Analyzing DACs

Again benchmark Amps measure well on ASR but in reality they leave a bit to be desired. As far as the Topping Amp goes, that is reflective of the poor materials this company uses. This amp is not the only piece of equipment from that company that has problems. However, again you were told this.

"I’d rather trust ASR’s rankings than the subjective blather here." Would you? So you are quite happy for the ASR minion leader to recommend a brand of DAC where the quality control is really quite poor? Perhaps it also has something to do with cheap components? Look at how many ASR members complain about a particular brand of DAC that measures superbly but stops working or does not work correctly. There are even threads there on this topic.

However you have been told this before but tend to ignore it.

"Regarding problems with cheap gear there are plenty of posts here about expensive gear needing repair" The only expensive gear I know of that got a good recommendation is the Tambaqui.
Are you aware that with one particular piece of equipment 38% of purchasers complained? You get what you pay for.

@mastering92 That is exactly what I said. Open up one of these boxes and look at the poor quality components contained therein. Seriously, how could it be otherwise given the pricing.

"How do more expensive DCS’s make a difference in sound quality? " Larry, a dac does not have to be more expensive to sound better. However a dac that uses better components and shielding should definitely sound better. Obviously you pay more for better components and shielding.