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What makes a DAC so expensive?

You can buy a Cambridge Audio AXA25 25 Watt 2-Channel Integrated Stereo Amplifier | 3.5mm Input, USB Input for $225, and most DACs seem more costly. 

I'm wondering what it is that makes a Bifrost 2 almost as expensive as an Aegir and 3x's as expensive as the Cambridge product, above. I would have thought an Aegir would out-expense a Bifrost by a factor of two or three. What are the parts that make the difference? 

I'm wondering if the isolated DAC concept is one that comes with a "luxury" tax affixed. Can anyone explain what I'm getting in a Bifrost 2, or other similar product that justifies the expense...?

Thank you.
listening99
listening99 OP
172 posts
 
What I'm seeking to clarify is how "Power supply noise and OP amp compression" influence THD + N?

What measurements meaningfully capture power supply noise and OP amp compression?
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
A:  My friend just died of a stroke

B:  But his body temp was exactly 98.6 - he was healthy

A:  He smoked like a chimney and ate bacon every meal

B:  But his blood pressure was exactly at the mid point of normal range for his age and weight

A:  Are you an idiot - he is dead

B:  I believe based on my measurements he is still alive

A:  Dumb ass

djones51
4,947 posts
 
Power supply noise will show when THD+N is measured. There could be a lousy power supply which would be audible. All DACs will have noise from a power supply but do they effectively deal with it. If a DAC is audibly transparent , distortion and noise is below the threshold of human hearing, I'm not sure I understand the point. 
invalid
1,251 posts
 
No audio equipment is 100% transparent to the human ear, not the recording studio equipment, and not the playback equipment.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,022 posts
 
I just bought the RME adi-2 FS DAC and it is awesome.   For me it checked all the boxes, great sound.... unbelievable feature set,  made in Germany,  full function remote, and most importantly at the price where I felt it made sense because let's face it, digital technology moves fast.  It easily bests my NAD M51 which is no slouch and was twice as much 7 years ago.   So for me this was the best bang for the buck.    
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