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 ($$$) DAC's are indeed better in every way ...just like the old DAC's were in their day.
Dave
My old Counterpoint DAC and Kinergetics transport (circa 1992 or so) sound every bit as good as two $3,000 cd players I've owned (at least to my ear).
So, I guess I'd say...on a low-mid level budget, no...newer is not always better. I would expect that the new top level ($$$) DAC's are indeed better in every way ...just like the old DAC's were in their day.
Dave