I appreciate expensive high-end audio gear, always investing in the best of the best for our recording studio. Class A, analog mic pres by API and Chandler Limited, Neumann, Manley, Cloud, Sennheiser, Beyer Dynamic, and Shure mics. But if I come across something that performs better than its cost implies, I’m always up to take a look.

Every time I visit friends or family, I’m reminded of how convenience always comes first when playing music. Even I am quick to just connect my iPhone over Bluetooth, as opposed to futzing around trying to make a wired connection at a friend’s house, rental, or hotel.

In 2023, does anyone have a component stereo system anymore? I still really like it, but more and more people (even audio pros) opt for convenience and stream to a Bluetooth speaker from Spotify on their phone. My phone is loaded up with lossless audio files for the car, or wherever I find myself, but I have to say, I’ll likely always have an old-school stereo at home. Instead of a CD player, I have a Mac Mini. The digital output of the Mac goes to a Digital-to-Analog Converter, connected by a USB cable. The DAC outputs a balanced analog signal via XLR to my Hegel integrated amp. In other cases, the DAC may be hooked up to a receiver with RCA cables.

Converters are not usually a good conversation starter. But I must say, when I find gear that represents an outstanding price-to-performance ratio, I get excited and tend to spread the word. If you aren’t using a dedicated DAC with your CD player, computer, Blu-ray player, or TV device, you are missing out!

For a very modest investment of $199.99 at Amazon, the Soncoz LA-QXD1 is a little box that everyone should try. Check out the review at Audio Science Review. It’s incredible how this DAC stacks up to others costing thousands of dollars.

There are some inconveniences, such as no power switch (I leave it on 24/7), the volume resets to zero when powered off, and no included power supply. As mentioned in the review above, it can be powered with a 5V phone charger, but I recommend spending another $69 on the iFi SilentPower iPower2 Low Noise 5V DC Power Supply. This will provide cleaner, more stable power.

Don’t sleep on this! You don’t have to spend thousands on a DAC. If you’ve been thinking about investing in one, the Soncoz unit is the most cost-effective way to dip your toes in higher fidelity for your home or office I’ve come across.

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