audioman58.....generally, different is NOT always better. More detail is not always better. It is the synergy between all sonic attributes of a given DAC devise that defines a superior musical result. The high priced dCS, Esoteric, etc consumer brands, I find to be more marketing hype than brawn and performance. But American 'audiophile ears' have slowly been conditioned through the marketing and pro reviewer influence, into believing a "more detailed sound result" is a generally a better outcome. IF consumer DACs costing $25k + were so special in their sonic capabilities, then you would find these DACs installed in recording and mastering studios. That is NOT the case.
Home audio enthusiasts would do themselves a favor if they delved into the overall differences between consumer and pro DACs. And do not forget that consumer DACs often incorporate a lot of needless features that are not included on pro DACs. If a devise provides many "switches and menu choices" for altering the sound, this is essentially no different than an old Pioneer receiver with EQ controls, loudness buttons and other sonic gimmick switches. A DAC should do nothing more than process the digital to analog conversion into the most natural/realistic musically pleasing result that human ears can desire. Lastly, the DAC is only one piece of the electronic chain and will produce results no better than the weakest link of the chain.
