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Which DAC makers let you do in home trial?

I'm interested in comparing some DACS for purchase, maximum price about $1600, let's say.
Auditioning them is a hope.
I know that people can get speakers and sometimes amps on trials from manufacturers and from some brick and mortar shops.
So, my question to you all is:
Have you been able to audition DAC's in your home? Which companies with good at home trials and return policies (besides Ps Audio, which is great about that but their DAC is super expensive).
The alternative is just to take a shot in the dark, which I'd prefer not to do. I like to take time and assess before spending this kind of money.
128x128hilde45

Showing 2 responses by david_ten

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
I do not recommend a limited time ’demo’ or ’audition’ given where you are in your journey.

Commit to a DAC. Live with it. Optimize it. LEARN. And Enjoy it. Move on only after you have learned as much as you can and have figured out where your path leads next, at that point in time.

+1 re. @cal3713 ’s point on NOS R2R DACs.

There are a number of examples that have worked well for numerous and varied members [within your specified budget].

They can be Solid State (and I would choose solid state)...to @djones51 ’s valid point regarding best pairings / synergies, SHOULD YOU follow the DAC with tubed amplification.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@cal3713 I want to reinforce that my post and suggested approach was specific to the OP @hilde45 It is not a general recommendation.

I do not recommend a limited time ’demo’ or ’audition’ given where you are in your journey.

The OP, based on the threads he has started, is in a (complete) system rebuilding phase. Given where he is in his ’journey’ (i.e. not that far along) I stand by my suggested approach.

@hilde45 All of the DACs you are likely to consider, whether returnable or not, are going to work and most likely will work well.

Optimizing a component, in this case a DAC, takes time and effort. Cabling changes, isolation, as well as actions taken upstream from the DAC can result in significant differences in performance. One cannot address the optimizing for your system (synergies) and your personal preferences via short, time sensitive auditions [given where YOU ARE, at this point in time].

Since your component purchase choices / decisions are in flux and not finalized, you need to start somewhere. And that holds across the board.

Don’t get caught up in over thinking this.

Actual hands on and ears on experience, in other words Living With a component and a system, is way more valuable than (excessive) rumination via posting and post responses.

I suggest pivoting to a position that looks at components for their value as Teachable Units over your pursuit of "perceived" performance values (currently unrealized since they only exist in these posts / forum).
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