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.
@gdnrbob @steakster seems to me the best advice of all, for all those pursuing system improvements -- in a system one is already enjoying -- for whatever reason, is... try it in your own system -- ideally without irreversibly committing to the cost of the item -- then be honest with yourself, can you hear a real improvement? if not, move on, just enjoy the music other people might, or say they do... but that hardly matters, right? |
@carlsbad: "It seems like "just music"...." Seems an odd choice of words. While I don't think it is what you meant, most people would take a system sounding like "just music" as quite the compliment. 😉 |
With any luck the new Dac may push the rest of the system to it’s limits. Then you realize how much really like the upgrade. but soon ya just want more. Then you upgrade, buy a sub, cables then upgrade xyz. So you tell me.
Only you can say. How far do you want to go? Keep in mind that its about the music, not the equipment and you’ll be alright. When you get to your destination, you buy less and less and enjoy |
Thank you for all this great advice. Seems that the consensus is buy a better DAC. In this price range, more money better sound. For the record I stream with an Ethernet connection to a raspberry pie 3 with a digihat and a Toslink connection to my bifrost. Volumio software.
|
Your music sourse starts at your dac after D&A conversion I have owned many for example from Denafrips aries2 great dac for under $1k R2R dacs or Multibit are the original way or doing this and digital has come along way in every respect ,for example from the $1k Aries to pontus, to Terminator2 peach one is a substantial step up in realism , soundstage ,depth,resolution and imaging , diminishing returns once you get up to over $6-$8 k to double that in cost very much lower Sonic return my brother has $18k and $34 k DCS dacs yes they are for sure better ,but not that much better maybe $10-15% better which is noticeable ,but can easily live with say a Denafrips terminators2,plus version or Holo springs KTE may3 , that is the sweet spot , even in the $2k range respectable . |
