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What's the difference between this $100 DAC and $500 one? - Page 3

post #31 of 33
2/21/13 at 1:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HamilcarBarca View Post

Those claims are marketing fluff and make an excellent reason to avoid manufacturers who make them.

I don't think that's fair. Very often, those in charge of marketing take some liberties from the information provided to them by the engineers. I've seen a lot of really good products get advertised with some silly marketing speak, or unrealistic (sometimes even wrong) measurements. Worse, sometimes the best qualities are even left out!

A product page or packaging is obviously meant to sell, so it's not the most objective source of information. You're certainly better off looking for advice from owners, or better yet, give the product a try yourself, if the opportunity presents itself.

I don't have any experience with Schiit products myself, but I've seen some good reviews on this board. I like that they're offering an affordable DAC (the Modi) at just $99. It shows that they're not as elitist as other companies in this field.
Edited by HeadFiend - 2/21/13 at 1:20am
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post #32 of 33
2/21/13 at 2:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by yage View Post

The Schiit Modi uses the output stage implemented within the DAC itself. That means that the DAC does the digital to analog conversion *and* the amplification required to send a line level output to a preamp / headphone amp. The Bifrost bypasses the integrated analog output stage with a custom designed, fully discrete circuit. This has potential for improving performance. The Gungnir takes this a few steps further and reclocks the incoming signal in order to more accurately sample the data (the 1's and 0's) and also swaps out the analog output stage on the DAC with a fully balanced design, which should further reduce the noise floor. This would have the greatest benefit if connected to a fully balanced headphone amp.

So the increase in price comes down to an increase in parts (both number and quality), the time it took to develop the circuit designs, and the more complex assembly required as you move from Modi to Bifrost to Gungnir. In each case, the more you pay, the better quality and the more features you get (or so it seems).

Hope this helps.


I am very appreciative of this post...cos I haven't got a clue what the big deal in "dac"is all about technically. Have to admit it has been the last thing I felt the need to change in each upgrade cycle..tongue.gif

My headfi dac journey had gone from fiio e7 ...to udac2 ..to nuforceHD ..to dacports ..n now a balanced dac from audioGd. ..so it's from 100 to 400 range...ehem.

The e7 n udac2 didn't leave much impression...Better clarity n " yaaa I have got a dac"
HD impressed me with its depth...
The dacports v black silent background....
audioGd, so far the most " being there" ...Very airy...bad congested CDs became listenable...
Like old lawrence of Arabia....
this is my best blind puchase todate...I just dumped in 400 n prayed.
Doubt I would move up further.....I think....nervous lauf.

Ok, back to u techqies tongue.gif
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post #33 of 33
2/21/13 at 8:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lorspeaker View Post


I am very appreciative of this post...cos I haven't got a clue what the big deal in "dac"is all about technically. Have to admit it has been the last thing I felt the need to change in each upgrade cycle..tongue.gif

My headfi dac journey had gone from fiio e7 ...to udac2 ..to nuforceHD ..to dacports ..n now a balanced dac from audioGd. ..so it's from 100 to 400 range...ehem.

The e7 n udac2 didn't leave much impression...Better clarity n " yaaa I have got a dac"
HD impressed me with its depth...
The dacports v black silent background....
audioGd, so far the most " being there" ...Very airy...bad congested CDs became listenable...
Like old lawrence of Arabia....
this is my best blind puchase todate...I just dumped in 400 n prayed.
Doubt I would move up further.....I think....nervous lauf.

Ok, back to u techqies tongue.gif

 

You are on the path that most have or should take - try out recommended DACs in whatever budget range you are comfortable with and see what they do for your music.  Stop when you are happy.  

 

No such thing as absolute best anything when it comes to the infinitely complex and variable realm of human perception.  

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