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

I think the problem of DAC for quality audio has been pretty much universally solved. Not to say all DACs are equal, they aren’t, but do any that really matter these days not sound “good”?

mapman03-04-2025 3:54pm

Showing 4 responses by stuartk

stuartk Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,174 posts 03-04-2025 at 09:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete A DAC that measures well and pleases others but does not please me may be deemed "superb", but what’s the relevance of such an assessment if I don’t want to listen to it?
stuartk Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,174 posts 03-05-2025 at 08:11pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @curiousjim Looking again, I no longer see a used one listed. They are an Aqua dealer so you could conceivably get a new one and return it if you can stomach/afford the restocking fee.
stuartk Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,174 posts 03-05-2025 at 04:35am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @curiousjim FYI, Last time l looked at TMR, they had a used La Scala. They accept returns although they now charge a 5% restocking fee.
stuartk Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,174 posts 03-06-2025 at 08:33pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @curiousjim I wish you luck! @jmrrobbie1 No but there are some reviews on youtube. If I recall, the highs are reputedly somewhat "lively". As soon as I saw that, I crossed it off my list. Not to say you wouldn't like it. FYI, Listen Up! is a Hegel dealer and they've offered returns on new Hegel gear in the past.

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