Best DACs for Apple Music Lossless
How to choose a DAC that makes the most of Apple Music's Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless tiers, with recommended models.
Apple Music Lossless Basics
Apple Music offers three quality tiers: AAC 256 kbps (standard), ALAC 24-bit/48 kHz (Lossless), and ALAC 24-bit/192 kHz (Hi-Res Lossless). To play anything above standard quality, an external DAC is required. The built-in DAC on iPhones and iPads does not support lossless output.
Key Factors When Choosing a DAC
Supported Formats and Sample Rates
Apple Music’s Hi-Res Lossless tops out at 24-bit/192 kHz. To take full advantage, you need a DAC that supports at least 192 kHz. That said, the majority of tracks are 48 kHz, so chasing extreme specs isn’t particularly meaningful.
Connecting to iPhone / iPad
Connecting from an iPhone requires a Lightning or USB-C Camera Adapter. As long as the DAC has a USB input, you’re good. Bus-powered models are especially convenient since they don’t need a separate power source.
Connecting to Mac
On a Mac, you can achieve bit-perfect output via Audio MIDI Setup. Simply connect the DAC over USB, and Apple Music’s lossless signal passes through untouched.
Top 5 DAC Recommendations
RME ADI-2 DAC FS ($1,400)
Supports 192 kHz/32-bit, fully covering Apple Music’s Hi-Res Lossless. The built-in parametric EQ lets you fine-tune the sound to your preference. Pro-grade reliability is a bonus.
Topping DX5 ($420)
Supports PCM 768 kHz and DSD512 — more than enough for every Apple Music format. Outstanding cost-performance ratio, making it a solid first external DAC.
Chord Mojo 2 ($600)
Handles PCM up to 768 kHz. Plug it into an iPhone via USB for easy lossless playback. Battery-powered operation keeps noise low, and it works great on the go.
FiiO K7 ($230)
Supports 384 kHz/32-bit — more than sufficient for Apple Music Lossless. The THX AAA-788+ amp circuit provides strong driving power. Balanced output support means it can handle higher-end headphones too.
Topping D30 Pro ($230)
Quad DAC chip design with class-leading measurements at this price. Also supports Bluetooth reception, enabling wireless playback from iPhone and iPad. Note that Bluetooth does not deliver lossless quality.
Apple Music-Specific Tips
You need to enable “Lossless Audio” in the Apple Music settings. Wi-Fi and cellular can be configured separately, so if data usage is a concern, set Lossless for Wi-Fi only.
Also, Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio and Lossless are mutually exclusive. When Spatial Audio is enabled, tracks won’t play in Lossless. If pure audio quality is your priority, turn off Spatial Audio and opt for Lossless.
Downloaded tracks can be saved in Lossless, but they consume significantly more storage. Even on a 256 GB device, saving in Hi-Res Lossless will eat through available space quickly.
Conclusion
Apple Music Lossless is an incredible value — it’s included at no extra cost. Adding just one external DAC can transform how your favorite tracks sound. Start with something like the Topping DX5 or FiiO K7, and experience what lossless audio has to offer.