I agree! Circuit design is the key factor. In fact this can be done inexpensively. Witness the Khadas KTB DAC for $99! Yes it requires a case - but sonically competitive with four-figure DACs! For those not into DIY Khadas has the Tone Pro DAC for $199 - with even more features!
DAC general question
As I understand it the actual DA function is done by a single chip. If true do all these DAC makers use custom chips or are there limited manufacturers of the chips? If so then the goodness or badness of a DAC is dependent on the circuitry around the chip.
Am I wrong?
Am I wrong?