Does a DAC need a large/strong power supply?

I understand this is your experience. I “very “ respectfully disagree.
Charles

I think that depends on what we are measuring.
For instance steady state tones will not show any filter ringing behaviour. But they should show noise and harmonic distortion. (Both of which should be low anyhow.)

By ‘overkill’ I guess you mean excellent power supply, possibly in a seperate box .  I believe power supply is a fundamental aspect in our hobby , so my answer is yes, final answer 

Audio lovers need to realize that a DAC is not just a digital to analog converter.  It also must amplify the analog signal to a reference output voltage making it useable to the preamp, integrated amp or power amp in some cases.  

The analog amplification circuitry is typically very minimal in inexpensive DACs. This is where the opportunity is to greatly improve the sound quality.  The best DACs and CD players for example pay much more attention to the analog amplification section circuitry.  This is where the large power supply enters the picture (the best use low noise r-core transformers, e.g. Luxman) in addition to filtering and storage capacitor banks.  Look under the hood ! 

How does a great analog section affect the sound? Superior low noise performance and a lively, exciting micro and macro dynamic sound with lots of energy. 

The sound of basic DACs is underwhelming by comparison. 

Get one and you will know what I mean.   

@avanti1960

The analog amplification circuitry is typically very minimal in inexpensive DACs. This is where the opportunity is to greatly improve the sound quality. The best DACs and CD players for example pay much more attention to the analog amplification section circuitry. This is where the large power supply enters the picture (the best use low noise r-core transformers, e.g. Luxman) in addition to filtering and storage capacitor banks. Look under the hood !

Spot on! Factual and well stated. High quality power supply and analog sections are critical and what separates the wheat from the chaff with regard to the sound quality of the DAC.

This in my opinion is very obvious if one were to actually listen and compare. Despite their impressive test bench measurements, the inexpensive DACs just don’t offer the same high quality of sound. Corners are being cut to maintain the cheaper price point. A price is paid for the significant compromise.Again, just listen.

Charles

Large and strong cannot explain things well when the output voltage is 1V and the impedance requires <~1mA.

That is <~ 1mW, so it must be something other than large/strong. I can abide better filtering, but that can be done pretty cheaply… 

There are few places for the energy in a large storage bank of capacitors where the energy can go in order to drain out.

My point of emphasis is not so much the “large” as it is the “quality “ and strength of the power supply. Yet, if there are those who feel that cheap and less robust power supplies are all that’s necessary, no problem. To each their own.

Charles

The ones with wall warts can also have decent filtering built into them internally after the DC comes in.

I think it is easy to put the whole enchilada into a big and heavy box and it gives the impression of quality. But how do we know that it’s better, and not just ‘feel’ like it is better?

It would be great if we knew how to do that.

But how do we know that it’s better, and not just ‘feel’ like it is better?

It would be great if we knew how to

This is why I am an advocate of listening. My Pro-Ject RS2T CD transport comes with a SMPS wall wart. I have to say well implemented due to the very high quality of sound. Yet, when I replaced the SMPS with a Fidelizer Nikola II LPS there was an undeniable improvement in the sound quality. So a transition from very good to superb.

Charles 

Someone else mentioned the RME ADI 2fs DAC with its SMPS, and although it does sound really good stock, adding a Teddy Pardo LS (also mentioned by someone else) does improve things. On the RME it added some weight and expanded the stage.

Thanks @adg101 !

Does a DAC power supply matter?  Yes.  I have an MSB Discrete DAC. It comes with a single external power supply, but they recommend 2.  I thought that the DAC sounded good, but when I added the separate Premier Power Base, it kicked the DAC’s performance up to a new level.  Its hard to describe, but everything sounded more “forceful.”