The digital circuitry needs to reach thermal equilibrium and that is best done by leaving the DAC on.
The main difference is not from the electronic amplification stages as much as it is from the digital circuitry working optimally.
That’s why - even more than preamps & amps - DACs need to have been on for a while to experience their potential.
And it's why you should never allow a dealer or anyone selling a DAC to power it up and play it shortly after you have arrived. It needs to have been powered up (and processing a signal if possible) for a minimum of 8 hours, IMO.
The main difference is not from the electronic amplification stages as much as it is from the digital circuitry working optimally.
That’s why - even more than preamps & amps - DACs need to have been on for a while to experience their potential.
And it's why you should never allow a dealer or anyone selling a DAC to power it up and play it shortly after you have arrived. It needs to have been powered up (and processing a signal if possible) for a minimum of 8 hours, IMO.