I agree with the above poster that there are really no shortcuts when it comes to digital audio, i.e. DACs. I went from the DAC in a $168 DAC/Amp to a $99 standalone DAC to a $360 model to a $3500 unit to my current $11,000 DAC and there was an improvement with each step, so you usually get what you pay for. That being said, I was surprised at how close in sound the $3500 DAC was to the $11,000 unit, so I guess Stereophile was correct when they described the ever-increasing importance of the ever-decreasing difference. When you think about it, getting what you pay for is really intuitive. DACs generally have two sections: digital and analog. For digital, better processors, filters, power supplies, and other components cost more and sound better. Same with analog: larger and better power supplies, circuitry, capacitors, resistors, inductors, and other components cost more. I have found through auditions and purchases that DACs in the same price range generally sound similar although there are some differences, but they are not great.
How do you make a final decision on a DAC
Thank you all for helping me along the way. I've been trying to decide on a DAC for my 2 channel system. I listen to JUST R&R 60's, 70's, 80's more or less and stream from my windows based Pc Via Amazon HD (which I really enjoy) loudly currently through my Benchmark DAC 3B, and my Audiolab 6000 Transport. Associated equipment: Should be here this week after waiting 7 months, ATI amp, 6002, Benchmark Line amp LA-4, Tekton SE Double Impacts and an SVS sb 4000 sealed sub. Really enjoy. A ceiling of 5K is somewhat available, # 1 choice is Denafrips Terminator 2, (a little nervous as once you order it's yours) Audio Mirror Tubadour 3 SE, Aqua La Voce 3. Don't really want a preamp/Dac combo, just a DAC. Listen in a very large shop area with great acoustics. ( just by chance.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Pulling hair out at this point, what little there is. Thanks as always Robert TN ps service is a big priority!!!!