Crystal Acoustics BluDac review

A great option at the price with decent connectivity, the BluDAC is a real entertainer Tested at £60

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A great option at the price with decent connectivity, the BluDAC is a real entertainer

Pros

  • +

    NFC (near-field communication) and aptX Bluetooth built-in

  • +

    Open, clear sound

  • +

    Exciting, engaging delivery

Cons

  • -

    Nothing at this money

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

What the BluDAC lacks in size and weight, it makes up for in body art.

You can see what it has to offer via its NFC, Bluetooth and aptX logos tattoos.

Pairing is painless. There is no button to spark it into action – the BluDAC’s ready to be connected from the moment you plug in the mains lead.

If you’re using NFC, hold your device up against the DAC’s top panel and you will get a quick handshake. The LED sat in the middle of the DAC beams a steady shade of blue.

When you’re pairing over normal Bluetooth, the DAC comes up as ‘Music Receiver’ on your smartphone or tablet – the majority of rivals tend to show their actual model name to help save any confusion.

Performance

Right away you’re impressed by the BluDAC’s powerful, dynamic approach to music. Play Haim’s Running If You Call My Name and the track has vigour and verve.

There’s a solid soundstage in front of the listener, with plenty of headroom to allow for those punchy drum kicks and expressive vocals.

The BluDAC picks out plenty of detail, including the subtle sparkle of the piano strings that follow in the background.

Verdict

Music doesn’t have the same level of finesse as when heard through the Arcam, but then again, the miniBlink is almost double the price.

And this is what makes the BluDAC a bargain.

MORE: See all our DAC reviews

MORE: Best DACs to buy in 2014

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test