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DAC diminishing returns

Looking for some experienced input on the diminishing return as you go up the the DAC ladder. I mostly stream music and occasionally listen to CDs.  Currently, I’m using a Schiit Bifrost Multibit DAC.  It’s connected to my Naim Nait 5Si and that drives Zu Omen ii speakers. In my limited experience, I have not heard any substantial differences when changing DACs.  I’m considering a Denafrips Pontus DAC.  Does the significantly higher cost justify what might be a marginal increase in sound quality?  Is buying a more expensive DAC for better sound just splitting hairs, and making you feel better about your system?  Are different DACs just different coloration of the sound?

I don’t want to be duped into buying something I don’t really need. Thanks.

dsfreeh
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,324 posts
 

@mlsstl I stand corrected. Schiit return policy restocking fee is between 5-15% depending on product and for Yiggy it is 5%. So actually yea not too terrible in this case. 

david_ten
5,480 posts
 

Vinshine Audio / Denafrips provides product warranty support, servicing, and repairs within the U.S. ...via TEK.

vthokie83
661 posts
 

To clear up some incorrect information......Denafrips products are sold by an amazing distributor in Vinshine Audio and it's owner Alvin Chee, I've communicated with him many times (as I've bought several Denafrips products), I have never had such amazing response and attention as I've received from them.....emails returned in hours, unless overnight in Singapore.

Their products have a 3 year fully transferrable warranty, and the USA based service center for Denafrips products is TekSystems in Buda, TX

deludedaudiophile
493 posts
 

IMHO there are likely 10 other things in your system that need far more attention. I have heard DACs with intentional sound differences using tubes, and I have heard DACs that allow you to change the filter settings that causes an apparently audible difference which you may or may not like. Technically most of the setting are "worse", but if they float your boat why not. I have also compared expensive DACs (Mola Mola, DCS) with friends and could not tell the difference from "mid-priced" DACs. I thought maybe just maybe there would be, but there was not. It is really easy to convince yourself there is a difference, but when they did the switching and I did not know which was which, it was all the same. I was startled by how close you needed to have the volume settings though.

agbrace
32 posts
 

+1 for Alvin Chee at Vinshine Audio, excellent customer service and communication, absolutely no concerns with purchasing from him.

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