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Can a dac really be future proof?

I’m talking via firmware/ software updates. I do get that some integrated amps ( McIntosh, etc) allows you to swap out the entire dac unit/card or whatever. 
I do get having firmware updates to improve stability, etc while the dac is fairly new. Or even let a new format “ kick in” due to final prep ( example MQA). 
How far can firmware - software upgrades carry you as dac chips and other hardware items improve? I can’t see a dac from 5 years ago with older generations of dac chips performing on par with the latest and greatest. Of course, I assume one’s listening taste is consistent for a particular chip/component. One may actually prefer the sound of an older dac over new one. Outside of that, how many years can software upgrades carry a Dac?

aberyclark
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,218 posts
 
What makes you think newer chips sound better than older chips?
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
In general, most will think a newer dac will outperform an old dac. Can a dac with firmware updates out perform a new dac with updated hardware? There are people,I’m sure, who prefer dacs from 2003. Of course, I’m talking 5 or 6 + years. Not a year later. 
jackd
1,068 posts
 
Dac's that allow firmware upgrades by their nature don't use off the shelf dac chips but rather FPGA's which can to some extent be re-programmed or "updated" to the limits of it's capabilities.  
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
Interesting question.
Perhaps one you should pose to Ayre and Schiit.
They are two manufacturers that offer upgrades when available- especially the latter.
Bob
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