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What makes a DAC so expensive?

You can buy a Cambridge Audio AXA25 25 Watt 2-Channel Integrated Stereo Amplifier | 3.5mm Input, USB Input for $225, and most DACs seem more costly. 

I'm wondering what it is that makes a Bifrost 2 almost as expensive as an Aegir and 3x's as expensive as the Cambridge product, above. I would have thought an Aegir would out-expense a Bifrost by a factor of two or three. What are the parts that make the difference? 

I'm wondering if the isolated DAC concept is one that comes with a "luxury" tax affixed. Can anyone explain what I'm getting in a Bifrost 2, or other similar product that justifies the expense...?

Thank you.
listening99

Showing 5 responses by douglas_schroeder

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Is my discussion a tactic? At least for me, it's not a "tactic". I was a Chintziphile many years ago. I'm simply discussing the ulterior motive that often accompanies the effort to claim that the differences in performance are not that great. 

The only thing that changed my perspective was the blessing of being asked to review, and consequently handling equipment in a different class than I ever would have considered buying. Apart from that, I likely would still be arguing along the lines of the objectivists in order to defend the wallet - and frustrated with the sound/experience.   :)

It's simply not worth arguing about it. Either open your wallet or not, and get the results you are working (or not working) for. If you don't want to spend money, feed your skepticism. If you want to build a superior audio system, get ready - you have to open your wallet.    :) 



douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
djones51, you said, "You take those top 20 DACs from the $199 Modius to the $ 11,000 Mola Mola and noone except perhaps a few young people with extraordinary hearing could tell one from the other." 

Please provide data for support of that comment. 

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Objectivists are often Chintziphiles. No point in arguing with them. 

The greatest impediment to advancing an audiophile system is the audiophile. 
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
"Synergy" is actually a potential problem when establishing high end systems.

It is a good example of my dictum; The greatest impediment to advancing an audiophile system is the audiophile.

I encourage people to roll this around in their mind a bit before responding with a knee-jerk reaction. 

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
listening99, forgive me for offending you. 

I felt offended several times back when I was a budget audiophile. Nearly any honest criticism of my equipment or methods was cause for disgust. But, looking back, those critics were right. 

FYI, The terms "objectivist" and "subjectivist" are not particularly name calling in the sense of calling someone a fool, but are used widely in the industry and among hobbyists as descriptors of methodology. 

I have spent enough time on this. Blessings to all. 
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