Unless controlled listening tests are done all bets are off! A DAC is really just a sound card - and needn't cost four and five-figures!
Hmmmmmmmmmmm.
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?
Showing 3 responses by ghasley
He may have been describing the lower cost of ownership due to the purchaser NOT swapping in and out of gear. In other words, you don’t lose money if you don’t sell it.
I wish I had never heard better dacs. I’ve spent a ton on the chase ever higher up the price and performance scale. If you haven’t heard better then good for you but once you have then discussions like these you will find humorous. Peace. |
@kairosman +1
I must also admit that our biases, both positive and negative biases, play a role. For instance, the fact that ASR shills for Topping negatively affects my impression of their products in much the same way if your ex-wife likes strawberry ice cream. It doesnt matter thereafter, there will be no strawberry ice cream for me. For the record, I’ve been happily married for 26 years. Also for the record, I have no idea if my ex likes strawberry ice cream…I never listened to her long enough to find out. |