I agree that DACs seem to improve as one ascends the price scale, to a larger degree than amplifiers. The OP, back in 2020, asked about a Quad Arteria vs a Hegel Mohican. My experience is that as ones from 2K to 3K in digital audio, the difference can be very significant, but of course you need to listen to know.
I disagree that it is only at the highest limits of price can one experience Sonic Nirvana. With streamers, in particular, I find it hard to justify any increase over 1K. DACs, otoh….Amplication improve to become asymptotic as well. It’s possible to have a great Amp that plays the first 10 watts in Class A, and since that is what is required most of the time you can have sweet sounding amp at a reasonable expenditure. Speakers are all over the place, but the size of the listening room is a major factor. Focal Grand Utopia would look and sound ridiculous in my listening room, for example
I disagree that it is only at the highest limits of price can one experience Sonic Nirvana. With streamers, in particular, I find it hard to justify any increase over 1K. DACs, otoh….Amplication improve to become asymptotic as well. It’s possible to have a great Amp that plays the first 10 watts in Class A, and since that is what is required most of the time you can have sweet sounding amp at a reasonable expenditure. Speakers are all over the place, but the size of the listening room is a major factor. Focal Grand Utopia would look and sound ridiculous in my listening room, for example