The only thing that matters is whether a cheap dac and expensive dac sound the same to you. What we think doesn't matter. I suggest you invest in a $200 Topping DX3 Pro+ and start your journey. If it matters, ASR said it was one of the best dacs they ever tested. I own one and it is pretty darn good. Buy it, listen for 6 months and then compare it to something more expensive. Only then will you know. What we say here about our experiences with products is meaningless as it relates to your ears.
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