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Top 5 Best DAC Digital Toslink To Analog RCA Converter In 2023 Review

A DAC Digital Toslink to Analog RCA Converter is a long name for a rather simple device. Essentially it takes a digital audio signal and converts it into an analog audio signal. This makes combining newer and older devices together possible and simple.

You may want to have your new TV’s sound play through your beautiful old HIFI system. It won’t have a Toslink or HDMI input; however, it will most likely have an RCA input.

If having a crisp, high-resolution picture combined with some old school stereo sound seems appealing, then hang around. Because we are going to review the very best DAC digital Toslink to analog RCA converters currently available and find the perfect one for you…

Top 5 Best DAC Digital Toslink To Analog RCA Converter In 2023 Review

Top 5 Best DAC Digital Toslink To Analog RCA Converter To Buy In 2023 Review

  1. Avantree Digital Converter – Best High Fidelity DAC Digital Toslink to Analog RCA Converter
  2. FiiO D3 Digital Converter – Best DAC Digital Toslink to Analog RCA Converter with 6ft Optical Cable
  3. AudioEngine D1 Converter – Best DAC Digital Toslink to Analog RCA Converter and Headphone Amplifier
  4. iFi Zen DAC Converter – Best Premium DAC Toslink to Analog RCA Converter
  5. Prozor – Best Mid Range DAC Digital Toslink to Analog RCA Converter

1 Avantree Digital Converter – Best High Fidelity DAC Digital Toslink to Analog RCA Converter

For a small and compact converter that is easy to set up and use, look no further than this one from Avantree. With a range of compatibility options, you will have your legacy audio devices up and running in no time.

Powered using the included Micro-USB to USB cable, it can run off any available port or wall plug adapter. Outputs include both dual red and white RCA cables or a 3.5mm aux jack, which is great for use with headphones.

Getting started…

Once you have power via USB, you have a choice of either optical or coaxial Toslink to receive your audio signal. A switch on the left side of the device allows you to select which signal to input.

Complete the circuit using the RCA or 3.5mm aux, and then switch on the device via the switch on the right side. Both can be used simultaneously. A volume dial is located next to the power switch for making further adjustments.

Technical stuff…

Compressed audio formats are not supported, such as Dolby Digital. This means you need to make sure the audio format on the output device is set to PCM or LPCM. You may also need to switch the audio output from internal to external through your output devices settings.

A maximum output impedance of 32 Ohms allows for decent sound quality. With a sampling rate of 32~192 kHz, detailed highs, mids, and lows are possible. Finally, a bit rate of 16~24 bits means high fidelity.


Avantree Digital Converter

Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • Optical cable included.
  • Simultaneous RCA and 3.5mm playback is possible.
  • High audio quality specs.

Cons

  • Cannot amplify headphones.
  • No Dolby Digital support.

2 FiiO D3 Digital Converter – Best DAC Digital Toslink to Analog RCA Converter with 6ft Optical Cable

The goal of this converter is simple – Provide a high-quality signal in a small, strong, well-constructed device. The body is constructed of metal instead of plastic and provides a high level of durability.

One end is for inputs including power, optical, and coaxial, and a switch on the side allows for changing your selection. On the other end of the device are the ports for outputs. These include the dual RCA jacks and the 3.5mm auxiliary output jack.

Simple operation…

Connecting your devices is easy. Start by connecting the included 6ft optical cable from your output device to the converter. Make sure the switch is set to optical. Next, connect your source device via either an RCA cable or 3.5mm aux cable.

Finally, connect the included Mini-USB power cable and make sure the red LED power indicator is on. However, you may need to make some adjustments to your source device, like audio output and format settings.

Quality audio…

There are some useful features for ensuring you receive a quality audio signal throughout the conversion. These include an Ultra Low Jitter digital receiver for reducing interruptions during playback.

A built-in PLL (Phase Lock Loop) ensures that the frequencies of both the digital and analog signals match. This results in a cleaner audio signal being produced. The supported signal is up to 192 kHz and 24 bits.


FiiO D3 Digital Converter

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Solid metal construction.
  • 6ft included optical cable.
  • Built-in PLL and Ultra Low Jitter receiver.

Cons

  • No volume control on the converter.
  • USB port required for power.

3 AudioEngine D1 Converter – Best DAC Digital Toslink to Analog RCA Converter and Headphone Amplifier

While this converter from AudioEngine is missing a digital coaxial input, it can amplify sound for headphone output. It can also receive an input via USB, meaning this device is perfect for use with computers.

It is still compatible with any other device that has an optical output for audio like TVs, Blu-ray players, or game consoles. The small and sleek design means it will look great in almost any surrounding, while not taking up too much space.

Enrich your PC audio experience…

This really is the perfect match for interfacing between your PC and your sound system. It is possible to bypass your PC’s sound card by sending audio via optical or USB. There is no doubt this will improve the sound of all your music.

Featuring a high signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion, the D1 delivers fantastic sound quality. Capable of processing digital audio signals up to depths of 24 bits and sample rates of up to 192 kHz.

No need for a sound card…

If using the USB input, sample rates can be outputted between 32-96 kHz. Input rates of 188.2 kHz and 192 kHz are resampled to 96 kHz. Optical input offers native playback of between 32 kHz and 192 kHz.

Even if your PC does not have a sound card, all you need is a USB port. This converter will then act as the sound card for your PC, allowing you to enjoy music, stream movies, or play your favorite games.


AudioEngine D1 Converter

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Built-in headphone amplifier.
  • USB or optical input.
  • Can act as a sound card for your PC.

Cons

  • No coaxial input.
  • Maximum sample of 96 kHz via USB input.

4 iFi Zen DAC Converter – Best Premium DAC Toslink to Analog RCA Converter

Next in our Best Analog RCA to DAC Digital Toslink Converter reviews, we have this state-of-the-art converter from iFi called the Zen. If you have used one of these converters previously, you will have instantly heard the difference and clarity whether you were using either speakers or headphones.

Featuring a brushed aluminum front panel and a dark gray body, this converter looks and feels high quality. Only the best components have been selected from manufacturers like AMOS, GE Valves, WIMA, and TDK.

Connection options…

Input is only available via USB and is compatible with USB 3.0 and earlier. This is great for connecting devices such as PCs, smartphones, or tablets for a superior audio experience through either headphones, active speakers, or an amplifier.

The built-in headphone amplifier can output via a 4.4mm balanced jack or a 6.3mm unbalanced jack. Active speakers or amplifiers are outputted using either a balanced 4.4mm jack at the rear, or left and right RCA cables.

Take your audio to the next level…

The output capabilities of the converter are simply unmatched. Compatible with balanced headphones between 12 and 600 Ohms and unbalanced between 12 and 300 Ohms will suit any audiophile producing clear and detailed sound.

Sample rates of between 44.1 kHz and an astonishing 384 kHz are possible, blowing the competition out of the water. Of course, all of this comes at a cost, and this is the least affordable option here, but it is also easily the highest quality.


iFi Zen DAC Converter

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • High quality materials and components.
  • Built-in headphone amplifier.
  • Extremely rich and detailed sound.

Cons

  • Not very affordable.
  • No optical or coaxial input.

5 Prozor – Best Mid Range DAC Digital Toslink to Analog RCA Converter

Our final product falls somewhere in the middle of all these converters. Produced by Prozor, this device offers great sound quality, and is well constructed. The case is made from aluminum, making it both sturdy and lightweight.

Featuring headphone amplification, this converter is well suited for enhancing your listening experience from digital devices. If you’re tired of your tinny TV speakers, and have an old amplifier, or active speakers around, this would be perfect.

Inputs and outputs…

Inputs on the rear include optical, coaxial, and a Micro-USB port for power supply. Both the optical and coaxial supply an uncompressed 2-channel PCM/LPCM signal. It does not support 5.1 channel options such as Dolby Surround.

At the front of the converter are the outputs. These include either left and right RCA or a 3.5mm headphone/auxiliary jack. On the very left is a volume dial that can be used to amplify the signal from the 3.5mm jack.

Rich and clear sound…

Through the use of SPDIF noise is eliminated by automatically muting when there is no audio signal present. Capable of 24-bit sampling with frequencies between 32 kHz and 192 kHz offers a rich and clear audio experience.

However, unfortunately, there were some compatibility issues when we tried to use this converter with YouTube and Netflix. It may have been because of the TV we were using it on, and it may work better with another device such as a game console or PC. This is more than likely not a common fault, but is something to be aware of.


Prozor

Our rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros

  • Aluminum case.
  • Headphone amplifier.
  • SPDIF noise reduction.

Cons

  • Noticed slight interference occasionally.
  • We noticed compatibility issues with YouTube and Netflix.

Best DAC Digital Toslink to Analog RCA Converter Buying Guide

There are many similarities to the capabilities of these converters. Although there are also some small and subtle differences. Therefore, depending on what you want to use it for will have an impact on which one you should choose.

That is why we always include a buying guide to help direct you towards the product that will best suit your requirements perfectly. We do this by identifying the important things to consider before making that final decision. So, let’s go through them…

Input devices

Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC, Premium Desktop Digital to Analogue Converter & Headphone Amplifier

Ultimately, the decision will come down to which devices you intend to use the converter with. If you plan on using it with a PC, smartphone, or tablet, then USB input would be beneficial. Both the…

Audioengine and iFi Zen

…offer this.

However, if you plan on converting sound from a TV, disc player, or game console, then an optical input will most likely have you covered. All with the exception of the iFi Zen have this option, so now what sets them apart? Well, that’s what we will cover next…

Output devices

All of these converters offer both RCA and headphone output. If you intend on connecting an amplifier, or some active speakers, the RCA output will do just fine. This is because you will have control of volume and possibly equalization through your output device.

If you plan on using headphones, then we would suggest looking for built-in amplification. The…

Audioengine, iFi Zen, and Prozor

…all offer this feature. The only choice left now would be between budget and personal preference.

If you are still unsure of which decision to make, then stay with us for our next section. We will reveal our decision on which we think is the best converter from DAC digital Toslink to analog RCA on the market and why. But before that…

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Avantree DAC Digital to Analog Audio Converter with Toslink Optical Cable, Volume Control, 192KHz, SPDIF to Stereo L/R RCA 3.5mm Adapter for PS4 PS3 Xbox HD...

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So, What Is The Best DAC Digital Toslink To Analog RCA Converter?

We have come to this decision by considering if the converter has useful both input and output capabilities. It also must have a high build quality, and most importantly, produce a high sound quality.

The converter we feel is able to provide all these options, along with being great value, is the…

Audioengine D1

Although it lacks a coaxial input, it would be the least used option. Its flexibility of use for both USB and optical input devices, along with having built-in amplification, makes it a winner.

Happy converting!

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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