In my opinion, no difference. Although I haven’t reached 2k+ on DACs, I never heard a difference. I settled with a DAC that measured well and cost within reason. I don’t think you need to spend a lot of money on a DAC. Focus more on the headphones. Maybe my ears are not gifted idk.
In my opinion, no difference. Although I haven’t reached 2k+ on DACs, I never heard a difference. I settled with a DAC that measured well and cost within reason. I don’t think you need to spend a lot of money on a DAC. Focus more on the headphones. Maybe my ears are not gifted idk.
It's really an incomplete comparison. It's like in the 80's people would say that speakers are more important than cartridges. The real comparison is:"
speaker, room acoustics, listening position, any amp limitations.
vs
cartridge, tonearm, turntable, environmental issues (TT cover rattling at high volumes, foot steps and heavy bassw getting to the cartridge through the TT/whatever TT is sitting on.
Just the DAC? How about source? CD, WAV, MP3; bit perfect ?, inputs to DAC? BNC, optical, USB, Coax? If you use standard CD with an optical, a $10k DAC might sound pleasant, but it's going to be well muted in terms of definition vs a bit perfect 192k feed thru a USB into the same DAC, or even a used Gumby 1.
Interesting thread. How often does everyone get their ears syringed? Most adults will suffer from some kind of wax build up on regular basis. A $50 syringe might save a few folks $16k+ on a new DAC.. Plus another few k on cables..
Just the DAC? How about source? CD, WAV, MP3; bit perfect ?, inputs to DAC? BNC, optical, USB, Coax? If you use standard CD with an optical, a $10k DAC might sound pleasant, but it's going to be well muted in terms of definition vs a bit perfect 192k feed thru a USB into the same DAC, or even a used Gumby 1.
It is why we use DDC with external clock, then S/PDIF coax or optical will sound the same as USB.
It reminds my my first gear, cheap turntable combo with FM receiver, amp and small speakers for few bucks. It did sound natural. Now I have to spend $1K for a good R2R DAC, otherwise it sounds digital, not involving.
There is no end game, no truth, no nothing. Just buy what sounds good to you. I like my expensive dac more than my cheap ones and I have heard better. There are also reasons why some dacs more expensive than others and you are not dumb or stupid or easily gullible if you buy the more expensive gear. People general spend their hard earned money on things they value, including better sound, better fit and finish, better support, better resale value, etc..
There is no end game, no truth, no nothing. Just buy what sounds good to you. I like my expensive dac more than my cheap ones and I have heard better. There are also reasons why some dacs more expensive than others and you are not dumb or stupid or easily gullible if you buy the more expensive gear. People general spend their hard earned money on things they value, including better sound, better fit and finish, better support, better resale value, etc..
Not in this thread, no. We're talking about, I believe, what "sounds" the best. Resale value etc.. is by the by. If you have to worry about resale value you probably shouldn't be spending $17k on a DAC..
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.