The sound quality from DACs - is it all the same?


I've been talking to my cousin brother about sound quality. He is a self-proclaimed expert audiophile. He says that Audio Science Review has all of the answers I will need regarding audio products.

In particular, he says an inexpensive DAC from any Chinese company will do better than the expensive stuff. He says fancy audio gear is a waste of money because the data is already bit-perfect.  All DAC chips sound the same. Am I being mislead? 

He also said that any DAC over $400 is a waste of money. Convincing marketing is at play here, he says.

He currently owns a Topping L30 headphone amplifier and D30 Pro DAC. He uses Sennheiser HD 569 headphones to listen to music.  I'm not sure what to think of them. I will report my findings after listening one day! (likely soon, once I get some free time)

- Jack 

 

 

jackhifiguy

Showing 2 responses by akg_ca

A generalization like this is bollocks (..a suitable UK term that I will borrow herein , but you get the picture ,.).

(1) the audio performance differences in cheap versus high-end DAC audio performance are clear and unambiguous when you ascend into the high end audio systems pricepoint strata, with their resolution capabilities worthy of the added not insignificant cash outlay. Simply put , it is entirely system dependent ,

(2) Go test drive it for yourself instead of being mired in a lot of forum hyperbole. . Toddle down to your fave dealer bricks and mortar store with a suitable fine high-end system to personally audition the DAC options; ranging from the cheap build to high-end build (and price) alternatives. The objective is to differentiate the DAC contenders audio performance from the many pretenders .