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 1 response by duglas

It's all hype. There is no challenge to getting a clean accurate signal to the preamp. We don't need to worry about dedicated power supplies or dampening vibrations. Just consider for a second that all that is needed is a $2 chip part. But that's no fun for this board. As you move up the price range beyond quallity speakers and amplification you are dealing in mysticism and snake oil. I enjoy stacked Eminent Technology LFT 8b's amplified with two dynaco stereo 400 series ii amps through a B&K cheap preamp mostly listening through audio engine blue tooth receiver. All cheap stuff and when I have listened to $100k systems I do not hear something better or even equivalent. sorry.