EAR Acute Classic - has anyone heard or tried it

How has DAC technology changed "drastically" over the past few years?  It looks pretty much the same to me.  

Manufacturers now using their own algorithms, DAC chips have significantly improved, circuitry advancements…..  So many factors contribute to a sonic difference (though it may look the same).  Doesn't necessarily make it better, but they are different.  Many companies are entering the DAC market as well, increasing competition and getting more performance for less money.  DSD, HDI, USB interfacing, file compatibility, etc.  

I believe that I read where the new "4" iteration adds SACD capability?
Happy Listening!

The Acute Classic is a replacement for the Acute 3. CD transport & DAC. The Acute 4 is a SACD transport that needs to be married to the EAR Dac 4.

I stated that I loved the sound of the Acute 3, but only felt the DAC is a little dated.

The tube and transformer section of these designs is pretty timeless but DAC chips/circuits technology seem like they evolve everyday. I think for CD playback, the Acute 3 was already pretty good. If you are never going to play CDs, the Dac 4 or something else is probably better. Just watch out though, as there are some super high end DACs out there that do 384Khz or even 768KHz but some of them sound really poor so specs aren't everything from my experience. Plus I don't actually own any music of those resolution that aren't just sample files.

I don't have any DSD files, so this is why I have a particular interest in the Acute Classic.  If I have hirez files, I'd opt for the Dac 4 with SACD/CD transport.