Chat
Contact us
Close contact box
Connect ID #
148 354 387 4
Connect ID #
148 354 387 4
Don't wait on hold. We'll call you back when it's your turn to talk with the next available .
Please enter your name  
Please enter your phone number  
Please enter a message  

Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes.

We are located in Virginia USA.

Thank you. We will be calling you .
We're sorry. We have encountered a problem.

NAD DAC 2 Wireless USB DAC

Item # 745DAC2

Liberate the music trapped in your computer with NAD's DAC 2.

Liberate the music trapped in your computer with NAD's DAC 2.

12 questions - 41 answers

Item # 745DAC2

Shop all NAD DACs

About the NAD DAC 2

Dave Bar

High-res music with wireless convenience

Liberate the music trapped in your computer with NAD's DAC 2. This USB digital-to-analog converter gives you an easy way to send music wirelessly from your computer to your existing home theater or stereo, while providing clear, detailed sound. Anything that you can listen to on your PC or Mac®  you can now enjoy on your best speakers. The DAC 2's two-piece design features point-to-point wireless technology that delivers uncompressed, full-bandwidth audio — including high-resolution music files up to 24-bit/96kHz. And because it's a closed wireless system, you don't even need a Wi-Fi® network to use it. 

High-res music with wireless convenience

Liberate the music trapped in your computer with NAD's DAC 2. This USB digital-to-analog converter gives you an easy way to send music wirelessly from your computer to your existing home theater or stereo, while providing clear, detailed sound. Anything that you can listen to on your PC or Mac®  you can now enjoy on your best speakers. The DAC 2's two-piece design features point-to-point wireless technology that delivers uncompressed, full-bandwidth audio — including high-resolution music files up to 24-bit/96kHz. And because it's a closed wireless system, you don't even need a Wi-Fi® network to use it. 

Simple to set up. Easy to use.

Right from the box, the DAC 2 is ready to play in just moments. Simply plug the included transmitter module into a USB port on your computer, and the DAC 2 becomes your PC's sound card. The transmitter bypasses all of the analog circuitry in your PC and transmits a digital signal directly to the receiver module that's connected to your hi-fi system. The digital signal then gets converted and sent as an analog signal to your stereo amplifier. The DAC 2 uses premium components in a proprietary circuit for accurate, musical sound. It also sports a coaxial digital output that allows downstream digital processing by a different DAC or a home theater receiver.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • high-quality Burr-Brown op amps and digital-to-analog converter for detailed sound
  • supports audio sample rates up to 96kHz/24-bit for streaming high-res music files
  • wireless USB transmitter plugs into your computer
  • Wi-Fi network not required — uses point-to-point 2.4GHz wireless technology for uncompressed, full-audio-bandwidth transmission
  • built-in driver for USB connection
  • stereo RCA and coaxial digital outputs for connection to a stereo or home theater system
  • transmission range: up to 131 feet
  • frequency response: 20Hz to 48kHz (± 0.5 dB)
  • THD + Noise: 0.05%
  • signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 80 dB
  • external power supply with 58" cord included for DAC receiver
  • 7" mini-USB (type-B) to USB (type-A) adapter cable for USB transmitter included
  • 50" stereo audio RCA cable included
  • 5-1/2"W x 2"H x 4-1/16"D (DAC receiver)
  • 1-1/2"W x 5/8"H x 3-1/4"D (wireless transmitter)
  • warranty: 2 year
  • MFR # DAC2

What's in the box:

  • Wireless USB DAC receiver
  • Wireless USB DAC transmitter
  • AC power supply (with attached 58" DC cord)
  • 4 AC plug adapters (US/AU/EU/UK)
  • 7" mini-USB (type-B) to USB (type-A) adapter cable
  • 50" Stereo audio RCA cable
  • Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement

Customer reviews for NAD DAC 2

Loading reviews...

Average review:

4.0 out of 5 stars
23 reviews

Thanks for submitting your review

Filter by rating

Customer photos

Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.
Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.

Sort reviews

Sort by:
Items per page:
View page:

Verified customer (What's this?)
Verified employee review (What's this?)

Reviewed on Samsung.com

This review was collected as part of a promotion

Pros:

Cons:

Crutchfield response
Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.
<< >>

More details on the NAD DAC 2

Mark G.

Features & specs

Design
Type Desktop/Component
Built-in Rechargable Battery No
Built-in Headphone Amplifier
Output Power N/A
Output Impedance (Unbalanced) N/A
Output Impedance (Balanced) N/A
Audio Specs
Bit Depth (USB) 24
Max Sampling Rate (USB) 192 kHz
Bit Depth (S/PDIF) 0
Max Sampling Rate S/PDIF N/A
S/N Ratio (Unbalanced, in dB) 80
S/N Ratio (Balanced, in dB) 0
THD (Unbalanced) Not given
THD (Balanced) 0.05%
Supported File Types
PCM Up to 96kHz
DSD N/A
DXD N/A
MQA N/A
Inputs
Total Inputs 1
USB Type A/Mini B
Optical Digital None
Coaxial Digital None
3.5mm Digital None
Stereo RCA Analog None
Stereo 3.5mm Analog None
Stereo XLR Analog None
Headphone Outputs
3.5mm Unbalanced None
1/4-inch Unbalanced None
4.4mm Balanced None
XLR4 Balanced None
Other Headphone Outs None
Line Level & Digital Outs
RCA Line Out 1
3.5mm Line Out None
XLR Line Out None
Subwoofer Out None
Optical Digital Out None
Coaxial Digital Out 1
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi No
Apple-compatible No
Android-compatible No
General Info
Width (inches) 5-1/2
Height (inches) 2
Depth (inches) 4-1/16
Weight 0.8 lbs.
Parts Warranty 2 Years
Labor Warranty 2 Years

Product Research

Features
Specifications
Dimensions

Features

Overview: The NAD DAC 2 Wireless USB Digital-to-Analog Converter lets you wirelessly stream your high-resolution music from your computer (PC/Mac) to your Hi-Fi stereo system with high performance sound. The NAD DAC 2 uses point-to-point 2.4GHz wireless technology which means you can just plug in the two-piece DAC 2 and start enjoying computer audio from your home entertainment system in minutes.

2.4GHz Wireless Connection: You don't need a Wi-Fi network to connect the NAD DAC 2 to your computer and home audio system. The NAD DAC 2 Wireless USB Digital-to-Analog Converter uses point-to-point 2.4GHz wireless technology which features the full audio bandwidth (20-20kHz) and remains uncompressed to maintain HD sound quality.

Simple Installation: The NAD DAC 2 Wireless USB Digital-to-Analog Converter consists of a wireless Receiver and Transmitter. Simply plug the DAC 2's Transmitter into your computer's USB port and it becomes a sound card that transmits your computer's high-resolution audio wirelessly to the DAC 2's Receiver, which connects to your home receiver via a stereo analog or coaxial digital connection.

Note: There are Channel switches (1-3) on the Receiver and Transmitter. Make sure these switches are set to the same number.

Wireless USB DAC Transmitter: The DAC 2's Transmitter consists of a mini-USB (type-B) connector with a mini-USB (type-B) to USB (type-A) adapter cable. Using the included USB cable, the DAC 2's Transmitter plugs into your computer's USB (type-A) port and bypasses all the analog circuitry in your PC and then wirelessly transmits high-resolution audio directly to the DAC 2's Receiver, which is connected to your hi-fi system, using the native digital format for the best possible sound.

Wireless USB DAC Receiver: The DAC 2's Receiver consists of a integrated Digital-to-Analog Converter with analog & digital audio outputs. Once the wireless HD audio is received at the DAC 2's Receiver from the DAC 2's Transmitter, the digital signal is converted and sent as an analog signal to your home receiver through stereo analog audio outputs. There is also a coax digital output that allows downstream digital processing.

24-Bit/192kHz DAC: To achieve the best possible sound, the DAC 2's Transmitter digitally transmits the HD audio from your Mac or PC to the DAC 2's Receiver, which then converts the digital signal to analog using premium Burr-Brown OPAmps (TI PCM1781) and 24-bit/192kHz Delta-Sigma DACs with selected passive components in a proprietary NAD circuit.

Compatible Sampling Rates: The NAD DAC 2 Wireless USB Digital-to-Analog Converter supports high-resolution audio sampling rates up to 24-bit/96kHz.

Audio Outputs: The NAD DAC 2 Wireless USB Digital-to-Analog Converter is fitted with both analog & digital audio outputs

  • Analog Output: The NAD DAC 2 features one stereo audio RCA output to connect to your home stereo receiver.
  • Digital Output: The NAD DAC 2 features one coaxial digital output to connect to your home theater receiver.

AC Power Supply: The NAD DAC 2 Wireless USB Digital-to-Analog Converter includes an external AC power adapter.

Specifications

Sample Rate: 96kHz/24-bit

THD+N: 0.05% (ref 0dBFS)

Signal-to-Noise: > 80dB

Analog Output Level: 2V

Coax SPDIF: 500mV +/- 50mV

Frequency Response: 20Hz to 48,000Hz (+/- 0.5dB)

Time Delay: <18ms

RF Band: 2.4GHz

Transmission Range: 131' (40m)

Dimensions

DAC Receiver:

  • W = 5.5"
  • H = 2.0"
  • D = 3.8125"

Wireless Transmitter:

  • W = 1.5"
  • H = 0.625"
  • D = 3.25"

Loading accessories...

Customer Q&A

12 questions already asked

Q
Has anyone tried streaming movie audio from a browser (mac-safari-netflix) to their audio system? I am assuming this will NOT work and that only stored audio files and audio streaming services like Spotify will work? Thanks!
jacob  Aug 28, 2020
1 answer
A
I don't have Netflix, but it does work with Amazon Prime and with the websites of all the major networks. I use Firefox rather than Safari, but that shouldn't matter. You have to set the system sound destination on your Mac to the NAD - click on the "Volume Control" icon on the Mac status bar at the top of the screen to choose he output device. Alternatively, you may have to set the sound destination on your browser; one of those two settings should get it to work.
richard  Sep 04, 2020
Q
In your past experiences which programs, such as VLC etc. bring out the best in this device?
andrew  Jan 16, 2020
2 answers
A
We've not tested programs to know which one truly sounds better than an other. That being said, I would expect Audirvana to sound the best because they have a more direct output path to help maintain more audio purity in the song. Basically, less processing needed to get the song ready to play which means less places to possibly introduce distortion
jason  Feb 03, 2020 (Staff)
A
Sorry, I didn't use that aspect of this device. I only used the digital wireless connection to connect my media server to a better DAC. It the end, I preferred a hardwired connection to the little NAD. FWIW, JRiver is my player of choice.  Sent from Galaxy S10+ an answer to this question.
rodney  Jan 16, 2020
Q
I noticed an input on the back labeled "service". Does anybody know what this is used for?
andrew  Apr 29, 2018
2 answers
A
Very likely access for diagnostics to D>A operation or op amp. It isn't instrumental to the use of the device. Are you concerned about it?
l m  May 08, 2018
A
Used for connecting to diagnostic electronics if the DAC 2 needs servicing.
dan  May 07, 2018
Q
I assume the digital output is necessary in order to be used in a 3.1 setup then? If so, is it just a pass-through or does it still decode the signal internally and then send something else? I ask because I'm wanting this for playback of tidal masters but my home receiver is not mqa compatible.
hoku  Mar 02, 2018
3 answers
A
Actually, I can't answer this because I run 2 stereo systems, each with only 2 high quality speakers. This is a question for NAD. However, I believe the DAC 2 does nothing to the signal except to transmit the computer digital output to the DAC receiver, straight D to A limited to 24 bit/192kHz (transmission limited to 96kHz). The beauty of the device (other than being cheap) is it replaces the computer sound card. The weakness (may be) not improvement from jitter. For what I play through this, doesn't matter. If you are playing hi res classical music, may matter. There is not a lot of technical information available for the device, hence talk to NAD. I tried to attach the data sheet (available on NAD website), could not.
l m  Mar 06, 2018
A
For best results the NAD Dac2 is best used by sending a pure digital signal to a separate DAC which converts the digital to analog. Unless you have an MQA converter chip in your DAC, you will not get the full advantage of MQA.
dan  Mar 06, 2018
A
I believe the device, like all DAC's , decodes before sending. I have mine hooked to a laptop and am able to play Tidal Masters. I use an older NAD integrated that is not MQA compatible by itself. With the DAC it sounds great. I do download flac files and it also decodes those.
william  Mar 06, 2018
Q
For this wireless Transmitter thats usb do i have to use the computer usb output or can i do 110 volt for the transmitter like the receiver is already 110 volt already i am just trying to minimize outputs on my usb space i have with all the electronics i have?
kenyon c  Apr 30, 2017
1 answer
A
The NAD DAC 2's transmitter consists of a mini-USB (type-B) connector with a mini-USB (type-B) to USB (type-A) adapter cable; which requires a connection into your computer's USB (type-A) port in order to receive power and wirelessly stream audio from your computer to the NAD wireless receiver. If you would like to discuss in more detail, feel free to contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
david  May 03, 2017 (Staff)
Q
Can I connect the NAD Dac 2 directly to an analog amplifier?
mountainman  Apr 25, 2017
11 answers
A
Yes. RCA cables if no digital input via coax.
l m  Mar 06, 2018
A
Yes
william  Apr 28, 2017
A
Im very pleased with it it hooked up to tape 1 on my Onkyo TX8255 receiver, considering it is a dig to analog unit, dont see any difference between amp or receiver. mine isn't line of sight, about 16 ft around 1 corner of the room, works great!
jeff  Apr 26, 2017
A
I have the receiver DAC connected into the "aux in"connection, left and right channel, of a integrated amplifier (preamp/amp combination). My integrated amplifier is not designated as a digital or analog amplifier, and the wireless DAC works fine. I would assume that you would either need to connect it to an integrated amplifier like mine or connect it to a pre-amplifier first. hope this helps.
edward  Apr 26, 2017
A
Yes. That is how I use mine.
james  Apr 26, 2017
A
Yes. That is what I did.
robert c  Apr 26, 2017
A
Yes. RCA jacks, shown in specs.
l m  Apr 26, 2017
A
Yes. I hooked it up to my Yamaha A-S501 and it works great!
steven  Apr 26, 2017
A
Anything with RCA inputs. Yes. PS~ I'm pretty happy with mine!
brad  Apr 26, 2017
A
Yes. Just plugs into any line level input--CD, Aux, etc. It's a great sounding unit--way better than bluetooth, and better than Chromecast.
donald  Apr 26, 2017
A
Sure, the receiver end has two RCA analog outputs which can be used to connect an analog amp.
lingyun  Apr 26, 2017
Q
Are transmitter and receiver uniquely paired or can one transmitter be used to feed 2 DAC receivers (as long as on same channel)? I would not be using both simultaneously but too cumbersome to switch sound card selections each time.
l m  Feb 22, 2017
1 answer
A
NAD does not sell the receiver separately so, while they do not state that the transmitter & receiver are uniquely paired, the absence of the receiver sold separately would indicate they do not support the option. You can also contact NAD directly for confirmation: 800-263-4641 I hope that helps. My Bio: https://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=5
ryan  Mar 10, 2017 (Staff)
Q
We bought the unit, and are a tad disappointed that we didn't think about needing different cables due to our need to stream from apple products that don't have USBs... could you recommend the correct cable for this application and do you carry it?
don  Sep 20, 2016
5 answers
A
Hi Donovan, discovered inadvertently in cleaning out cables that the input port to the transmitter is the same USB connector as for a camera port. My camera cable fits fine. Means your camera cable to your MacBook should work. I have several camera cables, thrown some away. Would give you one if you lived here :-)
l m  Sep 22, 2016
A
Hi Donovan - If your Mac has USB C, you could buy a USB C to USB adaptor cable, but you would lose the ability to power you Mac. You could also buy a USB C adaptor cable that has USB, power and HDMI from Apple. That's what I use with my NAD DAC 2 and it works great.
gregg  Sep 22, 2016
A
I don't believe the NAD DAC 2 was meant to be used by anything except for a computer with a USB connection. I don't think an iPhone or iPad will work as the music source.
jason  Sep 21, 2016
A
Sorry I'm not much help here as I use my Nad DAC 2 directly from my laptop. The transmitter is plugged into my computer and the receiver is plugged into my integrated amplifier. No problems except it doesn't work outside of 50ft, direct line of site of each other. Other than that I am happy with it. Good luck.
edward  Sep 21, 2016
A
Hi Donovan. My DAC is through my iMac so USB. You must have a MacBook, depending on vintage will have ports that can go to a USB. I recommend you go to the Apple store, tell them your model, and purchase a connector. For example, new MacBooks have USB-C mini ... so get a USB-C mini to USB-C cable. Amusingly, I have to go the other way with my external portable backup drives that only have USB-C mini (looks like the port on the NAD sending unit is a USB-C as an example).
l m  Sep 21, 2016
Q
Greetings. Hey, does this work with cell phones? You know, connecting using an OTG adapter with a USB cable. Thanks
adolph  Aug 14, 2015
1 answer
A
I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: The NAD wireless DAC is meant for a computer connection. Your can use the Bluetooth on your phone to send music wirelessly to a receiver. If you would like to discuss further you can contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
kristina  Aug 18, 2015 (Staff)
Q
Hi guys, I'm curious if this unit can be use to 230v 50hz country. Autovolt unit? I'm very interested getting this but it's not available in my country right now.
jjacob  Sep 25, 2014
3 answers
A
On Mac OS X the volume setting is "fixed" when the Sound setting is set to "USB". I suspect Windows has a similar feature. Re playback you will get the best results if you rip your CD's uncompressed (flac, aiff). I'm skeptical MP3/4's will sound better although they certainly won't sound worse.
l m  May 08, 2018
A
It is important to remember that the DAC 2 is used to transfer a digital signal wirelessly. The 24bit 96,000Hz capability far exceeds any mp3 file. I play flac files from the PC and the unit works perfectly. Once it receives the signal from the computer, it converts it to analogue and sends it to your receiver or amplifier. Your only limitation is what the amplifier and speakers can handle. The quality of conversion makes any software audio enhancements of mp3 files unnecessary. The DAC 2 is intended to enhance the file signal in the analogue conversion. I do not use any equalizer or Bass and Treble adjustments. It is easily the best sound quality enhancement for the money in my entire system. It costs less than the speaker cables. If you are playing digital files from a computer, without a doubt, get it. The NAD DAC 2 becomes the sound card for your computer, and with 24 bit 96kHz digital capability anything you can hear on your PC, including Studio Quality HD Audio, is digitally transmitted to your Hi-Fi! To enhance your experience there are several smartphone apps available to remotely operate your PC or Mac and deliver the rich user interface of the computer right to your fingertips. The Transmitter digitally transmits the audio from your Mac or PC to the DAC 2 Receiver, which then converts the digital signal to analogue using premium parts like Burr-Brown OPAmps and 24/192 Delta-Sigma DACs with selected passive components in a proprietary NAD circuit. You want to reduce the volume of your computer software playing the files so that your receiver or amp is playing at least 50 to 75 %. This will allow your audio system to have a more accurate playback of both high and low frequencies.
mark  Oct 13, 2014
A
This unit includes AC plug adapters for US, AU, EU, and UK.
jeff  Sep 26, 2014 (Staff)
Q
Similar question to Alex G. - does this truly have to be line of sight to work? My laptop is on 3rd floor and home stereo is on first floor. Also, what is the interface like to control iTunes since that is what I will mostly be streaming that from laptop to stereo?
fred c.  Feb 26, 2014
7 answers
A
Yes, it does. And if there is too much mass and distance from transmitter to receiver, the signal breaks up. I was using one unit then thought to send music to the LR main stereo, tried it out. Unfortunately, I didn't try it out long enough or in enough situations before buying. I now have an extra NAD DAC 2 that doesn't work for what I wanted to do. The alternative was a $1K Cambridge that didn't accommodate iTunes play lists for my ripped uncompressed tracks ... aside from cost doesn't work. Since this operates at 2.4GHz, try a 2.4 phone and check reception. This isn't infallible. The amount of information transferred is orders of magnitude less.
l m  Mar 06, 2018
A
Mark, great answer and thanks. I have a NAD CD changer and agree on the quality but this may just be a limitation of the DAC using its own dedicated system. Either I will try this product or come up with another solution for streaming my digitized library.
fred c.  Feb 27, 2014
A
NAD makes really good stuff so I was a little disappointed when I tried the DAC-2. It worked ok line of sight for about 20'. Unfortunately I had no luck using it with a wall between the units. WiFi works just fine in the same area from a WAP that is further away. Probably worth a try though. These things seem to depend on your particular situation. As far as interfaces go it's really simple. It's just a USB audio device. No setup in my case. The PC just found the new audio device and started using it. I have several wired DACs and similar for those.
mark  Feb 27, 2014
A
I do not recommend it. I couldn't get it to work well in the next room (same level). I returned it to Crutchfield. It should perform much better especially for its price.
jack  Feb 27, 2014
A
No, it will not work floor to floor, or room to room even without a direct sight line. I absolutely love this product, of course I wish it had more range too, but you can't have everything. I use it on iTunes as well and it works flawlessly. You just have to change your output from the headphone jack to the USB port
michael  Feb 27, 2014
A
I had mine set up pretty much in line from computer to amp. It worked great, and the lack of wires. There is really no interface to speak of. The NAD DAC2 takes control of your sound card, and becomes another audio out channel. How that interfaces with iTunes is unknown to me as I do not use it. In the players I do use, it is simply a matter of selecting the NAD Audio Driver as the output and off you go.
richard  Feb 26, 2014
A
Hi Fred,My set up was only 25 ft away and in another room. It worked ok, but if someone walked in front on reliever, the signal was lost. Sound was great when it worked, but when I had people over, signal kept dropping when someone walked in front of receiver. Maybe if you put it up high it would work better. I bought an inexpensive DAC online and hooked it up to my Apple TV optical out and that worked fantastic. Not just my computer streams to it, but also iPhone and iPad. And the sound is really good. Plus the DAC 2 has to be set as sound output on computer. If you want to listen just to computer speakers , you have to open prefences and change sound output. Hope this helps. BTW, I've been a recording engineer for over 30 years, so audio is my life.Bobby
robert  Feb 26, 2014
Q
So, seeing as my home office with computer is downstairs and my stereo system is downstairs, how would I pick and choose music to listen to from downstairs? I currently am using an iMac with iTunes.
alex g.  Dec 21, 2013
4 answers
A
I had a similar problem, only mine was wishing to listen in 2 places. After trying out the first unit in the living room furthest from the transmitter, it seemed to work, bought a second unit to get the receiver (with D>A). Unfortunately, I was wrong and the interference killed listening pleasure. Noow have a spare :-( Reorienting the transmitter and receiver didn't help adequately.
l m  May 08, 2018
A
I purchased the NAD DAC 2 in order to address, what seems to me, a similar situation as yours. Our home computer is on our second floor with the main stereo system on our first floor. I, too, wanted to be able to stream music from the itunes library on the computer upstairs to the hifi system on the first floor. The NAD DAC 2 works splendidly!! I first had trouble with a great deal of interference and thought I may have to return the product. The receiving unit was initially placed inside a cabinet, in close proximity to our staircase, containing a blu-ray player, integrated amp and an aging NAD CD player. With this configuration, any time someone ascended or descended the stairs, the music would cut off, hesitate, or garble. I then repositioned the receiving unit out the BACK of the cabinet (still using very short (~18 in.) RCA cables) with a now relatively clear "path" to the transmitter unit atop the stairs, with nearly perfect results (there is now, only VERY rarely an occasional "hiccup" when initiating a listening session from itunes via apple remote (there are no issues DURING listening or switching tracks etc. even with 4 active kids supplying potential "interference" problems)! I would not hesitate to recommend this product with the proviso that there may be some optimization of signal path required for it to work properly. Great sound! Fantastic convenience! Hopefully this helps you with you query :)
nathan  Dec 21, 2013
A
Hi I have been using this DAC for the past few months and have fnd it to be excellent for thr price paid However if the dac reciever and the tranmitter are not in line of sight, it will not work properly. They have to be truely on line of sight. If you move even to the next room, it will not work properly and the songs will skip Trust that helps.
somveer  Dec 21, 2013
A
From your computer.
richard  Dec 21, 2013
SHOW MORESHOW LESS

Loading articles...

Compare the sound