That is purely a subjective question, it depends on user preference. Spend more you’ll get more. If one is satisfied with the sonics and/or $ spent then likely they will stop.
Digital audio, like most technologies, does not stand still.
Is there such a thing as a FOREVER DAC/streamer?
I know I might be talking about rehab in a back alley, but here it goes.
I've been looking to upgrade my Hegel H390's internal DAC. But I would only do it to knock it out of the park; as the Hegel's internal DAC does an admirable job. So the question is, is there such a thing as an end game-forever DAC. At the end of the day, DAC is a digital product. Digital technology evolve quicker than analog technology.
Will that Lumin X1, Bartok, Dave, etc be obsolete in 3 years? Thus making this a moot conversation...
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@ghdprentice , you find you groove, you know it could be "better" but there is always a risk it could be less enjoyable too. I found that once I got my room just right and upgraded my room correction software, my system was "good enough". Thanks to other members here I learned that to get a decent step up a better dac would be least $5K and I still don’t know if I would prefer it over what I have now, maybe it would be not as good a fit. |
At my age I don’t think there is a forever DAC. However as technological change is rapidly accelerating I would say not. I would not rely on a DAC to rely on to give me the ongoing audio pleasure I would be happy with. Only my opinion, and it has been discussed on this forum many many times, layer you system by importance. Speakers, then the rest as you feel. My speakers will out last me and they were not cheap. Like cars, electronics will trickle down ( say from F1 or the best Merc or some such) the best will be affordable sooner than speaker technology. Only my opinion. :) |
If I was you I’d buy a Gustard R26 on Amazon, and if it’s not a meaningful improvement return it and decide if you want to spend considerably more on something else or just stick with the DAC in the Hegel knowing you’ve got a really good thing. And, if sometime well down the road there’s a significant improvement in DACs you didn’t dump a truckload on antiquated technology. You’ll also obviously need a good digital cable, and I’d recommend the Acoustic Zen MC2 (they come up used occasionally, which is how I bought mine). Hope this helps, and best of luck. |
I disagree. Every time I have changed my Dac is to get something better. Not because I'm bored with what I have, a purchasing itch to scratch or a different flavour. I want to experience increasingly better sound. |
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