Exogal Comet Plus DAC
Best high-end DAC for audiophiles seeking tube-like warmth and minimalist setups.
The Exogal Comet Plus DAC delivers compelling, musical performance straight out of the box, improving further after initial use. It renders music with exceptional cohesion, groove, and fullness, handling everything from standard CD resolution files up to high-resolution formats like 24/192 PCM and DSD. Featuring a digital volume control, it can bypass the need for a separate preamplifier when paired with a power amplifier. The unit boasts a clean, tasteful design with a modest footprint, available in silver or black. It offers multiple digital inputs including USB, Toslink, SPDIF, and AES/EBU, alongside a surprisingly good analog input and a functional headphone output. This American-made DAC is highly recommended for its sonic refinement, offering performance often associated with much more expensive components.
$3500.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
99
/ 489
#99 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-20%
Below average
Digital Inputs
USB, Toslink, SPDIF, AES/EBU
/ USB, Toslink, SPDIF, AES/EBU
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a natural and fatigue-free listening experience
- Desktop listeners needing a space-saving preamp solution
- Budget-conscious buyers planning future performance upgrades
Who should skip it
- Shoppers wary of hidden costs for peak performance
- Users who prefer tactile, intuitive physical controls
- Listeners requiring built-in network streaming or MQA support
Performance breakdown
Sonic Cohesion
Delivers a musical, full-bodied sound that rivals high-end reference components.
Preamplifier Versatility
Digital volume control effectively eliminates the need for a dedicated linestage.
Input Flexibility
Comprehensive digital connectivity paired with a surprisingly capable analog input stage.
Build Aesthetics
Clean, understated design that fits perfectly into any modern audio rack.
Digital Resolution
Handles standard files and high-resolution PCM or DSD with effortless grace.
Ease of Setup
Mac plug-and-play simplicity, though Windows users must navigate driver installations.
Key Specs
Digital Inputs
USB, Toslink, SPDIF, AES/EBU
Analog Input
Included and functional
Digital Volume Control
On board, excellent low-level resolution
Outputs
One pair balanced XLR and single ended RCA outputs
Supported File Rates
Up to 24/192 PCM and DSD
Build Quality
Robust build quality with clean design
Connectivity
Supports Mac plug and play; Windows requires driver download
Features
- Delivers compelling musical performance immediately upon power up
- Provides exceptional playback quality with standard CD resolution files
- Offers a sound signature that is slightly warm or romantic, reminiscent of the best tube circuits
- Digital volume control allows for use without a separate linestage
- Understated good looks with a tasteful design and modest footprint
- Includes an analog input option for vinyl playback integration
- Possesses the sonic soul of a five-figure DAC
- User-friendly operation reflecting expertise from Wadia digital heritage
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Exogal Comet Plus for its extraordinary audio quality, often describing the sound as transparent, detailed, and highly musical. The primary sentiment centers on the device's ability to elevate digital sources to an analog like experience. Reviewers also appreciate the sleek, compact design and the convenience offered by the internal battery power, which contributes to its clean sound profile and portability. While it represents a significant investment, users feel the sonic performance delivers exceptional quality that justifies the premium price point.
Know before you buy
Yes. The unit features a high-quality digital volume control, which allows you to bypass a traditional preamplifier and connect directly to your power amplifier for a cleaner, more streamlined signal path.
If you are using a Mac, the DAC is plug-and-play and will be recognized immediately. Windows users will need to download and install the specific Exogal driver to ensure proper communication and high-resolution playback.
The Comet Plus leans toward a slightly warm and romantic presentation, often compared to the harmonic richness of tube-based circuits. It prioritizes musical cohesion and fullness over a sterile or overly analytical sound.
Yes, the Comet Plus includes a functional analog input. This allows you to route an external phono stage or other analog source through the DAC, making it a versatile hub for both digital and analog playback.
The Comet Plus supports high-resolution audio formats up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD. This ensures compatibility with the vast majority of high-resolution music files available today.
While the Comet Plus delivers a compelling performance immediately upon power-up, its sonic characteristics tend to refine and open up further after the initial period of use.
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$3500