How easily can you distinguish between different DACs?


When I read reviews or watch them on YouTube the reviewers talk about the vast differences between various DACs.  I haven't compared too many, but found the differences pretty subtle, at best.

Which got me into thinking:  Is my hearing ability really that bad?

Do you notice the differences as easily as folks make out?

audiodwebe

Showing 1 response by 61falcon

I don't have really expensive DAC's, but what I do have are:

Bryston BDA2 Dedicated DAC

Internal DAC on my McIntosh C47 preamp

Internal DAC on my HEGEL H160 integrated

Topping D30 Pro Dedicated DAC

Internal DAC on my Bluesound player

When I have swapped my DAC's around, I really can't hear differences...The big differences for me are with speakers. Even the non-golden-ear listener that I am can hear big differences from transducers! I can only guess if I did a perfectly setup double-blind experiment with DAC's, I might be able to hear differences, but they would be ever so slight.