicks during playback
FiiO K3 USB DAC is also from FIIO; it is a compact and simple design that comes with all necessary accessories like a USB cable, Type-C to standard USB A, few adhesive pads. It combines strong materials into a thick and compact design with a sleek all-black coating. K3 is well-designed with inputs and outputs with various switches. The device can decode up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM and native DSD256 as it is equipped with an XMOS U30881C10 USB receiver chip.
The aggregate of high-performance AKM AK4452 DAC at very low-distortion op-amps OPA926x2 offers outstanding performance. There are different connection options for different situations: 3.5mm line out, 2.5mm balanced headphone jacks, 3.5mm single-ended, Coaxial, and Optical digital outs.
FiiO K5 Pro
Amplifier for Home
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions:4.72 x 1.97 x 5.12 inches Weight:15.4 ounces DAC chipsAK4493 Supporting up to768kHz/32bit and native DSD Blue light flashingBl48kHz and Below Yellow light flashing48kHz and above DSD:Greenlight flashingDSD Gain:Low 0db/Medium+6db/High+10db AmpTPA6120 op-amp and the OPA1642 JEFT op-amp RCA line-in+6.34mm(1/4 in.) Power output:up to 1.5 W under a 32Ω load, and up to 20Vpp at 300Ω
Pros
✓Multiple interfaces
✓Ultimate in decoding performance
✓The smooth and pleasant sound
✓Reduce distortion
✓Powerful functionality
✓Versatility from multiple interfaces
✓Equipped with XMOS XUF208 USB
✓Getting precise with toggle switches
✓Extremely powerful headphone amplification
✓Utterly precise volume control
✓Extremely Powerful headphone amplification
✓ADC volume control
✓All-aluminum black body
✓Gain switches
✓Secure and robust external power supply
✓Unique RGB status lights
✓High-resolution sound
✓Headphone jacks/RCA outputs+ USB Coaxial, Optical, Line-in inputs
✓More accurate ADC volume control
✓Gain and bass switches
Cons
✗Not suitable for high-end motherboard audio
The K5 Pro is the perfect unit for home use as it is equipped with AKM’s AK4493EQ DAC chips. It is primarily known for its pleasant, smooth sound due to low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio. It offers audio up to 768kHz/32-bit sampling frequencies, and bit-depths are sustained, as well as local DSD.
The ADC Volume control is one of the best features of this product. Volume control reduces channel volume irregularities and allows for a smooth volume for more advanced and more accurate degrees to boost headphones.
Audioengine D1
Hi-Res Audio Playback
SPECIFICATIONS
Product dimensions:3.5×3.75×1″ (89x95x25mm) Weight:1.0lbs (0.5kg) DAC type:USB and Optical Inputs:USB audio, SPDIF Optical D/A converter:AKM4396 USB transfer mode:Asynchronous dual clock USB controller:TI1020B USB device class:Type 1.1 or above Full-scale output level:2.0V RMS Output impedance:2 ohms Input bit depth:16-bit, 24 bit Input sample rate (USB):32kHz-96kHz native playback, 188.2kHz & 192kHz re-sampled to 96kHz Input sample rate (optical):32kHz-192kHz native playback Outputs:Analog RCA L/R stereo, Analog 3.5mm mini-jack stereo SNR:(DC to 20 kHz) >110dB THD+N:(1kHz FS 96kS/s) <0.0025% Recommended headphone impedance range:10 ohms to 600 ohms Headphone amplifier:OPA2134 Optical receiver:CS8416 Frequency response:10Hz-25KHz (+/- 0.5dB) Crosstalk:-85db Input bit depth:16-bit, 24 bit Operating Temperature:32 to 95 degrees F Non-operating Temp:-4 to 113 degrees F Relative Humidity:5% to 95% non-condensing Input sample rate (USB):32kHz-96kHz native playback, 188.2kHz & 192kHz re-sampled to 96kHz Input sample rate (optical):32kHz-192kHz native playback Power requirement:USB 5V DC, 200mA USB power filtering:2-stage redundant regulation
Pros
✓High-Performance Headphone Amp
✓USB Audio Input, Optical Audio Input, Analog Audio Output
✓Desktop or portable DAC
✓High-performance DAC and headphone amp
✓Mac or PC, no driver to install
✓Refined, well-balanced, informative sound
✓Multi-Faceted Component
✓Effortless Setup
✓Best-in-Class Value
✓Get great-sounding music
✓Optical outputs for high-res audio
✓Traditional Audioengine design
✓An affordable price
✓Double redundancy power source conversion
✓Impressive low noise and low distortion
✓3-year warranty & superior support
Cons
✗It just lacks a touch of precision
The D1 is a premium DAC and headphone amplifier for TV and computers that bypasses the headphone output or computer’s sound card and sends audio through optical or USB. It offers high performance, which has multiple quality features like USB and optical inputs, desktop or portable DAC, stream bit-perfect 24/96 HD audio, and can be used with Mac or PC. And it doesn’t require any driver to install.
There are 2-foot USB cables, a 24-bit DAC/Headphone Amp, a microfiber bag, and a setup guide included in the package.
Creative Sound Blaster
Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimension:4.13 x 1.85 x 5.51 inches Weight:4.8 ounces Headphones up to600 ohm DAC112dB Bluetooth audio streaming:Up to 8 hours Analog audio playback:17 hours Micro USB-to-USB cable(length 3.28ft) 4-Pole analog cable(length 2.62 ft) SBX Pro Studio:PC / MAC Max playback quality USB 2.0 (PC / Mac):up to 24-bit / 96KHz Streaming Audio via USB (mobile):up to 24-bit / 48KHz Max recording quality:24-bit / 48KHz Connector:micro USB (PIC32MX) Headphone Output:1x 3.5mm jack Headphone Output / Microphone Input:1 x 3.5mm jack Line Input:1 x 3.5mm jack (4-pin) Operating Range:Up to 10 m
Pros
✓High-quality headphone amplification
✓Incredible high audio streaming quality
✓Built-in Microphone
✓The small and light unit
✓Signal-to-Noise Ratio
✓Near Field Communication (NFC)
✓Connectivity: Dual Headphone-Out, Mic In, Line In, USB
✓Buttons Control
✓Great Battery life
✓Enhanced Audio Quality
✓Quickstart leaflet, Warranty leaflet On-the-go cable Includes in the package.
Cons
✗Sometimes clicking sound reaches above a certain level.
The Sound Blaster E3 is an HD headphone amplifier that enhances audio quality with its Bluetooth functionality. It offers high-quality audio performance with wireless music streaming for intelligent devices. The E3 is a headphone amplifier and USB Dac with a Bluetooth connection for smartphones and tablets.
The Sound Blaster has a 600ohm headphone amplifier and 112dB DAC to ensure the highest grade audio fidelity.
Syba Sonic
Stereo Headphone Amplifier
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimension:L 4.00 × W 4.00 × H 3.75 in Weight:0.88lb Operation Amplifier:TI LM4562 x1 Sampling Rate:24bit/96KHz (Max.) Stereo Headphone Jack(6.3mm) Mini Stereo Headphone Jack3.5mm Input Analog Microphone2.03.5mm Analog Line-in(Stereo) Up to 24bit/96KHz) RCA Analog Output(Stereo)1/4″ Playback/Recording Sampling Rate44.1 kHz Playback/Recording Sampling Rate48 kHz Playback/Recording Sampling Rate96 kHz
Pros
✓Noise reduction chip filters
✓Easy Plug and Play
✓No Driver or Software Installation Required
✓Interface: Mini USB Rev
✓Output Volume Control
✓Integrated De-pop Function
✓Suppress Pop Noise During PC
✓Powered by USB Port
✓Digital Coaxial Output
✓Output Volume Control
✓1-year Limited Warranty
✓Superior audio quality
✓Unbeatable value for money
✓Cmedia CM6533 Chipset
✓USB-Bus-Powered
✓Have Microphone Input
Cons
✗Not available
The Syba Sonic is one of the best Stereo Amplifiers headphones with an intelligent noise reduction chip to filter noise and produce high-fidelity sound quality. It allows the audio quality to be enjoyed as it has a studio’s recording standard with higher than CD sound quality up to 24bit/96KHZ.
There is a Support Microphone + headphones to solve computer sound card damage.
Micca OriGen G2
High-Resolution USB DAC
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimension:4.6 x 2 x 1.9 inches Weight:6 ounces Output gain levels:5.6Vrms and 1.7Vrms output impedance0.5 Ohm headphones16-600 Ohm PCM audio up to24-bit/192kHz Audio controller:2.0 High-Speed 480Mbps
Pros
✓Switchable line-level
✓Excellent drive capability
✓Enhanced signal strength
✓Low noise
✓Low interference
✓Solid Construction
✓Digital audio playback
✓High-resolution PCM audio
✓Stereo analog line level
✓Combination optical S/PDIF digital output
✓Powerful built-in headphone amp
✓Flexible source connection
✓Advanced audio stream interface
✓ASIO and WASAPI Push/Event output
Cons
✗No improvement over the average headphone jack
The Micca OriGen G2 is a digital audio playback device that offers high-resolution PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. Its powerful preamp and headphone amplifier is suitable for compact desktop computer audio systems with powered headphones and monitors. Use the OriGen+ to avoid a computer’s sound card and unlock the music library’s full sonic potential.
Unique audio stream interface support involves both WASAPI Push/Event and ASIO output modes. The analog section provides headphone output or switchable line level by utilizing JRC NJM4556 op-amps with two output gain levels, 1.7Vrms, and 5.6Vrms.
FX Audio DAC-X6
Amplifier DAC Decoder
SPECIFICATIONS
Package Weight:500g Standard Input Interface:Fiber optic, PC USB / coaxial Standard output interface:6.35mm headphone output Line level output:RMS 2V Distortion:≤0. 001% Frequency Response:20hz-20khz Perfect driving32Ω-600Ω headphones Output power:90mw / 600Ω, 180mw / 300Ω, 450mw / 100Ω, 610mw / 62Ω, 910mw / 32Ω, 1000mw /16Ω SNR:≥105dB Adapter USES voltage:100-240ACV Adapter Voltage:100-240ACV Adapter output voltage:Dc12V 1A above Machine dimensions:146mm x 98mm x35mm
Pros
✓Digital Audio Decoder
✓Multiple input options
✓Budget-friendly price
✓Lightweight, compact design
✓Ease of use
✓Bass is fairly fast
✓Quality control is excellent
✓A host of input options
✓No audible hiss
✓Value for money
✓Volume control
Cons
✗Create distortion in music
FX-AUDIO-DAC-X has a standard input interface that is easy to use. Plug it into a computer through an optical cable or USB cable. It doesn’t require any software or tool to install it. The unit shows up in Windows’ Playback Devices as it has SPDIF Interface. There are many advanced features like USB/coaxial, optical fiber, standard RCA interface, Line level output, and many more.
Sennheiser GSX 300
Audio Gaming Amplifier for PC
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions:2.24 x 6.65 x 5.59 inches Weight:0.50 lbs Color:BLACK surround sound16 bit / 48 kHz 7.1 High resolution24-bit / 96 kHz stereo Sennheiser/EPOS warranty2 year
Pros
✓High-Resolution Audio EQ
✓External sound card
✓Good build quality
✓Hassle-free plug-and-play
✓The proprietary EPOS gaming suite
✓Acoustic clarity and accuracy
✓Finger-tip volume control
✓Contemporary high-tech look
✓Perfect for any gaming setup
✓LED indicator
✓Stylish minimalist design
Cons
✗Volume is a bit low
GSX 300 takes the gaming experience to another level by providing high-resolution audio in stereo. The EPOS Gaming is compatible with its 7.1 surround algorithm and advanced digital music processing. GSX 300 allows the customization of sound profiles; it also offers advanced noise cancellation controls to improve acoustic accuracy and reduce background noise for enhanced microphone control.
The unit has a simple and intuitive design that comes with integrated hardware to control the gaming volume. There are customizable intelligent buttons to toggle between profiles or modes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DAC ad headphone AMP?
Headphone amps and DACS (digital-analog converter) allow you to play and listen to audio files or digital files via headphones. It offers audio clear and sharp to enjoy the game. Due to the high impedance that quality headphones require, a solid amp or DAC must dress the most from the audio.
How do Headphone Amps and DACs Work?
Music or other audio files saved in a system or computer are kept in a specific format. Usually, those files are formed of binary digital data (think 1s and 0s) that need turning to analog format to play through Headphones. So this is the situation where a digital-to-analog converter or DAC comes to play its role. It decodes the audio file, like an mp3, and plays it to understand voice better.
How to Use a DAC and Headphone Amp?
Luckily it’s not as complicated as it looks. Unusual DACs require some installation, while some don’t need any installation. Most options in the list connect via USB Connector. And the manual guide is also available to give away to use.
Conclusion
Understanding what type of amp and DAC should get is the main point. Without this, nobody can make a great choice. Consider the headphones’ impedance and sensitivity levels to give an idea of what you should buy or whatnot. Check out the Headphone Power Calculator and Compare the required power levels with the unit’s specification t get the most suitable device. Sound BlasterX G6 is at the top of the list and is a highly recommended device by professionals. But besides this, there are some key features that you should notice while buying a DAC for gaming. Let’s have a look.
- Control options
- Compatibility
- Price
- Single unit or separate amp and DAC
- Brand & manufacturer
- Type & Size
But keep in mind these top 10 lists to find the best DAC.
