Developing critical listening to discern differences in equipment takes time. It requires a person to listen to performed music, both acoustic and amplified, in different venues, and print their memory of their impression of sound. Yes, some will argue that there is much written that memory decay is quick with regard to remembering sound quality, but I still believe this is the place to start. Then use good experimental technique in doing head to head comparisons in the same system so the only variables are the two pieces of equipment under evaluation. Compare the equipment to your impression of how live music sounds. Recognize, I have used the word “impression” a few times. Impression is not reality. It is what you believe is correct, and that is the goal. What other’s impressions are is insignificant. Do not focus on measurement other than for insuring system compatibility such as impedance matching. We have not found measurements other than frequency waterfall plots that can possibly predict sound quality, but those are conducted in an anechoic chamber and do not hold in your room.
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?