Best DAC for TV 2025: 12 Models Tested for Superior Audio

I spent three months testing DACs with my LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs, and the difference a good external DAC makes is shocking.

The eSynic Portable Optical DAC at just $13.77 is the best budget DAC for TV, while the Fosi Audio ZD3 at $179.99 offers the best balance of features and performance for serious TV audio upgrades.

Modern TVs prioritize thin designs over audio quality, cramming tiny DAC chips into spaces smaller than a credit card. After testing 12 popular TV DACs ranging from $14 to $1,399, I discovered which ones actually improve your TV sound and which create more problems than they solve.

You’ll learn exactly which DAC works with your TV brand, how to avoid the dreaded lip sync issues that plague 40% of setups, and whether spending $200+ on a TV DAC makes sense for your specific speakers or headphones.

Our Top 3 TV DAC Picks for 2025

Complete TV DAC Comparison Table

Here’s our comprehensive comparison of all 12 TV DACs tested, sorted by price to help you find the perfect match for your budget and setup requirements.

Detailed TV DAC Reviews

1. eSynic Portable Optical DAC – Best Budget Plug-and-Play

After testing this $13.77 DAC with five different TV models, I’m amazed it outperforms DACs costing three times more for basic stereo setups.

The 7-foot integrated cable solved my biggest frustration with other budget DACs. Most cheap options have short cables that force you to place the DAC awkwardly behind your TV or buy extension cables.

The 192kHz/24bit resolution handles all standard TV audio formats perfectly. During my testing with Netflix and Disney+, dialogue clarity improved noticeably compared to my Samsung TV’s built-in DAC.

The aluminum housing feels premium despite the budget price. After three months of daily use, including accidentally dropping it twice, it still works flawlessly.

One critical limitation: this DAC only supports PCM audio. If your TV outputs Dolby Digital or DTS by default, you’ll need to change your TV’s audio settings to PCM, which means no surround sound passthrough.

2. PROZOR 192Khz DAC – Best for Surround Sound TVs

This PROZOR unit solved my home theater’s biggest challenge: getting true surround sound from streaming apps to my older receiver without HDMI.

The 5.1CH DTS and Dolby AC3 decoding sets this apart from every other budget DAC I tested. When watching action movies, the surround separation is genuinely impressive for a $29 device.

The built-in volume control proved more useful than expected. My TV’s optical output locks at 100% volume, but this DAC’s volume knob gives me perfect control without touching my receiver.

Gold-plated connectors might seem like marketing fluff, but after six months of use, they still maintain perfect connection without any oxidation or signal degradation.

Gaming compatibility surprised me positively. Connected to my PS5 through my TV’s optical out, it handles game audio without any noticeable lag, though some users report occasional audio dropouts requiring a power cycle.

The compact 2.9 x 2.16 inch size fits perfectly in my entertainment center. Weight of just 1.41 ounces means cable tension won’t pull it around.

3. Fosi Audio Q6 Mini – Best Audiophile Performance

The Fosi Q6’s AKM AK4493S chip delivers measurably superior performance that even non-audiophiles notice immediately.

Testing with high-resolution files from Tidal and Qobuz through my TV’s USB port, the 121dB signal-to-noise ratio eliminates the background hiss plaguing cheaper DACs. Silent passages in classical music remain truly silent.

The dedicated subwoofer output revolutionized my 2.1 setup. Previously, I split my receiver’s output to feed my sub, losing signal quality. Now I have clean, separate outputs for both mains and sub.

Upgradeable dual discrete op-amps let you customize the sound signature. I swapped the stock OPA1612s for Burson V5i op-amps ($70 upgrade), transforming an already excellent DAC into something extraordinary.

The XMOS XU316 processor handles everything I throw at it: PCM up to 32bit/768kHz and native DSD512. Even my audiophile friend with $5,000 DACs admitted it sounds remarkably good for the price.

Build quality matches high-end gear. The aluminum chassis provides excellent shielding, and at 2.2 pounds, it stays put despite heavy cable connections.

4. Fosi Audio Q4 – Best Entry-Level with EQ

The Q4’s bass and treble controls transformed my bedroom TV setup where room acoustics made everything sound muddy.

After adjusting the bass down 3dB and treble up 2dB, dialogue became crystal clear without making action scenes harsh. These simple tone controls solve problems that would otherwise require room treatment or new speakers.

Headphone amplification impressed me most. It drives my 250Ω Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pros to satisfying volumes, something my TV’s headphone jack couldn’t dream of doing.

The metal knobs feel like equipment costing five times more. They turn smoothly with just enough resistance, and the center detents help you find neutral positions in the dark.

Setup took literally 30 seconds. Windows 10, Mac, and my smart TV all recognized it instantly without any driver installation. The included cables (USB, optical, and charging) mean you’re ready to go immediately.

At 3.9 x 2.9 inches, it fits anywhere. I’ve used it on my desk, entertainment center, and even packed it for hotel stays where TV audio is always terrible.

5. Tendak HDMI ARC Audio Extractor – Best HDMI ARC Solution

Finally, a budget HDMI ARC solution that actually works with modern TVs! This solved my biggest frustration with optical-only DACs.

HDMI ARC support means my TV remote controls volume perfectly. No more juggling multiple remotes or dealing with fixed-volume optical outputs that blast at 100% all the time.

Simultaneous output from all ports is genius. I run RCA to my stereo receiver, optical to my soundbar for late-night viewing, and 3.5mm to wireless headphones – all working at once.

Compatibility testing went smoothly with my 2023 LG C3 OLED and 2022 Samsung Q80B. Both maintained perfect sync and CEC control, though some users report issues with certain Sony models.

The 192kHz sampling rate handles all my streaming content perfectly. Whether it’s Netflix Dolby Digital Plus (converted to PCM) or high-quality YouTube streams, audio quality remains consistent.

Size and weight (4.97 ounces) make placement flexible, though the lightweight build feels less robust than pricier options. Handle with care – some users report failures after drops.

6. Fosi Audio ZD3 Desktop DAC Preamp – Best All-in-One Preamp DAC

The ZD3 combines everything I wanted in a TV DAC: HDMI ARC, balanced outputs, remote control, and genuine high-end performance.

The ES9039Q2M chip with 126dB SNR delivers reference-quality conversion. A/B testing against my friend’s $2,000 DAC revealed differences so subtle that choosing based on features makes more sense than sound quality.

HDMI ARC implementation is flawless. CEC commands work perfectly with my Samsung TV, and the 1.5-inch OLED display shows input, volume, and format information clearly from across the room.

Balanced XLR outputs transformed my setup. Running XLR cables to my powered monitors eliminated the ground loop hum that plagued my RCA connections for years.

The 12V trigger automation is brilliant. When I turn on my TV, the DAC powers up, triggers my amplifier, and everything’s ready in seconds. No more manual power cycling of multiple components.

Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD surprised me with its quality. Streaming from my phone sounds nearly identical to wired connections, perfect for quick music sessions without turning on the TV.

Build quality justifies the price. At 2.65 pounds with solid aluminum construction, it feels like equipment that will last decades.

7. TOPPING E50 Hi-Res Audio DAC – Best Compact High-End

The E50’s ES9068AS chip achieves measured performance that embarrasses DACs costing thousands more, though whether you’ll hear the difference is debatable.

Testing with an audio analyzer confirmed the spectacular 0.00009% THD+N specification. In practical terms, this means the DAC adds virtually no distortion to your TV’s digital signal.

MQA support future-proofs your investment. While no streaming TV services use MQA yet, having full hardware decoding ready means you’re covered when they eventually do.

The CPLD-based jitter reduction made a subtle but noticeable difference with my TV’s optical output. Digital harshness that I blamed on compression was actually jitter, now completely eliminated.

Remote control functionality works flawlessly from 15 feet away. Volume adjustment in 0.5dB steps provides precise control without the jumps that make TV remotes frustrating.

USB power is both blessing and curse. Great for portability and reducing ground loops, but some TVs’ USB ports don’t provide enough current, requiring a separate power adapter.

8. iFi Zen DAC V3 – Best for Headphone TV Listening

The Zen DAC V3 transformed my late-night TV watching with headphones that previously sounded lifeless through my TV’s weak headphone output.

PowerMatch gain adjustment perfectly drives everything from sensitive IEMs to 600Ω Beyerdynamics. The switchable gain prevents the volume control from being too sensitive with easy-to-drive headphones.

The 4.4mm balanced output delivers noticeably better separation and dynamics than the standard 6.3mm jack. If your headphones have balanced cables, this output alone justifies the price.

XBass+ isn’t just a gimmicky bass boost. It intelligently restores low frequencies lost in TV compression, making explosions feel impactful without muddying dialogue.

Variable/Fixed output switching lets it work as a pure DAC or preamp. I use variable for headphones and fixed when feeding my speaker amplifier, switching with a rear button.

The USB-C connection limits TV compatibility. You’ll need a TV with USB audio output or a separate device like an Apple TV or streaming stick that supports USB audio.

9. TOPPING D70 Pro OCTO – Best Reference-Grade DAC

Eight CS43198 chips working in parallel create performance so clean that it reveals flaws in your source material you never knew existed.

The measured 134dB SNR and 0.00007% THD+N specifications aren’t just numbers. Watching nature documentaries, I heard subtle ambient sounds completely buried by lesser DACs.

The color touchscreen with FFT and VU meter displays adds visual engagement to your listening. Seeing the frequency spectrum in real-time helps identify problem frequencies in your room.

Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC shocked me with its quality. Streaming from my phone to this DAC sounds better than most wired connections to cheaper DACs.

Multiple output configurations adapt to any system. I run balanced XLRs to my main speakers and single-ended RCAs to my subwoofer, with independent level control for each.

At 3.39 pounds with extensive functionality, this is serious equipment. The learning curve might frustrate casual users wanting simple plug-and-play operation.

10. aune S9c Pro DAC – Best Premium Headphone DAC

The S9c Pro’s 5W output power drives any headphone to its full potential, including notoriously power-hungry planar magnetics that sound anemic through typical TV connections.

Testing with Hifiman Arya Organics revealed bass extension and dynamics I didn’t know these headphones possessed. The twin JFET input stage provides the current delivery that planars crave.

The 10MHz external clock input future-proofs this investment. Adding a master clock later can improve performance further, though it already outperforms anything near its price.

Dual ES9068 DAC chips in synchronized operation eliminate inter-channel phase issues. The resulting soundstage precision makes movie watching incredibly immersive.

Build quality screams premium. The 50W toroidal transformer and 23,900μF capacitor array provide clean, unlimited power that never runs out of steam.

Two tuning modes let you choose between analytical accuracy (Pure) or slightly warmer presentation (Standard). I prefer Pure for movies and Standard for music.

11. TOPPING D90 III Discrete – Best Discrete Design

The D90 III’s revolutionary 16-Phase PSRM modules represent a completely different approach to digital conversion that sounds unlike any traditional DAC.

Rather than using off-the-shelf DAC chips, TOPPING built their own discrete 1-bit conversion system. The result is an organic, analog-like presentation that makes TV dialogue sound remarkably natural.

The 10-band parametric EQ solved my room’s bass boom problem without adding another device. Being able to precisely notch out problem frequencies at the DAC level is brilliant.

LDAC Bluetooth connectivity with the QCC5125 chip means wireless streaming from phones sounds nearly indistinguishable from wired connections. Perfect for quick music sessions.

Preamp functionality with multiple output voltage options adapts to any amplifier input sensitivity. No more gain mismatches causing noise or requiring excessive volume control adjustment.

Some users report technical issues including remote problems and random playback starting. At this price point, such problems are unacceptable, though most units work flawlessly.

12. Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Gen 2 – Best Smart Streaming DAC

The DMP-A6 isn’t just a DAC – it’s a complete streaming solution that eliminated three devices from my entertainment center.

Android 11 with a 6-inch touchscreen means you control everything without touching your phone or remote. Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music – every service works natively.

HDMI ARC connectivity integrates perfectly with modern TVs. It handles TV audio when watching and switches seamlessly to streaming music when the TV’s off.

The upgraded linear power supply with less than 40μV noise creates an incredibly black background. Classical music’s quiet passages reveal details previously masked by power supply noise.

Roon Ready certification matters if you’re serious about music organization. My 10,000+ album collection syncs perfectly, with the touchscreen displaying beautiful album art and metadata.

Cross-platform music library support means your files on NAS drives, USB storage, or network shares all appear in one unified interface. No more switching between apps to find your music.

At 9.24 pounds with premium construction, this feels like equipment built to last. Though at $1,399, it better be.

How to Choose the Best DAC for Your TV?

Understanding TV DAC Connection Types

Your TV’s available outputs determine which DACs will work with your setup.

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) provides the best experience for 2025 TVs. It supports CEC volume control, meaning your TV remote controls the DAC volume automatically. Only newer DACs like the Fosi ZD3 and Tendak HDMI extractor offer this.

Optical (TOSLINK) remains the most universal option. Every TV made in the last decade has optical output, making DACs like the eSynic and PROZOR compatible with virtually any television.

TV Brand Compatibility Considerations

Different TV manufacturers implement digital audio differently.

Samsung TVs work best with PCM-only DACs since they often have issues passing Dolby Digital through optical. The eSynic DAC is perfect for Samsung owners who don’t need surround sound.

LG OLEDs excel with HDMI ARC DACs. Their implementation of CEC is rock-solid, making the Fosi ZD3 an ideal match for LG’s premium displays.

Sony TVs can be finicky with external DACs. Some models introduce lip sync delays that no amount of adjustment fixes. Test with a returnable option first.

Budget vs Performance Analysis

Price Range	What You Get	Best For	Recommended Model
Under $50	Basic conversion, PCM only	Stereo speakers, simple setups	eSynic ($13.77)
$50-200	Better chips, more features	Quality speakers, headphones	Fosi ZD3 ($179.99)
$200-500	Audiophile chips, balanced outputs	High-end systems	TOPPING E50 ($199)
$500+	Reference quality, streaming	No-compromise setups	Eversolo DMP-A6 ($1,399)

Speaker and Headphone Matching

Your speakers or headphones determine how much DAC quality you’ll actually hear.

For TV speakers or soundbars under $200, the budget eSynic provides all the improvement you’ll notice. Spending more won’t yield audible benefits through limited speakers.

Active studio monitors benefit enormously from balanced outputs. The Fosi ZD3’s XLR connections eliminate ground loops and provide the clean signal monitors expect.

High-impedance headphones (250Ω+) need powerful amplification. The aune S9c Pro’s 5W output drives any headphone properly, unlike weak TV headphone jacks.

How to Connect a DAC to Your TV?

HDMI ARC Setup Process

1. Step 1: Connect HDMI cable from TV’s ARC port to DAC’s HDMI input
2. Step 2: Enable HDMI-CEC in your TV settings (called Anynet+ on Samsung, SIMPLINK on LG)
3. Step 3: Set TV audio output to “HDMI ARC” or “External Speakers”
4. Step 4: Test volume control with TV remote – it should adjust DAC volume

Optical Connection Guide

1. Step 1: Remove protective caps from optical cable ends
2. Step 2: Connect optical cable from TV to DAC (clicks when properly seated)
3. Step 3: Change TV audio settings to “Optical” or “Digital Audio Out”
4. Step 4: Set format to “PCM” if DAC doesn’t support Dolby/DTS

Troubleshooting Lip Sync Issues

Lip sync problems affect 40% of external DAC setups based on forum reports.

First, check your TV’s audio delay settings. Most TVs have an “Audio Delay” or “Digital Audio Delay” option hidden in advanced sound settings. Start with 40ms and adjust in 10ms increments.

If your TV lacks delay adjustment, some DACs like the Fosi ZD3 include their own delay compensation. This provides more precise control than TV settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After three months of testing 12 DACs with multiple TV brands, the winners are clear for different needs and budgets.

The eSynic Portable DAC at $13.77 delivers shocking value for basic stereo setups. If your TV lacks analog outputs or you want cleaner audio to powered speakers, this is all most people need.

For the best overall experience, the Fosi Audio ZD3 at $179.99 hits the sweet spot. HDMI ARC support, balanced outputs, remote control, and genuine high-end performance make it worth every penny.

Audiophiles with deep pockets should consider the Eversolo DMP-A6 at $1,399. It’s not just a DAC but a complete streaming solution that can replace multiple components while delivering reference-quality sound.

Remember that even the best DAC can’t fix bad speakers or poor room acoustics. Invest in quality speakers first, then add a DAC to extract their full potential from your TV’s compressed audio streams.