Does a DAC need a large/strong power supply?

But how do we know that it’s better, and not just ‘feel’ like it is better?

It would be great if we knew how to

This is why I am an advocate of listening. My Pro-Ject RS2T CD transport comes with a SMPS wall wart. I have to say well implemented due to the very high quality of sound. Yet, when I replaced the SMPS with a Fidelizer Nikola II LPS there was an undeniable improvement in the sound quality. So a transition from very good to superb.

Charles 

Someone else mentioned the RME ADI 2fs DAC with its SMPS, and although it does sound really good stock, adding a Teddy Pardo LS (also mentioned by someone else) does improve things. On the RME it added some weight and expanded the stage.

Thanks @adg101 !

Does a DAC power supply matter?  Yes.  I have an MSB Discrete DAC. It comes with a single external power supply, but they recommend 2.  I thought that the DAC sounded good, but when I added the separate Premier Power Base, it kicked the DAC’s performance up to a new level.  Its hard to describe, but everything sounded more “forceful.”