If you’re looking for the best Bluetooth DAC amp, then you’ve come to the right place! In this buying guide, we’ll discuss some of the best options on the market and help you decide which one is right for you.
We’ll cover everything from the basic features of various models to the pros and cons of each, so that you can make an informed decision before making your purchase. Whether you’re a music lover looking for better sound quality or an audiophile expert that’s searching for the perfect addition to your audio setup, read on for the best Bluetooth DAC amps of 2022.
The 5 Best Bluetooth DAC Amps
Here are some of the best Bluetooth DAC amps available today:
1. P1 Bluetooth 5.0 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
The APTX-HD transmission is supported by Bluetooth 5.0, and the PC-USB (CM6642) supports 24bit 192kHz. It’s compatible with Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems, as well as with a wide range of audio products like iPods, CD players, Blu-ray players, phones, MP3 players, TVs, Echo Dots, etc.
The P1 also features a bypass switch that is specifically designed to toggle the tone control on and off. The switch makes it convenient to experience original sound or to gain a more subtle sound with the bass and treble control knobs, which adds more pleasure and greater playability.
This amplifier has an exceptional appearance that makes it visually appealing, and is an appropriate size. The orange and blue light decorating vacuum tube also adds to its visual allure and style. This device delivers amazing sonic and visual delight; it’s ideal for all desktop audio systems.
Specifications:
- Package Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.7 x 2.5 inches
- Item Weight: 1.65 pounds
- ASIN: B07TJS2DBT
- Item Model Number: DZ066
- Manufacturer: Nobsound
- Chip Architecture: CM6642+QCC3034+NE5532+classic 47
- PC-USB Input Sampling Frequency: 192K/24Bit
- THD: 0.01% , SNR: 103dB
- Bluetooth VER: 5.0
- Bass & Treble Range: ±6dB
- RCA output level: 2.3V
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz(±3dB)
Pros
- Features a bright LED that is ideal for low lighting environments
- DAC/headphone amplification provides excellent audio quality.
- No need to use software to tweak sound; simply stream it to preamp through USB.
- Useful features include bass and treble tone adjustments
- Bluetooth, USB, and AUX inputs are all selectable options
- Diverse variety of sounds with increased vibrancy
- P1 DAC unit provides smooth and consistent Bluetooth connection.
Cons
- Some knobs require fiddling in order to achieve successful fit
- Slight background sound that some people may find annoying
2. Lavaudio DS601 Long Range Receiver Preamplifier
The Lavaudio DS601 features a modified driver that improves DSD native compatibility, delivering a perfectly clear, precise, and expressive sound. In Bluetooth input mode, this audio decoder can also be utilized as a Bluetooth receiver.
It supports both aptX HD and LDAC for audiophile-grade music that is HiFi and lossless. The ES9038Q2M chips in this audio DAC provide exceptional ultra-low interference and dynamic range. The XMOS XU208 provides great decoding capability to the DS601 Bluetooth USB DAC.
This results in good overall frequency extension and a cleaner sound. The sampling rates can be viewed on the touchscreen. You can also change the tracks and adjust the volume on the control panel, which has menu and mute settings. The mode can be changed from here as well.
Specifications:
- Package Dimensions: 6.42 x 6.42 x 2.44 inches
- Item Weight: 1.81 pounds
- Manufacturer: 1Mii
- ASIN: B098B1MSMF
- DAC Chip: ES9038Q2M, XMOS XU208
- Bluetooth Chip: CSR8675, V5.0
- USB Input: PCM: ≤32bit/768KHz, DoP: DSD64/DSD128, Native: DSD64/128/256/512
- Optical and Coaxial Input: PCM: ≤24bit/192KHz, DoP: DSD64
- Bluetooth: LDAC, aptX, aptX-HD, aptX-LL, AAC, SBC, MP3
- Power Output Level: 2.85Vrms/0dB
- Dynamic Range: 126.2dB/20-20KHz
- Crosstalk: ≤-120dB
- Built-In Battery
Pros
- Set-up is fairly simple
- DAC is easy to operate
- Spacing between instruments is ideal, particularly at lower and upper ends
- Touch interface on the DS601 is straightforward, with quick response rate
- Volume changes are pretty constant with incremental volume adjustment
- Features a modified driver that improves DSD native compatibility
- Delivers perfectly clear and expressive sound
Cons
- High-end frequencies are unduly emphasized, while bottom notes seem overly constricted
3. FX-Audio DAC-X6 MKII Digital Audio Decoder
A wide range of output and input modes are available. The headphone amplifiers have four inputs which include coaxial, optical, PC-USB, and Bluetooth. The output modes include a 6.35mm headphone port and RAC. You can connect these to tube vacuum amps, power amplifiers, and active speakers.
This amplifier also has Bluetooth connectivity feature which allows you to connect to all Bluetooth-enabled devices, including: laptops, cellphones, HiFi players, and many more. For solid assurance for digital outputs and inputs, the tiny amplifier chip makes use of USB IC(CM6642) and DAC IC(ESS9018).
There are two special op amps used in the audio DAC amp (OPA2134 and TPA6120). They’re designed specifically for audio, and the op amp is easily replaceable and upgradeable. A relay protector also safeguards the speakers and headphone. This digital audio decoder provides amazing audio quality when used for music.
The DAC-X6 is also fantastic for FPS gaming; iit works nicely with directional sounds and the Dolby Atmos. When using this DAC amp, noise and other interferences are reduced to the greatest extent possible. The dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio are increased which results in pure natural sound.
Specifications:
- Brand: KGUSS
- Color: Black
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Headphones Jack: RCA
- Package Type: Standard Packaging
- Package Dimensions: 10.24 x 7.99 x 2.72 inches
- Item Weight: 1.62 pounds
- ASIN: B08HQFNX1V
- Manufacturer: KGUSS
- Internal Battery
Pros
- Feature-rich package includes well-crafted metal shell, preamp, headphone amp, DAC, and Bluetooth receiver
- Excellent sound quality
- Excellent vocal performance
- Volume knob offers precise control due to volume clicks
- Can mute and unmute with convenient volume knob
- Features six blue LEDs to indicate current volume and sample rate
- Has a user-friendly interface
Cons
- With no pre-out, this model can’t be used as a DAC
- Since there’s no aux-in, it can’t be used as a preamp
4. FiiO BTR5-2021 High-Resolution Amplifier
It uses the Bluetooth 5.0 feature, which supports high-resolution formats like SBC, AAC, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, and LDAC (up to 96 kHZ). With the ideal surrounding setup, you get complete portability and excellent sound with this model.
This amplifier supports MQA renderer, which provides master-level sound quality. It also offers high resolution sound through files that are ideal for mobile audio devices. This amplifier also features USB DAC functionality which supports high-performance USB 2.0, driverless USB 1.0, and 2 modes.
This feature makes decoding up to 384kHz native DSD and sampling rate possible. Other features include in-vehicle mode, cVc 8.0 noise cancellation, USB Audio Adapter mode, Dual crystal oscillators, FiiO Music app, OLED display, and 3.5+2.5mm dual outputs.
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 3.94 x 1.97 x 1.97 inches
- Item Weight: 1.55 ounces
- ASIN: B09G9TNB2R
- Item Model Number: 6953175790945
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required.
- Manufacturer: FiiO
- Formats Supported: AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX Low Latency/aptX HD/LDAC
- DSP: 120 MHz
- Built-in Rechargeable Battery
Pros
- Compared to the BTR1, new BTR5 has amazing sound
- Increased battery life limits need to charge frequently
- No reconnection issues when you’ve gone out of range
- Glass and aluminum materials provide solid quality feel
- Amplifier is lightweight for increased portability
- Ability to connect to two devices easily (seamlessly switches between them)
- Ideal as a USB-C DAC for PCs
- Beautiful finish with superior construction
Cons
- Display is too faint to read in broad sunlight
- Volume can’t be adjusted quickly (must hold button down for a long time to change volume)
5. Lavaudio DS600 Audio DAC Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver
This amplifier also has Bluetooth features which support APTX-HD and LDAC in Bluetooth input mode, as well as DSD512 LDAC. This makes it possible for you to stream music from your PC, sensitive headphones, or smartphone to your speakers, home stereo, and headphones.
The Lavaudio HiFi DAC has Optica, USB, Coaxial in, and 3.5mm AUX/RCA out, so you can connect it to your TV, PC, or CD player to listen to quality HiFi music. The USB supports PCM and DSD64-DSD512 of 16Bit/44.1KHz-32Bit/768kHz. You get better high frequency extension, cleaner sound, and an overall transparent feel.
Specifications:
- Package Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.46 x 2.44 inches
- Item Weight: 1.83 pounds
- ASIN: B08XX1NXJL
- Item Model Number: DS600
- Manufacturer: 1Mii
- Color: Silver/ Black
- Input: USB_DAC/ Bluetooth/Optical/Coaxial
- USB PCM: up to 32bit/768KHz DSD: DoP64, Dop128, Naitve DSD64/128/256/512
- Optical and Coaxial Input: up to 24bit/192KHz DSD: DoP64
Pros
- Easy to operate for beginners
- Comes with all digital inputs and outputs required for successful balanced connection
- DAC provides an enjoyable listening experience
- Excellent remote control functions
- Bluetooth range is acceptable, allowing for distanced listening
- Excellent sound quality with no background noise
Cons
- Lacks built-in EQ feature for control
Factors To Consider When Buying A Bluetooth Dac Amp
When looking to buy a Bluetooth DAC amp, there are several factors that you need to consider:
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Cost:
How much are you willing to spend? Bluetooth DAC amps can range from around $30 to well over $1000. It’s important to set a budget and find a system that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
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An Onboard DAC:
Some amplifiers have their own digital-to-analog converter built in, which can save you the hassle of having to buy a separate one. If this is something that interests you, make sure the amp you choose has it.
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Performance Capabilities:
What kind of audio formats do you want to be able to play? Some DAC amps only support specific audio formats, so you’ll need to make sure the one you choose can play the type of files you want to use.
Additionally, how much power do you need? A more powerful amp will generally deliver better sound quality, but it may be overkill if you’re just using it for basic listening tasks.
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Compatibility With Your Devices And Audio Formats:
Not all DAC amps are compatible with every device; you’ll need to make sure the one you choose works with your gadgets. Additionally, some amps only support certain file formats, so you’ll need to make sure the files you want to use are supported by the amp.
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Portability:
Do you want something that’s portable, or would you rather have an amp with higher output power?
A more powerful Bluetooth DAC amplifier generally delivers better sound quality, but it may be too much if you’re just using it for basic audio. If this is the case, you may want to consider smaller and more portable devices.
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The Type Of Music You Prefer:
If you want to listen to classical music, you may need a different amp than if you were listening to rock or pop music.
That’s because classical music often has more complex arrangements that require higher quality equipment to reproduce them; smaller amps may not be able to handle the complexity of these arrangements as well as larger ones can.
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Features:
Many DAC amps come with additional features such as noise cancellation or EQ settings. If these are things you’re interested in, make sure the amp you choose has them.
Bluetooth DAC Amp FAQs:
What is a Bluetooth DAC amp?
A DAC amp is a digital-to-analog converter that also includes an amplifier. This allows the device to not only convert the digital signal into an analog signal, but to amplify it as well. This can be helpful if you want to use wireless headphone outputs or a speaker with your phone or computer; it eliminates the need to use an additional amplifier.
What are some of the benefits of using a Bluetooth DAC amp?
Some of the benefits of using a Bluetooth DAC amp include better sound quality and ease of use. Since the amp combo device is portable, you can take it with you wherever you go and enjoy high-quality audio without having to worry about cords or cables.
Many DAC amps also include built-in Bluetooth technology, which makes connecting and streaming audio files a breeze.
What are some of the drawbacks of using a Bluetooth DAC amp?
While there are many benefits to using a Bluetooth DAC amp, one drawback is that it doesn’t have as good of a sound quality as an analog signal. However, this isn’t necessarily true for all types of music or audio files, since high-quality speakers and headphones can still produce great sound.
If you’re looking to use a Bluetooth DAC amp with multiple devices, make sure that both the device and the amp are compatible with each other.
Your Search For The Best Bluetooth DAC Amp: The Bottom Line
We hope that this buying guide has helped you better understand the features of the best Bluetooth DAC amps on the market, and the benefits and drawbacks of each model.
Remember, it’s important to consider what type of music you will be listening to, as well as performance capabilities and your budget when making your decision.