I actually prefer the sound of the older ones, you get more bang for the buck. Sure the newer ones have updated digital chips, but they won't have the power supply or the analog output stage of the older one. I assuming we are talking equal dollars here. Normally, I will prefer a 10-15 year old DAC for $1000 versus a new one for $1000. The used one probably sold for $3000-$6000 in it's day and has a much better power supply and even probably has a discreet analog output stage. The newer one will have more modern digital chips, but cheaper power supply and analog output stage parts. I think a properly designed power supply and analog output stage has more audible differences than the latest whiz-bang digital chip set.
I still think a dac like the Classe DAC-1 can hold it's own, if not sound better than most current contenders in the DAC-1's used price range.
As always, YMMV.
I still think a dac like the Classe DAC-1 can hold it's own, if not sound better than most current contenders in the DAC-1's used price range.
As always, YMMV.