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No such thing as a future proof DAC...

I've been fooled in the past by digital gear manufacturers claiming their DAC or digital gear is future proof. Case in point was the Cambridge Audio CD2 player back in the 1980s that had replaceable boards for the DAC chip. Great CDP at the time but never was really upgradeable. Now, I keep on hearing about new DACs that are future proof (eg, BiFrost DAC). The only DAC that I know that has a long history for being upgradeable is may be the MSB DACs, but they can cost an arm and a leg. May be dCs, but again mucho expensive. Do you believe in the hype? Doesn't seem to be in the manufacturers interest to offer a truly upgradeable digital gear when a new version can be offered after a year that requires you to buy a new unit.
dracule1
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
When I bought my Mac G4 I was assured that it was "Future Proof" as you could easily change the boards. When I wanted to upgrade it a couple of years ago I found that it was either impossible or totally impractical depending on who I talked with and it would not be as good as the Mac Mini no matter what I did to it. I would take ANY claim of "Future Proof" with a block of salt.
aplhifi
515 posts
 
I've been fooled in the past by digital gear manufacturers claiming their DAC or digital gear is future proof.

If the digital player or DAC has been designed adopting modular configuration, it sure is future proof.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
The 'future proof' DAC stands right behind the 'future proof' media streamer.
davide256's avatar
davide256
399 posts
 
anyone who tells you a piece of electronics is future proof either (a) believes they are psychic or (b) as a smart manufacturer has hedged their bet with a trade in program. I deal with product life cycles... 3 years is about as far as anyone can predict in a technology field

128 bit word, 384khz/32 bit audio stream DAC's anyone?
mitch2
3,962 posts
 
Future proofing DAC's, or virtually any electronic device, would be difficult because of the rapid change in technology and materials.

However, there are manufacturers who future-proof their equipment through excellent upgrade service, such as MUSE, who will still upgrade any of their disc players to either of their two current top models. They will also upgrade any of their other previous amps, preamps, and DAC models to the highest level before production of the item was discontinued. Unfortunately, they do not have a DAC in their current line-up as I suspect Kevin has been spending his time on the HRT line for now.
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