Best DACs Around ¥100,000
A curated selection of DACs in the ¥100,000 price range, with recommendations based on sound signature and intended use.
The World of ¥100,000 DACs
¥100,000 is the price point where you cross the barrier from entry-level to mid-range. Compared to sub-¥50,000 models, you gain a noticeable step up in spatial imaging, micro-detail retrieval, and power supply quality. We’ll focus on three key models in this bracket.
Key Models Compared
| Model | Price | DAC Chip | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chord Mojo 2 | ¥75,000 | Proprietary FPGA | Portable & desktop dual-use |
| Topping D90SE | ¥85,000 | ES9038PRO | Flagship-level DAC |
| Gustard X16 | ¥65,000 | ES9068AS×2 | High-value balanced output |
| SMSL VMV D1SE | ¥90,000 | ES9038PRO | Fully balanced with remote |
| iFi Neo iDSD 2 | ¥95,000 | Burr-Brown | MQA & Bluetooth support |
Sound and Characteristics
Chord Mojo 2
Built around Chord’s proprietary FPGA-based DAC architecture from the UK. Instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips, it uses custom algorithms for signal processing. The result is a spatial presentation unlike anything from conventional DAC chips. The sound has exceptional grain and clarity, making instrument placement almost tangible.
It’s a battery-powered portable device, but its sound quality holds up perfectly on the desktop. The ability to enjoy the same sound at home and on the go is a major advantage. A 4-band tone control via DSP is also available.
Topping D90SE
Topping’s flagship pure DAC. Equipped with the ES9038PRO chip, it boasts an impressive SNR of 130 dB. The sound is classic Topping — straightforward, high-resolution, and transparent. Minimal coloration lets your downstream amp and speakers express their own character.
Features XLR and RCA outputs, ideal for connecting to an integrated amp. Volume and filter switching are controllable via remote. A preamp function also allows direct connection to a power amp.
Gustard X16
The best cost-performance model under ¥100,000. Its dual ES9068AS chip fully balanced design offers specs that are exceptional for this price range. The sound leans neutral to slightly warm, making it easy on the ears during long listening sessions.
SMSL VMV D1SE
Single ES9038PRO chip. Comes with a remote for convenient operation and supports fully balanced output. The display is highly legible, and its desktop DAC usability is excellent. The sound is high-resolution yet smooth, without any harshness.
iFi Neo iDSD 2
Features Burr-Brown’s warm sound signature with Bluetooth receiver capability. Wireless playback from your smartphone is supported, adding everyday convenience. iFi’s signature sound-shaping features — XBass and XSpace — are also on board.
Recommendations by Use Case
Desktop Pure DAC → Topping D90SE
If you’re using it as a source for a speaker system, the minimally colored D90SE sets the standard. The ideal setup is connecting via XLR balanced output to an integrated amp.
Portable & Desktop Dual-Use → Chord Mojo 2
If you want a high-quality DAC for both home and on the go, the Mojo 2 is the clear choice. Battery operation also eliminates ground loop noise concerns.
Headphone System Core → iFi Neo iDSD 2
An all-in-one DAC + headphone amp with Bluetooth — a true jack-of-all-trades. Pair it with the HD600 or DT1990 Pro for a warm, inviting listening environment.
Best Value → Gustard X16
A fully balanced DAC in the ¥70,000 range. The ¥30,000 you save can go toward a headphone amp or cables.
Conclusion
Choosing a ¥100,000 DAC comes down to “what are you connecting it to?” Topping D90SE for speaker systems, iFi Neo iDSD 2 for headphone-centric setups, and Chord Mojo 2 if you need portability. Any of these will deliver a clear upgrade from the ¥50,000 tier.