This article will discuss some of the Best Dacs With Separate Power supplies.
These digital-to-analog converters reduce electrical noise, improve signal accuracy, and improve audio quality.
Audiophiles can get cleaner sound and more reliable performance if they choose an independent power supply device.
Key Points & Best Dacs With Separate Power Supply
| DAC Model | Key Features | Connectivity Options | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benchmark DAC3 HGC | High-performance, balanced output, built-in preamp | USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, Analog Out | $2,000 – $2,200 |
| Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | High-resolution audio, analog volume control, MQA support | USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, Analog Out | $2,000 – $2,200 |
| Chord Electronics Hugo 2 | Portable, advanced FPGA technology, high-resolution | USB, Coaxial, Optical, Analog Out | $2,500 – $2,800 |
| RME ADI-2 DAC FS | 4x DSP, EQ, and filters, measurement and analysis tools | USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, Analog Out | $1,100 – $1,300 |
| PS Audio DirectStream DAC | FPGA-based, continuous firmware updates, excellent jitter control | USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, Analog Out | $6,000 – $6,500 |
5 Best Dacs With Separate Power Supply
1. Benchmark DAC3 HGC
A DAC with a separate power supply, the Benchmark DAC3 HGC, is a great choice. It provides excellent sound quality with minimal distortion or noise.
Its essential features include balanced outputs, a built-in preamp, and various connectivity options, such as USB, AES/EBU, and SPDIF.
Its sturdy construction and accuracy make this device perfect for those who want the best possible audio reproduction quality.
Benchmark DAC3 HGC Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | DAC with Preamp |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9028PRO |
| Max Resolution | 32-bit / 768 kHz |
| Inputs | USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, Analog (XLR, RCA) |
| Outputs | Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA |
| Frequency Response | 0.5 Hz – 100 kHz ±0.1 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.0005% (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 129 dB (A-weighted) |
| Preamp Functionality | Yes (Volume control, balance control) |
| Power Supply | External, dual-mono design |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.7 inches (24 x 16 x 4.3 cm) |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs (2.0 kg) |
| Price Range | $2,000 – $2,200 |
2. Mytek Brooklyn DAC+
The Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ is a top-of-the-line DAC with a separate power supply. It features high-resolution audio, MQA decoding, and precise analog volume control.
Thanks to its USB, AES/EBU, and SPDIF connectivity, this versatile device offers exceptional sound quality.
Its robust design and advanced features make it a favorite among audiophiles who want great sounds everywhere.
Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | DAC with Preamp |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9038PRO |
| Max Resolution | 32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD512 |
| Inputs | USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, Analog (XLR, RCA) |
| Outputs | Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.1 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.0005% (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 120 dB (A-weighted) |
| Preamp Functionality | Yes (Analog volume control) |
| Power Supply | External, linear regulated |
| Dimensions | 8.6 x 6.0 x 2.0 inches (22 x 15 x 5 cm) |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
3. Chord Electronics Hugo 2
The Hugo 2 from Chord Electronics is an excellent DAC with a separate power supply.
This DAC is at the high end of the market. It features excellent sound quality and uses advanced FPGA technology.
It supports high-resolution audio and can be connected via USB, coaxial, or optical inputs.
It has been designed for portability without compromising performance, making it perfect for audiophiles needing versatility in their digital-to-analog converter.
Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable DAC with Headphone Amp |
| DAC Chip | FPGA-based technology |
| Max Resolution | 32-bit / 768 kHz, DSD512 |
| Inputs | USB, Coaxial, Optical |
| Outputs | Balanced 3.5mm, Unbalanced 3.5mm, Line Out |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.1 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.0002% (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 120 dB (A-weighted) |
| Preamp Functionality | No |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable battery or external power supply |
| Dimensions | 5.0 x 3.0 x 1.5 inches (12.7 x 7.6 x 3.8 cm) |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (0.5 kg) |
4. RME ADI-2 DAC FS
With its power supply, the RME ADI-2 DAC FS is a top-notch digital-to-analog Converter that delivers clean sound with minimal distortion.
It also offers various digital signal processing features, such as equalizers and filters, alongside different connections, including USB, AES/EBU, and SPDIF.
This device is famous for being highly accurate in audio measurements while tough enough to handle any situation, making it the best choice for getting perfect-quality sounds every time.
RME ADI-2 DAC FS Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | DAC with Headphone Amp and DSP |
| DAC Chip | AKM AK4493EQ |
| Max Resolution | 32-bit / 768 kHz, DSD256 |
| Inputs | USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, ADAT |
| Outputs | Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA, Headphone Out |
| Frequency Response | 0.5 Hz – 216 kHz ±0.1 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.00005% (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 120 dB (A-weighted) |
| Preamp Functionality | Yes (DSP features including EQ and filters) |
| Power Supply | External, switch-mode power supply |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 5.2 x 1.8 inches (21 x 13.2 x 4.6 cm) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
5.PS Audio DirectStream DAC
The PS Audio DirectStream DAC is a perfect top-level Digital Analog Converter with a separate power supply. It is built around an FPGA and sounds excellent.
This device can play high-resolution audio files with multiple inputs such as USB, AES/EBU, or SPDIF.
Continuous firmware updates combined with superior jitter control make this a no-brainer for audiophiles looking for the best possible performance of today’s cutting-edge technology.
PS Audio DirectStream DAC Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | DAC with FPGA-based Architecture |
| DAC Chip | FPGA-based proprietary design |
| Max Resolution | 24-bit / 384 kHz, DSD512 |
| Inputs | USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, I2S |
| Outputs | Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA |
| Frequency Response | 1 Hz – 100 kHz ±0.1 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.0001% (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 120 dB (A-weighted) |
| Preamp Functionality | No |
| Power Supply | External, dual-mono design |
| Dimensions | 17 x 15 x 5.5 inches (43.2 x 38.1 x 14 cm) |
| Weight | 20 lbs (9.1 kg) |
How To Choose Best Dacs With Separate Power Supply?
Audio Quality: Reviews should be read, and examples listened to. The goal is to find DACs that support high-resolution audio and have low distortion.
Connectivity: You should check if the DAC supports your desired inputs and outputs, such as USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, and analog connections.
Build Quality: A well-built digital-analog converter with a separate power supply can reduce noise and interference, leading to better performance.
Price: The cost must be balanced against the features needed or expected in terms of performance because sometimes expensive models provide advanced technology and better sound quality.
Compatibility: It must fit into your existing audio setup without any problems and, if necessary, work seamlessly alongside other components.
Conclusion
To choose the best DACs with separate power supplies, you must consider a few things that will meet your needs: the general audio quality, connectivity options, and extra features.
Some models, such as Benchmark DAC3 HGC, Mytek Brooklyn DAC+, Chord Hugo 2, RME ADI-2 DAC FS, and PS Audio DirectStream DAC, are known for their outstanding performance and reliability.
They all have different advantages, like supporting high-resolution audio, having advanced functions, being well-built, etc., but they share one thing: accurate sound reproduction.
So, it would be best to think about what you want from this device and how much money you are ready to spend on it so that everything will become apparent later while listening through headphones.
