
Review Summary
2017-03-24T20:00:00
God bless you, friend! This was and still is my first dedicated DAC purchase. Can I specifically describe how much better it sounds than my smartphone, my iMac, my PC and my DAP? Not really! Is the amount of money spent worth the difference in audio quality to me? Truthfully, YES!!! I purchased this with no expectations. I did not even know what this was. I bought it as a package deal with Audio-Technica ATH-M70x monitor headphones. I was looking for new headphones for music production, and found the extra cost to include the DAC was worth the risk. I have to say that the experience when listening to music with this unit is superior. I have not desired to seek "better" DACs. This one has a pleasant warmth to its sound, and after leaving it on for 24 hours, I noticed it sounded better. It sounds "shinier" and "sparklier". The difference is not subtle. I later searched and read that it can happen to DACs. Build-wise, the OLED display is nice and makes the unit look upscale. The build quality is cheap and plastic, though, but the innards are were the money was spent! Ease of use is grade-school level. For the Mac, just plug it and go. For PC, just install the driver and that's it. Easy on either system. I wanted to mention that this unit lacks a pre-amp, so it has no software or hardware volume control for other than the headphone output. You need a pre-amp with RCA inputs if you are going to use external powered speakers. If not, you will suddenly find out how loud your speakers blast at 100% volume while you frantically try to decide in a split-second whether covering your ears or grabbing the mouse to stop the music is the top priority. I sure found out! Oh, another thing: the DSD file playback did not sound "better" to me but it did sound different. It's nice that this unit has variety. God bless you!
raansire
2017-02-25T19:00:00
This s my first DAC ...Connect to my marantz cd6005 with wed performance coaxial cable sounds fantastic. Playing DSD files in my laptop it's excellent sound quality.
Sureshkumar
2016-04-01T05:42:48
All I'll say is that this DAC makes me smile. There is an unquantifiable quality to it that my words cannot describe. Everything sounds better through it. I use it for 192kHz playback but even music purchased from iTunes sounds more clear and detailed. All the nuances the one cannot notice elsewhere, they get revealed here. The headphone amp is not for people who like blasting holes in their ear drums. But if you like music at a safe, God-fearing level, then it will be plenty for you. I listen from -34dB up to -30dB depending on the material. Max I'll go is -25dB and that is rarely because it bothers my ears if there are loud parts. Some people are deaf and listen to this at -10dB. God have mercy on their souls.
Ramon S.
Advanced AL 32 circuit
32-bit at 192 kHz
2x optical ADAT
1x coaxial SPDIF
USB-B
PCM: 24-bit at 192 kHz
DSD Streaming: DSD64/DSD128
2x RCA (L/R stereo pair)
1x 1/4" stereo headphone
PCM 24/192 input signal: 2 to 96,000 Hz +/-0.5 dB
DSD64 input signal: 2 to 100,000 Hz (2 to 50,000 Hz -3 dB)
PCM 24/192 input signal: 105 dB
DSD64 input signal: 105 dB
PCM 24/192 input signal: 112 dB
DSD64 input signal: 112 dB
PCM 24/192 input signal: 0.0018%
DSD64 input signal: 0.0018%
2.0 V
120 VAC at 60 Hz
15 W
Horizontal: 6.7 x 2.3 x 7.2" (17.01 x 5.84 x 18.28cm)
Vertical (with stand): 4.5 x 6.9 x 7.2" (11.43 x 17.52 x 18.28cm)
3.3lbS / 1.49kg
883795003070
Out standing performance....Best Buy
By Sureshkumar
This s my first DAC ...Connect to my marantz cd6005 with wed performance coaxial cable sounds fantastic. Playing DSD files in my laptop it's excellent sound quality.
The money spent is worth it IMHO!
By raansire
God bless you, friend! This was and still is my first dedicated DAC purchase. Can I specifically describe how much better it sounds than my smartphone, my iMac, my PC and my DAP? Not really! Is the amount of money spent worth the difference in audio quality to me? Truthfully, YES!!! I purchased this with no expectations. I did not even know what this was. I bought it as a package deal with Audio-Technica ATH-M70x monitor headphones. I was looking for new headphones for music production, and f...
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The Denon DA-300USB High Resolution Audio USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier elevates computer-sourced digital audio tracks to purist audiophile levels, delivering superb sound quality without compromise. Equipped with a range of advanced digital technologies, the DA-300USB connects via asynchronous USB to the computer and features the ability to decode both PCM (traditional digital audio format) and DSD (Direct Stream Digital - the advanced digital audio format of SACD. For connection to other digital audio sources, the DA-300USB also features three digital audio inputs - two optical and one coaxial. Featuring audiophile grade construction with highest quality component parts and circuit design, the DA-300USB delivers a level of sound quality on par with Denon's highly praised universal disc players.
Key Technologies
At the heart of the DA-300USB is the high resolution PCM1795 D/A converter, which features advanced segment 32 bit architecture along with the ability to handle up to 192kHz PCM sample rates as well as the ability to decode both 2.5Mhz and 5.6Mhz high resolution DSD files (either natively decoded or via DoP - DSD over PCM).
Via the USB-B port, the DA-300USB communicates with the PC or Mac via asynchronous data transfer mode, which ensures smooth, jitter-free digital communication, which is especially vital with very high bandwidth digital audio datastreams. For optimum compatibility with the broadest range of sampling frequencies, the DA-300USB is equipped with two master clock crystals, instead of the usual one. For the widest dynamic range and lowest distortion, the DA-300USB features sophisticated digital signal processing, including Denon's exclusive Advanced AL32 processor that delivers vastly improved detail especially through the critical midrange band, providing noticeable improvements in clarity with low level softer sounds.
Audiophile Grade Design
Housed in a sleek casing, the DA-300USB features no less than 7 separate printed circuit boards, to ensure the highest isolation between circuit blocks. Powered by a 15V/1A AC adapter, the DA-300USB features sophisticated DC power conversion technology with a power block that delivers separate DC voltage sources to power the various stages.
To ensure the most stable and accurate digital audio and timing data at the critical D/A converter stage, the DA-300USB also features advanced isolator chips that combine high speed CMOS technology with unique on-chip micro air-core transformers. A total of 9 isolator chips are employed, with 18 channels of isolation, delivering superior common mode noise rejection and maximum protection against digital noise transfer between critical stages, compared to conventional optoisolators.
High Performance Sound
For the purest audiophile grade sound quality, the DA-300USB is equipped with separate audio output circuits for the line level outputs and the headphone output. The headphone amplifier block features dedicated buffer and gain stages and is compatible with the widest range of headphone types, including low impedance models.
Wide Range of Connection Options
The asynchronous USB-B port connects to your computer's USB-A port. Once connected, the computer recognizes the DA-300USB and routes the digital audio data to it, bypassing the source device's internal audio circuitry.
For connection to other sources, the DA-300USB features 3 digital audio inputs - two optical and one coaxial - so you can enjoy greatly improved sound quality from your HDTV, satellite or cable box, game console or disc player. The line level output connectors are high quality, with full 2Vrms output for compatibility with integrated amplifiers, pre-amplifiers and other analog audio components. The front panel headphone jack features a standard-sized 6.3mm/1/4" connector, along with a convenient volume control.
Advanced OLED Display with Touch Control
The elegant front panel features an advanced OLED display that provides clear indication of the input selected, along with the audio file type (PCM, DSD), the sampling frequency and the headphone volume level. The Touch Control lets you easily cycle through the various modes.
Vertical & Horizontal Mounting Capability
You can choose to mount the DA-300USB either vertically or horizontally, depending upon your equipment configuration. An internal sensor detects the chosen orientation and rotates the OLED display data accordingly. A custom bottom plate is provided for vertical orientation.