Dac Technology Mature?

Wow;Melbourne;

That response is one of the most complete answers with examples that I have read on this site

Your comment on Modularity for future proof is a nice one.
Ps Audio touts the software upgrade as future proof, but they have 10 different models and continue to expand models vs pick “ a” model and work on one over 20 years, ie A Camry or Accord model 

Many thanks

I am currently, not sure of DAC technology.
It appears we are being overwhelmed with technical details for marketing to grab our $$$ and differentiate products.
ThAt is a sign of a mature market

But, but The DSD side really has my attention, but no place to listen to & Real expensive
I’ve heard just a few SACD albums and like the sound.
I have be officially “ marketed “ and stabbed.

I’m really dumbfounded as a nice sound from a  dac can be $250 to $89,000.......,....,,


jeff

Lots of opinions;

I just did a comparison of my Meridian Explorer2 with a Exogal Comet DAC.
Many thanks to one of our Audio Group for alowing the comparison.

I have found ( to my ears) that a true comparison needs to be done on a system that you are " intimately familiar with and its sound quality"

We compared both & MQA, too ; via Tidal.

I found it easy to hear more details, more depth and more width of soundstage.  Tonality was different, but not huge.
It was maybe a designer preference?

AND it was my system. It is easier to hear differences on the home system that I've listened to a lot.

When I go to my buddies houses, they all sound great, but with variables due to their individual tastes
I have to listen quite a while longer to detect differences.
My buddies have great ears & great systems.
I'm kinda the yellow belt & they are the black belts, but I'm learning...

My guess, Is I can hear 10-15% more details/ resolution in the better models.

Anyway, my opinion

My goodness, what a strange hobby

jeff

Gents;.  And Ladies!

You are all wrong.....( catch your attention?)

100 people & 1000 opinions.  
 It's just like it was stated in AG a few years ago.( above comment)

I'd love to get an opinion of a manufacturer, Steve N?

 I had an older Rotel 855 Cd player & it died
When I upgraded to a Peachtree Pre & ESS DAC is was a noticeable positive change

I think the last 5-7 years have brought about serious changes in tonality, more full body vs bright.
I do think big changes are stabilized

I continually look at Dac output signals vs inputs in Sterophile
They look nasty, but still sound pretty good

Elizabeth;  Marantz SA-10 vs Ps Audio Directstream?    Any opinions?


jeff

MickeyB;

Good Point
I know my ears will not keep up.

A bunch of interesting points in the discussions

jeff

 

I would love to hear an old Theta & Wadia compared to the new stuff.
probably a Viamak , too

I read about there stuff, but never heard

As close as I got was a Rotel 855

Is there going to be a lot of difference?

i look forward to the response

jeff