Without technical mumbo jumbo, can someone please explain to me what a DAC actually does? Isn’t converting digital to audio what headphones do? By the time it’s in your ears it’s audio, it’s not an electric impulse. Depending on the amp it can change the sound quality as well. I just don’t understand why one is necessary. Sounds like nerdy snake oil to me. Forgive my ignorance I’m completely new to this and this is where logic leads me.
ZakmllrA DAC converts a digital pulse to an analog/audio format so it can be played through an amp and speakers, or headphones. Headphones are strictly analog devices and do NOT convert digital to audio. They have to be fed audio material, just like a speaker, and so need conversion and amplification before audio can be reproduced through them, allowing you to hear it.
ZakmllrI'll give it a stab since I don't know technical mumbo jumbo either.
The DAC is needed to convert computer digits (i.e. 1 and 0's) to electrical signals. The headphone is used to convert those electrical signals to sound waves. However, the DAC's electrical signal is often too weak to drive speakers or headphones so an amplifier (as its name implies) is needed to boost that signal.
Most all home computers, smart phones, receivers, televisions, etc already have a DAC and amplifier built in, but unwanted noise or distortion can be added and information lost with these built in DAC's. A separate DAC is for those who are trying to get the purest unadulterated sound found in their recording. The result is often subtle but appreciated by those who are seeking a greater connection to their music.