Until earlier this week I would have agreed that the law of diminishing returns does apply to DACs (as it does to other hifi equipment in my experience). I started my streaming life with a Logitech squeezebox with built in DAC, moved on to their Transporter, then to a Lumin D1 and from there to separate DACs. First a Chord 2Qute, then a TT2, then added an M-Scaler (upsampler). Last week, I managed to find a good deal on a used Chord Dave. I was expecting similar incremental improvement as with all my previous upgrades, like slightly better placement, separation, somewhat tighter bass perhaps, more natural voices, even less sibilance, better reproduction of ambient sounds/noises on the recording. But I have been absolutely blown away by this upgrade. While it is bringing improvements on all these fronts, it is in doing so in spades. It is as if I am listening to a whole new system, sometimes suggesting multi channel presentation even though it is stereo. It has by far exceeded my expectations. Now, in fairness, the Dave, even at the second hand price I paid, was about double what I paid for the previous TT2. I leave it to you to consider what you would find a reasonable expected return for that extra money, but I have been surprised and blown away by the improvement it has brought to my system. I’m afraid the only way to establish the improvement a DAC can bring is to try it out. Hope you will find an upgrade that brings as much listening pleasure as my most recent one!
DAC diminishing returns
Looking for some experienced input on the diminishing return as you go up the the DAC ladder. I mostly stream music and occasionally listen to CDs. Currently, I’m using a Schiit Bifrost Multibit DAC. It’s connected to my Naim Nait 5Si and that drives Zu Omen ii speakers. In my limited experience, I have not heard any substantial differences when changing DACs. I’m considering a Denafrips Pontus DAC. Does the significantly higher cost justify what might be a marginal increase in sound quality? Is buying a more expensive DAC for better sound just splitting hairs, and making you feel better about your system? Are different DACs just different coloration of the sound?
I don’t want to be duped into buying something I don’t really need. Thanks.
Showing 2 responses by qkroes
@rockrider I am also using the M-Scaler with the Dave (as I was with the TT2), I haven’t tried the Dave solo yet, so can’t say how that would compare to the TT2+M-Scaler combo. |