Should a dac run hot??

Magfan:

You are correct. I was trying to keep it simple but should have written "all things being equal."

100 amp tube amplifier = Hot
100 amp Class A = less Hot
100 amp Digital = almost always the coolest.

Dave

Hello all and thanks for all for helping me with my question. I do have another question now. if the transformer is going bad or is bad what will this do? will it harm anything in my system? how bad is it? please let me know
Thanks again

Harnellt - I assume you talking about power transformer. Typical failure is caused by overheating and in effect destroying enamel on the wire causing shorted turn. Shorted turn heats up and wire melts interupting current flow. Why you suspect transformer?

Depends on the design of the DAC. If they are using the chassis to dissipate the heat, it may well run hot. The best bet is to find someone who is using the same unit and get a chassis temperature measurement - what is "hot" will vary from one person's judgment to another. If you cannot get to the company, and it works ok, I would not worry about it. However, If I couldn't get hold of the company, it would be the last piece of gear I bought that had their name on it.