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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.

dsfreeh
seanheis1
624 posts
 

The RME is a good transparent DAC. Looking at OP's gear, I don't think he is interested in neutrality. 

 Currently, I’m using a Schiit Bifrost Multibit DAC.  It’s connected to my Naim Nait 5Si and that drives Zu Omen ii speakers.

dsfreeh OP
7 posts
 

Sacrista,

I pulled the trigger and bought a Denafrips Ares ii.  I like it so far, it is a nice fit with my current setup.  Great return for the price. Better than my Bifrost, which I moved to a secondary system.  I did consider RME. It has many features that I probably won’t take advantage of.  I would probably be always fiddling with sound, driving myself nuts.  It sounds like a well regarded Dac.

Thanks

sacresta
78 posts
 

dsfreeh, 

Enjoy your brand new DAC. This is most important than anything else. This group is very helpful and it’s very good.

Go ahead!

 

whipsaw
758 posts
 

Enjoy your brand new DAC. This is most important than anything else.

Not true! It's more important that we approve the choice. 🤣

tweak1
3,658 posts
 

I had thought of upgrading my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 (DAC/PRE). Fortunately, I came across an AGon thread mentioning Ali-Express Nordost knock off cables. I decided to stick my toe in the water and bought a Odin 2 coax cable and was shocked how much better my system sounded then my Pangea Premier XL. I then bought a Odin 2 PC and XLR interconnects, more jaw drops, then I bought the cheaper Nordost PC (<$60!) for my PS 5 outboard power supply and my Audiolab CDT6000> speaker cables. Ditto: crazy improvements for very little investment. One component left was my Core Power 1800 PLC. For it I bought the Nordost Gold PC (<$100!). When it arrived I was torn between putting on my transport or the PLC. Fortunately, I decided on the PLC as I was familiar with the systems overall sound. Could it make a difference over my 15 year old heavy gauge, stiff boutique PC, and if so how much? Oh my, but on a micro-level like cleaning a window, which revealed deeper, wider, taller stage improving focus of tiny sounds deeper into the sound stage, AND, bass.

So for way less than the price of my very well know speaker and interconnects, I realized my DAC is just fine. FYI all come with FREE returns. You just have to be patient as it take ~ 3 weeks to arrive

hth

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