Quality sound via USB interface

Audioengine has continued to build quality audio accessories paired with affordable price tags. Electronista listened to the company's latest digital-to-analog converters (DACs) this week at the Macworld iWorld expo in San Francisco. The devices aim to provide a quality interface between a computer and an audio system, rather than relying in the computer's DAC.

The D1 offers a range of wired connections, attaching to the computer via USB or optical S/PDIF. Users can then attach the DAC to a speaker system via RCA cables, or use the integrated headphone amp.

We liked the sound coming from the company's bookshelf speakers, though the show floor was a bit too loud for critical listening. After plugging in a pair of Etymotics earbuds to seal off the background noise, however, our doubts quickly vanished. For headphones, the output is a significant improvement over a MacBook Pro's integrated headphone amp, im power and fidelity.

We were impressed with the quality of the D1, which seems like a fair bargain for $169. The D2 provides a similar 24-bit/96kHz DAC, but the audio is wirelessly transmitted between two modules. Stepping up to the wireless model brings the price up to $599.

by MacNN Staff