newest vs older dac

It's hard to say, I'd say it would be more of a case by case basis, ie...if you really like the sound of a certain DAC, and what that sound brings to your system...old or new is a non issue.

My old Counterpoint DAC and Kinergetics transport (circa 1992 or so) sound every bit as good as two $3,000 cd players I've owned (at least to my ear).

So, I guess I'd say...on a low-mid level budget, no...newer is not always better. I would expect that the new top level ($$$) DAC's are indeed better in every way ...just like the old DAC's were in their day.

Dave

Do a search in the archives, this topic has come up a number of times

older dacs rule, especially some of the older tube dacs.

the problem is partly 24/192. too much reolution is not the solution.

older dacs may seem by comparison to sound "less detailed", but they are easier to tolerate over longer periods of time.

I can see the charm and quality in older gear but any type of DAC will go out of date faster then other equipment.