[Philkotse guide] Unveil the myths behind car audio DAC

Do you ever wonder how music or audio is being played in your car speakers? How does data on a music file or CD become sound? The answer lies with a component that converts analog from digital or the DAC.

What is a DAC?

A DAC converts digital data into an audio signal that is analog. The audio signal is then sent to an amplifier then becomes a sound. Every audio source inside the car is already in a digital type, such as flash drive and CD. The only thing that is not digital is the conventional type of radio.

This AM/FM radio already starts as an analog signal. The digital data must pass through the DAC to create a sound or music that you can listen to. For an easy understanding of DAC, Philkotse.com will tackle more about it as we go on.

A DAC converts digital data into an audio signal that is analog

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Analog to digital to analog again

Music and other types of audio all start from the analog signal and also recorded as an analog format. Some examples of audio in the analog format are audio cassettes and records.

Meanwhile, the audio recording nowadays has moved already into the digital world. It first starts with CDs then into MP3s and other digital files. Why do you think it becomes like this?

Examples of audio in the analog format are audio cassettes and records

The reason why audio recordings and music is now in digital format is for the convenience of people. It also saves storage space because you can put many audio data when it is in digital format.

CDs have a large space than a compact cassette or record. Moreover, flash drive and the hard drive can store more audio data in the form of mp3 or other files.

The digital data that is in the CD, flash drive or hard drive is of no use for us unless converted again to analog data. The digital data is in the form of data which cannot create sound either drive a speaker on its own. It requires a converter known as the DAC in order for it to produce a sound.

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Digital to analog

Any audio device in the digital world contains a converter of digital to analog. This includes everything from your mobile phone, iPod, or any audio device inside your car.

You can also find a separate DACs in a home theater context. These DACs are applicable for the CD players that either contains a digital output or don’t have a DAC.

They usually have higher quality than most of the built-in ones. They are also capable of more reproductions of the analog signals that are original.

Any audio device includes everything from your mobile phone, iPod, or any audio device inside your car

Even though there are many types of DACs, they all have the same function. They convert the digital data into an analog signal that can drive speakers and be amplified. The process occurs by converting the digital data into different sets of pulses. It is then smoothed out through interpolation.

The quality of the analog signal produced depends on the process that the DAC has gone through. Thus, the digital data can turn into different flavor and quality of sound. It can be either good or bad, depending on the DAC used.

Most of the DACs are being contained on circuits that are integrated due to cost and size constraints. But, there are DACs also that make use of vacuum tubes to produce a detailed and warmer sound.

Portable DACs and head units

Most of the portable DACs are designed to be used with laptops. These types of DACs offload the burden of converting digital data into an analog signal.

The signal is then transferred to a device from the computer software. This kind of portable DAC can also be used in your vehicle if you have an analog input in your head unit and an audio source. The audio source should be able to be output by the use of USB.

Most of the portable DACs are designed to be used with laptops

Some head units on a car have a digital input that is usually in the form of a proprietary jack or a USB. It enables DACs to be used in cars.

This connection allows you to plug any type of audio devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, and tablets. It offloads the processing on the head unit and does not rely on the DAC of your device.

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Why do you need a DAC in your car?

Today, analog signals are being converted into a digital data or audio signal. This data needs to be converted back to an analog signal so that you can listen to it.

Without DAC, you will not be able to enjoy listening to digital music files. You will not also enjoy the convenience and portability of the digital audio system.

A DAC can also make the quality of your music in the car much better. You can upgrade the components of your car, such as the amplifier, head unit, equalizer, and speaker.

The DAC can help you achieve the best sound quality possible. One good example of a portable DAC is the "Apogee One." This may suit you because it sits between your car stereo and portable music player or mobile phone.

Today, analog signals are being converted into a digital data or audio signal

It is also important to know that there is no need to buy an expensive DAC for you to experience good sound quality. Your car sound system already has a built-in DAC that is compatible with your car speakers. You can buy one if you don't have one in your car.

You can consider using a USB port instead of an auxiliary jack or other analog connection. This can make your life easy and convenient.

It enables you to plug your music player device or mobile phone into the stereo of your car. Your car may already have a USB port, or you can upgrade it if you don’t have one.

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In this way, you can feed many music files you want to your car stereo. The music quality will be much better also as the DAC in the head unit of your car will do the process instead of your audio device or mobile phone’s DAC.

A DAC can also make the quality of your music in the car much better