How much does a DAC do the more expensive it is?


Having spun an Oppo 105 for many years on its own before adding a Schiit Gungnir (bought for a generous steal from a wonderful seller here), I was immediately struck with how much more presence and detail the Schiit added to the Oppo's presentation. 

That Gungnir, even new, pales in comparison pricewise with 4 and 5 figure DACs I see for sale here.

So what do those much more expensive DACS do for sound? I mean, how much more information can be dug out of the digital files? Is it akin to what a good phono stage can do for a cartridge?

simao

Showing 1 response by big_greg

Cost is only one of many indicators of how good something is.

Having said that, like many things in life unless someone is totally screwing you typically get what you pay for.

If you can't tell the difference between a $200 or $2,000 or $20,000 DAC then you've either been blessed with poor hearing and won't suffer from upgradeitis or you need to work on the rest of your system so that you can realize what a difference a great source can make.