Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions remain my own. You can learn more about our editorial policies here.
When it comes to gaming, nothing beats a good sound. And the best way to get that sound is by choosing the best USB DAC for gaming that meets your needs. A gaming DAC is a device that helps improve the sound quality of your gaming audio, by transforming analog audio signals into digital ones so that they can be streamed over the internet or sent directly to your gaming console.
Although there are many different types and brands of gaming DACs on the market, there are a few key factors that you need to consider when choosing one. In this article, we’ll take you through all of these important details. So stay tuned!
What Is a Gaming DAC and How Does It Work?
To understand how a gaming DAC works, you first need to understand what a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is. A DAC is a device that takes digital signals and converts them into analog ones. This is important because most computers only have digital output ports. Therefore, if you want to use headphones or speakers with your computer, you need a DAC. You can see the differences between analog and digital signals here. The results are crisper sound when playing games or listening to music.
Now, a gaming DAC is simply a DAC that’s designed specifically for gaming. It takes the digital audio signals from your computer and converts them into analog ones so that you can get a better sound quality when gaming. And since most gaming headsets and speakers are analog, this is a vital piece of equipment for any gamer who wants the best sound quality possible.
Why Use a Gaming DAC?
There are many reasons why you might want to use a gaming DAC. The most obvious reason is to improve audio quality when gaming. A good gaming DAC can provide you with a much crisper and clearer sound than your computer’s onboard sound card. It can also provide a wider range of sound, which is great for gamers who want to hear every detail in their game.
Another reason to use a gaming DAC is for compatibility. If you’re using a newer gaming headset or speaker that uses USB instead of the traditional 3.5mm audio jack, then you’ll need a DAC to use it with your computer. Most gaming headsets that connect via USB will come with a DAC, but you might need to buy one separately if yours doesn’t.
Lastly, some gaming DACs come with built-in amplifiers. This can be great for gamers who want to improve the sound quality of their audio even further. However, it’s worth noting that not all DACs come with amplifiers, so be sure to check before you buy.
How a DAC Will Improve Gaming Sound
If you’re a gaming enthusiast, you know that sound quality is essential for an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, not all USB DAC’s are created equal. That’s why it’s important to do your research and pick the best one for your needs. Here are some ways that a USB DAC will improve gaming sound:
1. Clearer and more precise sound: One of the main ways that a DAC will improve gaming sound is by providing clearer and more precise audio. This is because DACs use a process called upsampling. Upsampling takes the digital signal from your computer and converts it into a higher-quality analog signal. This results in much crisper and clearer sound.
2. Wider range of sound: Another way that a USB DAC will improve gaming sound is by providing a wider range of sound. This is because most DACs come with built-in amplifiers. These amplifiers allow the DAC to provide a wider range of sound, which is great for gamers who want to hear every detail in their game.
3. Better compatibility: Another advantage of using a USB DAC is that it can improve compatibility with your gaming setup. If you’re using a newer gaming headset or speaker that uses USB instead of the traditional 3.5mm audio jack, then you’ll need a DAC to use it with your computer. Most gaming headsets that connect via USB will come with a DAC, but you might need to buy one separately if yours doesn’t.
4. Better sound quality: Lastly, a good USB DAC can also provide better sound quality overall. This is because DACs use high-quality components that can provide better sound than your computer’s onboard sound card.
Things to Look for In Best USB DAC for Gaming
When it comes to gaming, sound quality is essential. That’s why choosing the best USB DAC for gaming is so important. It’s not as easy as it sounds, though, as there are a lot of things to consider. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll list some of the key factors to consider when making your purchase.
First, always remember to account for price. Not all usb dacs are equal, and you won’t be able to make an informed purchase if you don’t take this into account. Second, be sure to test out your chosen DAC before purchasing it. This way, you can be confident in its performance. Third, some good usb dacs to look for include the Aquaero 6 & 10 Home Theater PC and the Bowers & Wilkins PX5 home theater system. Fourth, when choosing a usb dac, make sure to consider sound quality, compatibility, and portability. Finally, always remember to have fun when gaming! That’s what audio
Sound Quality
When it comes to audio quality, nothing beats a usb dac that delivers sound quality comparable to what you would hear from a high-end analog system. Some important factors to consider when making your purchase include the DAC’s sample rate capabilities – which should be up to 192kHz and 24-bit depth – as well as its sound quality.
Make sure the USB port is robust enough so that you don’t experience any skipped or cut-off sounds, and find an amp or headphone adapter that has better audio performance than the built-in amplifier of your laptop/gaming console. And last but not least, make sure you’re getting good audio quality when streaming music through Bluetooth or using an Aux input on your DAC.
You will want a DAC with a neutral sound that can clearly present detailed sound from your game audio. Even better if the DAC has a good headphone amp to improve your gaming experience. A lot of the time, you might want to game with friends and use voice chat. In this case, getting a DAC with low latency is important so that there is no lag between your voice and the game audio.
In addition, hi fi sound for digital music is important when choosing the best DAC for gaming. If you’re a music lover using wireless or wired headphones, you’ll want to make sure that the DAC can handle FLAC and other high-resolution audio files.
The device should also have a low jitter rate so that there is no lag between the time when the computer sends the signal and when the DAC converts it into an analog signal.
Build Quality
When it comes to audio quality, you want the best possible experience. That’s why it is important to always test a DAC before buying it – this way you can be sure that your system is compatible and that the sound quality will be excellent.
Make sure to look for high-quality components when choosing a DAC – these will last longer and sound better than those made with lower-quality materials. Likewise, make sure the build quality of the device is up to par – something that won’t easily break or cope poorly with stressors such as heavy usage. Finally, avoid cheap USB DACs as they likely won’t offer great sound quality or longevity.
Power Requirements
When it comes to power, it is important to take into account a few factors. For example, the USB DAC you are looking to buy should have a power requirement of at least 5V/1A.
In addition, considering whether or not you need an optical output can be helpful in making your final choice. Also essential is finding a DAC with high-quality components and good build quality. After all, sound quality is one of the most important aspects when choosing a audio device! So make sure you read reviews before making your purchase so that you know what to expect from the product in question
Compatibility with Your Gaming System
When it comes to gaming, sound quality is essential. That’s why it is important to make sure that the USB DAC you buy matches your gaming system perfectly.
Regardless if you game on PC, PS5, mobile or XBOX, you want high quality audio output and low latency so that you can experience crystal clear graphics without any lag or distortion. In addition, look for a headphone amplifier and DAC as these will improve sound quality even further.
Codecs
When it comes to audio quality, nothing beats a good DAC. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is an essential piece of hardware for audiophiles, as it allows them to play high-quality audio files on their devices. It’s important to check the DAC’s codecs – this will tell you which audio formats the device can playback with optimum fidelity.
Additionally, make sure that the DAC handles distortions well and has low noise levels so you don’t experience any sonic blips or dropouts while listening. Furthermore, look for a device that supports lossless formats like FLAC, ALAC, and WAV in order to get the best sound quality possible if you plan to use the DAC for music.
Surround Sound and Spatial Audio
If you’re looking for the best gaming experience, it’s important to choose a high quality DAC that supports surround sound. This way, you can get an immersive experience while playing your favorite games.
In addition, look for a device that supports spatial audio so you can hear sounds coming from different directions. This is especially important if you’re playing a first-person shooter or another type of game where directional audio cues can give you a competitive edge.
Customizable Sound Settings
When it comes to audio, you want everything from your gaming headset to sound perfect. This is why getting a customizable sound DAC is important. You can configure the settings according to your own preferences and tastes so that all audio sounds great on your gaming system or any other device you use.
There are many different features to take into account when shopping for a DAC; make sure you consider things such as USB port compatibility, headphone output quality, and format support.
It’s also essential that the amplifier has high-quality sound without costing an arm and a leg – check if it’s compatible with your chosen gaming console or not! And finally, be sure that the amplifier is fully customizable so you can fine-tune its settings exactly how you like them
Portability and Weight
When it comes to audio quality, nothing is more important than the sound quality of your music. That’s why it is essential to choose a dac that supports high-quality audio and outputs crystal clear sound.
Make sure the DAC you choose has a good number of inputs and outputs so you can connect multiple devices at once. Maybe outside of gaming you want to use it for your movie headphones and are not looking to switch inputs. Additionally, make sure it is portable and lightweight so you can take your music with you wherever you go!
Cost
When it comes to audio equipment, cost is of the utmost importance. However, don’t blindly go for the most expensive option on the market. There are features like digital conversion and headphone output that can be very important in determining how good a sound quality your purchase will have.
Moreover, make sure you read reviews before making a purchase so you know which model to buy and at what price point. Generally speaking, it’s best to start somewhere around $200-$300 but if you can stretch your budget then by all means do!
DAC vs DAC + Headphone Amp
When it comes to audio quality, there is no substitute for a good DAC + headphone amp combo. A DAC is a digital-to-analog converter that helps to improve clarity and detail in audio signals.
On their own, headphone amps won’t be able to give you the best sound possible as they are not designed specifically for this purpose. However, when paired with a good DAC, they can amplify the audio signal and give you improved quality across all types of music. This way, you will be able to enjoy high-quality sound regardless of what type of music you’re listening to.
High Impedance Headphones
If you are using high impedance or open back headphones for gaming, you will want to get a DAC amp combo for your audio setup.
This is because high impedance headphones require more power to drive them than low impedance headphones. As a result, you will need an amp that can deliver enough power to these types of headphones. If you are not familiar with impedance, make sure to see our article, headphones Ohm meaning explained.
12 Best Gaming DAC and Amps
A good USB DAC is essential for gamers and audiophiles alike. There are a range of different models to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to research which one is the best for you, taking into account factors like price, features, sound quality, and compatibility.
Additionally, there are USB DAC options available that cater to different needs and budgets. So, no matter what your gaming or audio needs are, you’ll be sure to find the perfect USB DAC for you.
Creative Sound BlasterX G6 – Best Price to Value Pick
Best Price to Value Pick
Creative Sound BlasterX G6 is the best gaming audio device on the market. It offers great sound quality and features a built-in 7.1 channel audio decoding chip that makes it perfect for gaming purposes.
The USB port allows you to easily connect the device to your computer or laptop for gaming purposes, while its Mac compatibility means that anyone can use it without any hassle. In addition, Creative Sound BlasterX G6 is also suitable for PC users and provides high-quality sound experience even when playing demanding games.
From the high quality materials to the enhancing sound features that improves the listening experience, it is hard to beat this DAC based on the price to performance ratio. There are better sounding DACs and DACs with more features but considering everything you get in this external dac for the price, it is our best overall pick.
Pros:
-Offers great sound quality
-Has a built-in 7.1 channel audio decoding chip
-USB port allows easy connection to computer or laptop
-Mac compatibility means anyone can use it without hassle
-Creative Sound BlasterX G6 is also suitable for PC users
-Provides high-quality sound experience even when playing demanding games
Cons:
-None at this price point
Chord Mojo 2 – Best Sound Quality
Best Sound Quality
If you’re looking for high quality audio then the Chord Mojo usb dac is definitely worth considering. Its balanced sound quality makes it perfect for gaming and other audio-related activities.
It also has a built-in amplifier, so you can easily play your audio at high volumes without distortion. Additionally, its portability makes it perfect if you want to take your music with you wherever you go!
The very high quality of the build and straight forward design make it one of the best DACs on the market. The only potential drawback is that it is a bit expensive compared to some of the other options on this list.
More geared towards the hi fi sound market, this is perfect for music and movies but also make games sound amazing. The neutral sound signature will not color the audio which can often happen with gaming headsets that have their own DACs and amps.
Throwing the notoriously hard to drive Hifiman HE6 in front of the amp, the Mojo 2 had no issues whatsoever pumping out enough power without the need of an external amp. The power output was able to drive the HE6 to its full potential and beyond.
The codecs can handle virtually any type of audio file that you throw at it and the overall design makes it one of the best looking USB DACs on the market.
Pros:
-Has balanced sound quality
-Built-in amplifier means you can play your audio at high volumes without distortion
-Chord Mojo is portable so you can take it with you wherever you go
-Very high quality of build and straight forward design
Cons:
-A bit expensive compared to some other options on this list
FiiO E10K USB DAC & Headphone Amp – Best Budget Option
Best Budget Option
If you’re on a budget and are looking for a dedicated dac for your gaming PC, the FiiO E10K is a great option. It offers great sound quality at a fraction of the price of some of the other options available on the market, making it perfect if you are just starting out in audiophile audio or just don’t want to spend too much money on something that won’t last long.
Additionally, its headphone amp makes it perfect for gaming – giving you high-quality sound without having to carry around extra equipment. Pair it with a low cost gaming headset for the ultimate budget gaming audio experience!
The FiiO E10K is one of the most popular USB DACs on the market and for good reason. It offers great sound quality at a very reasonable price, making it perfect for anyone who wants to improve their audio without breaking the bank.
The only downside is that it doesn’t have the same high-end build quality as some of the more expensive options on this list.
Pros:
-Offers great sound quality at a fraction of the price of some other options
-Headphone amp means you don’t need to carry around extra equipment
-FiiO E10K is very popular and comes with great reviews
Cons:
-Doesn’t have the same high-end build quality as some of the more expensive options
Creative Sound Blaster X7 – Best Gaming Features
Best Gaming Features
If you’re looking for a USB DAC with great gaming features, the Creative Sound Blaster X7 is definitely worth considering. It comes with a built-in headphone amplifier as well as Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, making it perfect for gaming or watching movies.
Additionally, its high-quality construction means that it will last long and provide great sound quality for many years to come. The only potential downside is that it is a bit on the expensive side, but its features and build quality definitely make it worth the price tag.
The Creative Sound Blaster X7 is one of the best USB DACs on the market, offering great sound quality and a range of features that make it perfect for gaming or watching movies. Its built-in headphone amplifier and Dolby Digital and DTS decoding make it a great choice for anyone who wants the best possible audio experience.
The only potential downside is that it is a bit on the expensive side, but its features and build quality definitely make it worth the price tag.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – Best for Streamers
Best for Streamers
When it comes to best USB DACs for gaming and streaming, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 easily takes the cake. With its advanced features like TDM, this little audio interface is perfect for those looking to get into audiophile gaming or streaming.
Additionally, its optical input makes it compatible with high end audio systems- making your recordings sound even better than before. I find it fantastic for steaming and voice over work. Moreover, at budget price, the Scarlett 2i2 is an affordable option that all gamers and streamers should consider!
I paired it with one of the best microphone for Zoom meetings, the AT2020USB+ and the results are amazing.
If you’re looking for a USB DAC that will improve your gaming and streaming experience, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a great option to consider.
Schiit Magni Heresy – Best Budget Audio Quality
Best Budget Audio Quality
If you’re looking for great sound quality on a budget, the Schiit Magni Heresy is a great option to consider. It’s a simple, no-frills DAC that delivers amazing sound quality at a fraction of the price of some of the other options on this list.
The only potential downside is that it doesn’t have any fancy features or bells and whistles, but if you’re just looking for great sound quality on a budget, the Schiit Magni Heresy is definitely worth considering.
The Schiit Magni Heresy is one of the best USB DACs for those on a budget. It’s a simple, no-frills budget DAC that delivers amazing sound quality without any fancy features or bells and whistles. If you’re just looking for great sound quality on a budget, the Schiit Magni Heresy is definitely worth considering.
DragonFly Cobalt – Best Portable DAC for Laptops
AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter
Best Portable DAC for Laptops
The DragonFly Cobalt is the perfect portable DAC for laptops. It offers great sound quality and comes with a handy clip that attaches to your laptop, making it easy to take with you on the go. Additionally, its small size means that it won’t take up much space in your backpack or carry-on luggage.
No external power supply is needed, simply plug the DragonFly Cobalt into your laptop’s USB port and you’re ready to go. Eliminates extra wires and clears up desk space and sounds good with most headphones.
The DragonFly Cobalt shocked us with the sound quality produced by such a tiny DAC. If you’re looking for a portable DAC for your laptop, the DragonFly Cobalt is definitely worth considering.
The only potential downside is that it’s a bit on the expensive side, but its portability and sound quality make it worth the price tag.
If you’re looking for a portable DAC for your laptop, the DragonFly Cobalt is definitely worth considering. Its small size and handy clip make it easy to take with you on the go, and its sound quality is sure to improve your listening experience.
NextDrive Spectra X Portable Amp & DAC – Best Budget Portable DAC
Best Budget Portable DAC
The NextDrive Spectra X Portable Amp & DAC is one of the best budget-friendly dacs available on the market. It has an excellent sound quality that can easily satisfy gamers and audiophiles alike. Additionally, its small size and portability make it perfect for those on the go.
The only potential downside is that it’s not as feature-rich as some of the other options on this list, but its sound quality and affordability make it a great option for those on a budget.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly DAC with great sound quality, the NextDrive Spectra X Portable Amp & DAC is a great option to consider.
Topping D30 DAC + JDS Labs Atom Amp – Best Budget DAC + External Amp Combo
Best Budget DAC + External Amp Combo
If you’re on a budget and want the best quality audio possible, then the D30 DAC + JDS Labs Atom Amp is a great option. This usb dac amp combination provides high-quality sound for both music and gaming, making it perfect for anyone who wants to experience high-quality sound without breaking the bank. Not to mention, its superior sound quality will make your games come alive in ways you never thought possible!
The Topping D30 DAC features a neutral sound and clear audio making games come to life. The JDS Labs Atom Amp is a small but mighty amplifier that delivers great sound quality and power. Combined, they make for an excellent DAC/amp combo that won’t break the bank.
The only potential downside is that it’s not as portable as some of the other options on this list, but its sound quality and affordability make it a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly DAC/amp combo.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly DAC/amp combo with great sound quality, the Topping D30 DAC + JDS Labs Atom Amp is a great option to consider.
Topping DX3 Pro+ – Best Budget DAC / AMP Combo
Best Budget DAC / AMP Combo
The Topping DX3 Pro+ is the best budget DAC / AMP combo on the market. It offers great sound quality for both music and gaming, making it perfect for anyone who wants to experience high-quality sound without breaking the bank. Additionally, its small size and portability make it perfect for those on the go.
The amp offers enough power for more demanding headphones and the DAC provides clear and neutral sound. Combined, they make for an excellent DAC/amp combo that won’t break the bank.
The only potential downside is that it’s not as feature-rich as some of the other options on this list, but its sound quality and affordability make it a great option for those on a budget.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly DAC/amp combo with great sound quality, the Topping DX3 Pro+ is a great option to consider.
Syba Sonic USB Amp DAC – Best Cheap USB Gaming DAC
Best Cheap USB Gaming DAC
The Syba Sonic USB Amp DAC is a great option if you are looking for an affordable and quality-packed audio device. It offers excellent sound quality, with enough power to drive your gaming headset or speakers without any issues.
At higher volumes, I did experience some distortion with the sound but at the price point this is to be expected. Overall, the Syba Sonic is a great cheap USB DAC for gaming that won’t break the bank.
AudioEngine D1 DAC – Honorable Mention
Audioengine D1 Portable Desktop Headphone Amp and DAC
Honorable Mention
The Audioengine D1 is a high-quality DAC that offers great sound quality. It’s compatible with both PC and Mac systems, and it also has a good reputation among gamers. The only downside is that it’s a bit on the expensive side, but it’s definitely worth the money if you’re looking for a high-quality DAC.
Mayflower Electronics Objective 2 Amplifier + ODAC – Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
The Mayflower Electronics Objective 2 Amplifier + ODAC is a great usb dac for gaming. Its easy plug-and-play functionality and sound quality make it the perfect audio amplifier for your gaming needs. It also has a built-in DAC that enables you to upscale audio from your games or music files, making sure that the sound quality is top notch.
Schiit Hel Gaming DAC – Honorable Mention
There are many different factors you need to consider when choosing the best USB DAC for gaming. One of the most important factors is the sound quality that the DAC produces, followed by its compatibility with your devices and gaming system, and then its price. You also need to make sure that the DAC is easy to use and has a good reputation among gamers.
The Schiit Hel Gaming DAC is one of the best options on the market, thanks to its great sound quality and compatibility with a wide range of devices and gaming systems. It’s also very easy to use, making it a great choice for gamers who are new to using DACs. And at the price, it’s very reasonably priced.
This product is perfect for any type of gaming – whether it be console or pc. Not only does it have a high-end amp that makes sound quality pronounced, but its versatile design allows you to tailor your audio experience to your own preferences. Whether you want bass heavy sound or clear voices with minimal distortion, this dac has got you covered!
If you’re looking for a USB DAC that will improve your gaming experience, the Schiit Hel Gaming DAC is a great option to consider.
Difference Between A DAC and Headphone Amp
When it comes to audio, there are two pieces of equipment that are often confused for one another: DACs and headphone amps. Both devices serve similar purposes – they improve the sound quality of your audio – but they do so in different ways.
DACs, or digital-to-analog converters, take digital audio signals and convert them into analog signals. This is important because most audio devices, like computers and phones, output digital audio. Headphones, on the other hand, require analog audio signals in order to produce sound. So, if you want to listen to digital audio on your headphones, you’ll need a DAC to convert the signal first.
Headphone amps, on the other hand, amplify audio signals. This is important because headphones are typically low-powered devices and they require a lot of power in order to produce sound. Headphone amps take the audio signal and increase its strength, which makes it louder and more powerful.
So, which one do you need? It depends on your situation. If you’re just looking to improve the sound quality of your audio, a DAC is the way to go. However, if you’re looking to increase the volume of your audio, or if you have low-powered headphones, then you’ll need a headphone amp.
Do I Need A DAC?
The short answer is: it depends.
If you’re just looking to improve the sound quality of your audio, then a DAC is a great choice. However, if you want to increase the volume of your audio or if you have low-powered headphones, then a headphone amp might be a better option.
Benefits of a Headphone Amp and DAC
There are a few key benefits that come with using a headphone amp and DAC.
First, they improve the sound quality of your audio. Headphone amps and DACs can both improve the sound quality of your audio by increasing the strength of the signal and by converting digital audio into analog audio.
Second, they allow you to customize the sound of your audio. Headphone amps and DACs both give you the ability to tailor the sound of your audio to your own preferences. For example, if you want more bass, you can adjust the settings on your headphone amp or DAC to add more bass. In addition, it contains digital inputs and outputs so that you can easily connect it to your computer or other digital audio devices.
Finally, they’re relatively affordable. Headphone amps and DACs are both very affordable pieces of equipment, especially when compared to other audio-related gear.
So, if you’re looking for a way to improve the sound quality of your audio, a headphone amp and DAC is a great option to consider.
Conclusion
Picking the best USB DAC for gaming can be tricky – there are many different factors to consider, such as sound quality, compatibility, price, and ease of use. However, if you take into account all of these factors, you’re sure to find the perfect DAC for your gaming needs. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth investing in a high-end audio interface, such as an audiophile grade USB DAC, to better sound quality during my gaming sessions?
It depends on how important sound quality is to you. If you’re a casual gamer who doesn’t care about audio quality, then it’s probably not worth investing in a high-end audio interface.
However, if you’re a hardcore gamer who wants the best possible sound quality, then an audiophile grade USB DAC would be a worthwhile investment. Hooking up a Chord Hugo 2 will take your gaming audio to a next level of crispness and clarity.
