No, just greed. Remember, none of these hi end DAC's are developed by the hi end manufacturers. Most are purchased from the major DAC chip makers like Sony and often they are being brought for less then $25. None of these hi end brands would ever think of doing double blind testing because it would destroy there ability to market. I think the future lies in the use of the blu-ray technology to expand resolution. Check out the L2 media.
Are DAC prices reflecting sound quality?
I'm very confused here. While I know the price of a unit doesn't define how good it will sound, I do expect a significant positive correlation between the two.
But right now there is an Esoteric D70 DAC on Agon going for almost $3k. While the unit was very highly reviewed back in 2004, many claim digital has evolved A LOT over the last 5 years, and some claim the Berkely Alpha (a.k.a. BADA, @ $4k) and the PS Audio PWD (@ $3k) to be the best ever DACs. So is the D70 that good, or should its market price be lower to compensate for the lesser sound quality?
Opinions?
But right now there is an Esoteric D70 DAC on Agon going for almost $3k. While the unit was very highly reviewed back in 2004, many claim digital has evolved A LOT over the last 5 years, and some claim the Berkely Alpha (a.k.a. BADA, @ $4k) and the PS Audio PWD (@ $3k) to be the best ever DACs. So is the D70 that good, or should its market price be lower to compensate for the lesser sound quality?
Opinions?