[PTom]

Comparing only the performance of the DACs in the Audioquest Dragonfly and the HRT Microstreamer, is there a big difference between them and the Schiit Modi and the ODAC?
 
Since the Dragonfly and Microstreamer are smaller portable devices, I'm guessing they sacrifice performance of the DAC for size? 

 

[Oklahoma]

Having used the Schiit Modi and the AQ Dragonfly I can comment on them.  Personally I don't hear a big difference between them but I do hear a difference.  I hear more detail in the highs and an overall smoother sound out of the Modi than the Dragonfly.  Neither is lacking in bass but I feel the Dragonfly packs more of a punch in the bass section than the Modi without sounding bloated.  The Modi sounds to have a smoother response going from the bass into the mids but still pack a punch.  As a whole I don't feel that the Dragonfly sacrifices performance for its size as it is a very capable small dac.  Many people have said to like the Modi over the ODAC but I haven't heard it so won't comment on its performance and the same with the Microstreamer.