M-Audio Micro DAC

Portable USB 16-bit/48 kHz digital-to-analogue (DAC) converter that features two outputs, one analogue and one digital (optical). It is ideal for converting the audio from the computer into a high-quality analogue format without needing to carry anything larger than a flash drive. The sound quality available from the typical headphone jack on a portable device or coming from the standard-issue soundcard found in virtually every computer leaves a lot to be desired. This converter delivers a marked upgrade in sound quality, compared to just plugging the headphones directly into the unit’s headphone jack. The 1/8” analogue output can be used to connect any headphones. There is a gain switch that boosts the signal level, so even high-impedance headphones can be driven to a robust loudness level. And since virtually all high-quality audio equipment has an optical digital input, the converter’s optical digital output is perfect for driving that equipment with a pure digital signal – especially valuable since most computers do not have a digital output. The converter has rugged aluminium housing and is USB-bus-powered.