Its newest component, the Toppping E50 II, is an external DAC that’s designed to pair with an external headphone amplifier, a ...

In 2025, DACs under $1,000 deliver performance once reserved for flagship gear, making it easier than ever to build a truly high-value digital front end without stretching your budget.

"Topping releases a new DAC" isn't really news: it makes loads of them, from the ultra-affordable D10s to the G5 portable headphone DAC/amp and premium D90 III Sabre. But the new E50 II is interesting ...

SMSL’s $499 DL400 features the ES9039MSPRO DAC, 6W balanced power, LDAC support, and a reversible I2S/XLR interface. For a category that keeps evolving, the DL400 looks like another technically ...

Questyle's new DAC and headphone amps deliver Hi-Res Audio, LDAC and impressively powerful output for a wide range of headphones and IEMs. Starting at $599, they don't come cheap – but they do have a ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Technology journalist specializing in audio, computing and Apple Macs. The Topping DX5 II sets a new benchmark for budget desktop ...

iFi Audio is a British-based hi-fi company best known for its relatively affordable portable audio players and desktop amplifiers. The brand’s newest amp, the iDSD Valkyrie, is a step in the other ...

MQA Labs has launched Qrono dsd and Qrono d2a, a set of technologies that the group claims will improve the audio output of any digital-to-analog converter (DAC). They’re the first new products ...

iFi launched a hit product with its Zen line of home and office desktop DACs and continues that tradition with the Zen DAC 3. The best word to describe it would be “smooth.” It has enough I/O to meet ...

HIFIMAN is best known for its line of high-end headphones, but today we’re looking at its premiere desktop sound system: the HIFIMAN Serenade. Featuring its acclaimed Himalaya PRO R2R DAC and enough ...

Want to give your workstation an audio boost? Get a headphone amplifier. They’re simple to use, affordable and damn cool. A desktop DAC/amp is a simple and (sometimes) affordable component that ...