Is there any such thing as a bad sounding DAC these days?

@mapman 

I’m not sure how far back you want to go, but I have the original Schiit Bifrost and it is pretty bad. 

@njcardave 

I’ve sort of been looking at replacing my Denafrips Pontus ll and the La Scala is on my list, but with no dealer anywhere near me, I’ll probably have rely on the magazines, YouTube and Agon for reviews. I have definitely been smitten with the R2R sound, so Would you message me at tell me your thoughts on your La Scala?  Thanks in advance.

@jl35 

 Think the original Bifrost Multibit DAC came out in 2018 or 2019, I think.

Thanks @stuartk 

I did hear that shiny new DAC calling out to me.😃

@stuartk 

I was surprised at the price, as it’s over $1000 LESS than retail!  Unless something has changed,  it was supposed to go for around $10,000 here. I haven’t sprung it on my wife yet, but there’s no time like the present.😉😉

@jmrrobbie1 

I have a Hegel H390.  As an integrated amp, it’s top notch, but like several other brands, they feel obligated to include an okay DAC and an almost useless streamer.  I’m sure their new DAC is wonderful, but I for one would feel better about buying one if I didn’t already have something built in to the H390.  For the same price range, Hegel is up against a bunch of other DAC’s!