Top 10 Best DAC for Tidal HiFi/HiRes FLAC

Part 1. Key Features to Look for in a Tidal DAC

With Tidal embracing HiRes FLAC for Max quality, the focus is now on clean PCM processing rather than MQA decoding. To secure the best possible and most future-proof Tidal experience, prioritize DACs that feature these key specifications:

• High Sample Rate Support: Look for support of at least 24-bit/192kHz PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) to handle Tidal's maximum HiRes FLAC quality. Higher rates like 32-bit/384kHz and beyond are also common in top-tier units.
• MQA Decoding/Rendering: While no longer the primary high-res format on Tidal, full MQA decoding (or rendering for portable units) is a bonus for those with legacy MQA tracks or who use other MQA-supporting services.
• Chipset Quality: Premium chips like ESS Sabre or Burr-Brown are often used to ensure low noise and superior audio conversion.
• Portability vs. Desktop: Decide if you need a tiny, USB-powered DAC for mobile use or a powerful, feature-rich desktop unit for a home system.

Part 2. Top Best Portable DACs for Tidal (On-the-Go Excellence)

Don't let your commute or coffee break compromise your high-fidelity experience. These portable DACs, often referred to as "dongle DACs" or portable DAC/Amps, are compact, plug-and-play solutions that dramatically improve audio quality from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

We've selected the best options that can flawlessly handle Tidal's demanding 24-bit/192kHz HiRes FLAC files, delivering clean power and pristine sound right into your headphones, no matter where you are.

No 1. Zorloo Ztella Headphone DAC/Amp

An affordable and highly portable solution. It supports PCM up to 384kHz and functions as an MQA Renderer, making it ideal for connecting your smartphone or laptop to high-quality headphones. Its main drawback is the lack of dedicated volume controls.

No 2. iFi Hip DAC Headphone DAC/Amp

Built around a premium Burr-Brown chip, this portable DAC offers excellent audio performance and a dedicated bass boost feature. The LED indicator changes color based on the audio format, giving you visual confirmation that you are getting the bitrate you pay for. Its 4.4mm balanced output is a great feature for serious headphone users.

No 3. Dragonfly Cobalt USB DAC/Headphone Amp

A benchmark in portable USB DACs, the Cobalt is praised for its natural, smooth sound. It uses a high-end ESS chip but is limited to 24-bit/96kHz processing for its highest sample rate, making it slightly less future-proof for 192kHz tracks than others.

No 4. FiiO K3

Offering excellent value for money, the K3 is a compact USB-C device that can output high-quality audio up to 32-bit/384kHz. It's a great entry point for upgrading your computer's sound without breaking the bank.

Part 3. Top Best Desktop and High-end DACs for Tidal

For those with a dedicated listening space or a serious two-channel audio system, a desktop or high-end DAC provides unmatched power and connectivity. These units offer robust components, superior power supplies, and advanced chipsets capable of handling not just Tidal's 24-bit/192kHz HiRes FLAC, but also much higher resolutions up to 32-bit/768kHz.

Whether you need a simple USB DAC for your computer or a feature-rich audio centerpiece that acts as a preamp and headphone amp, these models will deliver a truly reference-grade audio experience.

No 5. iFi ZEN DAC Desktop Headphone DAC/Amp

A stylish desktop unit that offers the same core Burr-Brown sound signature as the Hip DAC but in a fixed setup. It features both 4.4mm balanced and 6.3mm headphone outputs, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and MQA.

No 6. Topping D90 MQA Dedicated DAC

A reference-grade DAC known for its technical prowess. It supports an astonishing 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512 native, offering superior quality and an extensive array of input/output options for the most complex home audio setups.

No 7. SMSL SU-9

A strong mid-range performer with outstanding resolution. It supports MQA decoding and high sample rates up to 32-bit/768kHz. Its versatile connectivity, including Bluetooth, makes it a flexible choice for a desktop system.

No 8. Mytek Brooklyn DAC+

At the high end of the spectrum, the Brooklyn DAC+ is an audio powerhouse that doubles as a pre-amp and phono stage. Its MQA and high-res FLAC support, combined with exceptional build quality, justify the premium price for audiophiles.

No 9. SMSL M500

Featuring a top-performance ES9038PRO chip, the M500 provides full MQA decoding and ultra-high sample rates. It offers a rich selection of digital inputs and analog outputs for comprehensive system integration.

No 10. Gustard X16

A highly competitive desktop DAC offering great value for its feature set, including MQA support and high sample rates up to 32-bit/768kHz, all with a clean and quiet background.

Part 4. How to Play Tidal HiRes FLAC Music Anywhere

While a high-quality DAC is essential for critical listening, you can enjoy Tidal music anywhere and anytime by downloading your tracks for offline playback. DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder can download and convert streaming music, including Tidal songs, to common formats like MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, and more, while preserving lossless quality and ID3 tags.

This allows you to transfer your HiRes Tidal library to any device (car, media player, etc.) without needing a constant internet connection or the Tidal app, offering true playback freedom beyond your dedicated DAC setup.

How to Download and Play Tidal HiRes FLAC

Step 1. Download and Install the DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder on your computer (Windows or Mac). Launch it and click the "Menu" icon in the top corner and select "Preferences". In the pop-up window, click the "Conversion" tab to access the output settings of Tidal tunes.

Step 2. Click the "Tidal" icon to open the program's built-in Tidal web player. Use the internal browser to log in to your Tidal account. This authorization allows you to access your Tidal library.

Step 3. In the built-in Tidal web player, find the track, album, or playlist you want to download. Tap it and click the "Add" > "Add to List" button to load them to the conversion list.

Step 4. You can review the tracks in the conversion list and then click the main "Convert" button. The DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder will immediately begin downloading and converting your Tidal music files according to the format and quality settings you chose.

Step 5. Once conversion is finished, click the "Converted" tab. Click the "folder" icon next to any track to open the output folder on your local computer. You can now move and listen to Tidal music offline anywhere and anytime with ease.

Part 5. In Conclusion

We've highlighted the top best DACs for Tidal for every lifestyle, from the portable Zorloo Ztella and iFi Hip DAC for commuters, to desktop centerpieces like the Topping D90 and Mytek Brooklyn DAC+. Investing in one of these top-tier models is the single most effective way to unlock the full potential of Tidal's 24-bit/192kHz masters.

To maximize flexibility, remember that DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder can convert Tidal tracks to formats like FLAC or M4A while preserving the original HiRes quality. This ensures you can enjoy your library on any device, anytime, completely offline.