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 jssmith

DACs use similar standardized chip sets. So the differences will be in the analog conversion, which in theory is also a standardized algorithm. However, some manufacturers don't follow the standardization and do their own inaccurate conversions. According to the book Schitt Happened, Schitt used to program their analog conversion by ear. In effect, turning their DAC into an immutable tone control, which IMO is definitely not the purpose of a DAC.

Having been a programmer who has written conversions in other areas, I understand that there isn't anything magic about it. It's either as accurate as the standardized algorithm allows it to be or it's inaccurate. Which means you shouldn't hear a difference between properly programmed DACs.