CYP AU-D3 DAC review

It's small and straightforward, but we like this supremely affordable DAC's results with budget equipment Tested at £42.00

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What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Small and simple, for a certain type of system the CYP will be a bargain upgrade

Pros

  • +

    Neat and affordable solution for use with budget AV equipment

Cons

  • -

    Internal DACs of larger products are more effective

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.

Products don't get much smaller or more straightforward than this CYP DAC.

Simply feed an optical or coaxial signal into the tiny box and an analogue signal emerges from the stereo RCA connections.

Great for budget Blu-ray decks
Given the price, it's no surprise that the CYP has its limits, and the internal DAC of a half-decent CD player or AV receiver will produce better results.

However, if you're running a budget Blu-ray or DVD player, or a Sky HD box, into a stereo amp, this is a neat and affordable way to coax out far more punch, detail and dynamics.

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What Hi-Fi?
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.

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