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Next best exponential DAC quality level?

I recently did a shoot out of three DACs using my Hint6 + routing each of the other DACs to analog input on the Hint6:

(1) Hint6: ESS Sabre32 -- Integrated 

(2) SMSL M500: ES9038PRO D/A   ~$400 

(3) Khadas ToneBoard(v1): ESS ES9038Q2M - ~$99

I played the same song passages on Amazon Music and was able to cycle through each Hint6 input corresponding to each DAC.

The result?  Very small difference in terms of rendering.  Maybe a more open sound stage with better overall balance using the Hint6 DAC.  The Khadas was more bass / midrange pronounced w/ a more narrow soundstage.  However, I wouldn't suggest that any were head-and-shoulders "better" over the others.  In fact, they were all pretty decent with only small nuances (certainly not worth the price differences.   

I decided to keep the Khadas for my small headphone listening area. 

But it got me thinking - how much would one have to spend to realize an exponential difference in quality?  Is the Khadas that good, or is DAC technology differences more nuanced than I originally thought (meaning, we're paying 10x for only 5% better).  

 

martinman

Showing 1 response by ja_kub_sz

ja_kub_sz's avatar
ja_kub_sz
275 posts
 

My experiences have been in the $150, $500, $1,500 and $3,500 realm and the largest quality jumps to my ears were had at the $150-$500 (65% sound improvement), then most notably at the $1,500-$3,500 (85% sound improvement). Moving between $500-$1,500 DAC’s I experienced maybe a 15% improvement which was underwhelming pressing me onward and upward.

Presently I’m really enjoying my Musetec MH-DA005, the clarity, micro-dynamics and holographic soundstage are incredible.

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