in an A/B test with a switch, anyone can easily spot the difference between DACs. When listening to them at different times and further removed, this can be more challenging and there are specific things I look for. Width of the soundstage. Instrument separation. Brightness on certain songs. Sibilance on certain songs that help you identify the differences. Best thing to do is take detailed notes of what you hear when listening to different units. It changes how you evaluate gear.
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?