Like you I was out of the game for 6 years. Sold all my over top, crazy expensive gear. Just got back in this year fully focused on just enjoying the music and keeping my system within a reasonable budget. The good news is for folks who are into computer audio there is a ton of good equipment at a lower price. To me I think there is has been less improvement in sound quality and more improvement in the ability to get SOTA sound at a lower price. Companies like Shiit, exaSound, etc are doing some cool stuff.
Out of the game for 5 years...looking for help?
I have been busy with life( kids!) for the last 5 years. When i got off the merry go round, i ended up with a mac mini using pure music thru a m2 tech hiface into a MHDT paradesia + dac. It sounds good to my ears but was wondering if i can get better sound for not alot of $$$. I was wondering if there have been a lot of improvements in digital playback(redbook) dacs? Any suggestions for under $1k?