Ok, since you asked,
- In my system I have heard differences in the sound of every DAC I have tried (at least a dozen)
- In most cases, the more expensive DACs have sounded better to me, although the differences are sometimes more subtle than large
- The two DACs currently in my main system are the most expensive I have owned, and also the best sounding
- One of them is about 100 times the cost you referenced, as the maximum necessary for good sound, and it is probably the best sounding DAC that I have heard
- Although the DAC sounds great, I can envision a couple of things that could be improved on, IMO
- Whether I ever chase those improvements with a different DAC becomes a personal value decision
- I will enjoy my system either way
- the best way for you to answer your own question would be for you to purchase the $200 DAC, live with it for a while, and then try a well-regarded DAC at whatever higher price point you choose.
BTW, IMO, “snake oil” is a dumb term that is loosely used around here in posts intended to be provocative. The price of something is a value proposition, if you can’t afford it or don’t believe it provides enough value for the price then don’t buy it. If the manufacturer misrepresents the performance, irrespective of price, then that is fraud. Unfortunately, in the audio world, there seems to be a grey area called wishful thinking that falls between fact and fraud.
|
@ericrhodes1 - The two DACs I have here now in my main system are Mojo Audio’s Mystique X SE (with AD1862-Z chips and Lundahl’s nano-crystalline chokes) ($12.5 list) and an Aries Cerat Helene ($19K list). They both sound good to me but I have owned the Helene for only a few weeks so still working out options to make it sound its best in my system - trying different tubes, cables, and bias settings (it is adjustable).
I have not heard or owned any of the three you listed but I have been reading good things about the new ROCKNA Wavedream Reference Signature ($25K), and the MSB Premier ($27.5K) was on my very short list. I decided to try the AC Helene first but would be interested to hear the other two, as well as a Totaldac d1-unity $13K) or d1-biunity ($20.7K). I do not have any interest in SW1X.
|
Not sure I would agree with “stupid” but maybe apply the 80/20 rule - i.e., not always the case.
Of the 20 percent, I have seen those who can’t do, and I have seen those who can teach, and I have heard pretty much everyone complain. Personally, I do, teach, and complain.
|
@strawj
"Mostly these kinds of threads tell me more about what wealthy hobbyists think about their money than what they think about equipment."
Interesting take on this thread. Can you provide an example?
|
"Level match a properly working $1k DAC and A/B that with a $20k DAC in the same audio circuit and I'd bet anybody they will NEVER EVER be able to tell which is which."
@wesheadley - Have you ever actually made that comparison yourself, or are you just speculating?
|
@hifikenobi - I did check out your system and it is wonderful - thanks for posting it!
Like you, I also find the differences in DACs not subtle. I recently added an Aries Cerat Helene DAC to my system and, after finally getting it dialed in, I find the sound to be compellingly natural/organic with a mix of clarity, sweetness, bloom, dynamics, and rich tonal qualities that come together in a very convincing manner. I currently have five other DACs here and can easily pick out the differences between them.
|
