This past weekend I finished my upgrade from a $7k Cary to a $30k plus Naim ND 555 with the separate 555DR power supply. As good as the Cary sounded in my system, the Naim is much better all around, as it should be given the price. After selling my Cary in preparation for the incoming Naim, I installed my backup DAC/Streamer, Arcam ST60, which I realized fairly quickly why I had used the Cary in place if it. For the most part, I am a believer in that you get what you pay for, within reason. That extends to all aspects of the audio equipment chain. Yes, my 22X25 foot room is treated. Yes, the rest of my system is at the level of the Naim ND555. I am pleased with the synergy amongst it all.
DAC 'Scam' Vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sg1nYLmLCw
The TL:DW is that any well made Dac should not be more than $200 and anything above that doesn't sound any better since they all use similar cheap chips to do the D/A conversion. Anything above $200 for a DAC is basically snake oil and theres no improvement in sonics.
Appreciate your insights.