2. digital
  3. 165310-79108

What is the average life expectancy of a DAC?

Hello folks, 

With the recent profusion of relatively inexpensive DACs that are now available, I'm wondering what the average life expectancy of a good DAC is? Or, to put it another way, is it cost-effective to invest in a high(ish) end DAC like a Denafrips Terminator or a Halo May with the expectation that it will last at least 5 or more years?

Thanks!  
aamiransari
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,410 posts
 
Electronic will last 40+ years.  What about you?
jond's avatar
jond
5,687 posts
 
Dacs can last a very long time. There are no moving parts and it doesn't generate very much heat and not much to wear out. I am currently listening to a Dac that was built in 1995, it works flawlessly and sounds great. Even tubed Dacs like mine don't generate very much heat. You're much more likely to get bored with your Dac than have it crap out on you.
aamiransari OP
11 posts
 
Thank you, kijanki and jond4!
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
how long will my vpi magic brick last?  ;)
chorus
976 posts
 
Aam-

Your question is more than valid and very insightful.
The answer will depend upon whether you have money
to burn on gear or want to be more prudent with your money.

DACs are the fastest evolving, most influential gear digital people
buy today. 

I think the life a DAC -not how long it will operate but how long you
will be satisfied with- is two years. 

Everyone has there own threshold of how much money they are willing
to burn on a churn for a yearn. 

If you feel it is likely you will want the next greatest DAC in a couple years, then know what you are willing to burn and buy at no more
than double that amount. 

In my case $1500-$1750 is the number I will spend. 

Any help?
More to discover