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DAC module of a high-end integrated amplifier

I’m not planning to buy a high-end integrated anytime soon, as they are way out of my budget, but I’m still curious how their DAC sections compare to similar or even lower priced DACs.

Let’s take DAC modules from Gryphon Diablo 120/300, Soulution 330 and Vitus Audio SIA-030. They all cost above 4,000 dollars. Are they actually that good and can compete on sound quality with similar priced DACs, or because they charge 20,000 to 40,000 dollars for the integrated, they can’t charge "only" 1,000 or 2,000 dollars for its DAC module, as the buyer will most certainly think that at this price it can’t be worthy of the rest of the system?

My personal opinion, which is not based on experience, as I’ve never heard or compared those DAC modules (I’m using Chord Qutest with Teddy Pardo power supply), is that because these amplifiers are way overpriced to begin with (please, let’s not get into discussion that it might be only overpriced in my eyes - no amplifier actually costs that much to produce!), so the manufacturer has to price DAC modules accordingly, so as not to make them appear cheap in the eyes of buyers of those amplifiers.
audioinfidel
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
I can't really address the specifics in your post, OP, but a recent review of the Hegel H95 by Tarun on youtube states that the in built DAC on it is superior to his stand alone Chord. FWIW.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
Okay, here's my 81 IQ thoughts which while no definite answer might provoke a few 82+ IQ replies...

- One of the key considerations in handling digital signals is minimizing noise, often by getting the power supply far from the rest of the circuit. That's tougher, but not impossible to do, inside an integrated.

- DAC tech advances quickly, even if it sounds great today, if you're the type to want to upgrade your DAC in a couple of years, an integrated will likely not be your best fit. 

- OTOH, if you keep gear a long while, eliminating multiple chassis and power supplies, perhaps you'll get more bang/buck w/integrated. You'll certainly save by having fewer cables, also avoiding all the angst of choosing/matching to the rest of the system.  

So...it depends. There you go, clear as mud! Cheers,
Spencer
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,555 posts
 
“still hoping for someone with IQ above 80 to reply (who actually understood what i was asking)”

If you had the IQ of 80 and above, you wouldn’t have come here to satisfy your curiosity for electronics you can’t afford to buy. It’s quite obvious that you lack the basic research skills to study and compare what went into the implementation of these individual DAC modules and the integrated housing these modules.

All of these brands has superb pedigree of high fidelity sound and build quality. You will gain a much better understanding and deep appreciation of their designer’s philosophy once you had an opportunity to audition (even one of them) with speakers that are just as impressive as these integrated.

Do you know who said, “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts”?

From here on whatever you do, please do not follow the footsteps of @emergingsoul :-)
audioinfidel OP
20 posts
 
Still hoping to hear from someone, who’s compared those DAC modules to something like Chord TT, Holo Audio Spring or May DACs, or Denafrips Terminator.

Thanks, hilde45, Tarun’s review of Hegel H95 was interesting.

sbank, thank you for your informative reply. Not exactly what I was asking, but still good information.
soix
9,584 posts
 
still hoping for someone with IQ above 80 to reply (who actually understood what i was asking)
A guy with an IQ of 80 is a genius next to someone with a 60 IQ (and I’m rounding up). I understood your question completely and afforded it the level of response it deserved — you just need an IQ>60 to be able to comprehend it.

Put another way, your question is based on unfounded assumptions that accuses extremely accomplished and respected audio minds, who you’re not qualified to cut their toenails BTW, of potentially trashing their hard-earned reputations by fleecing the totally ignorant public by stuffing their overpriced integrateds with relatively garbage DACs. Only someone with a sub-60 IQ would imply such things toward such designers based on nothing with such an inane question. Maybe next time you can find a way to ask a legitimate question without feeling the need to accuse reputable, smart, hard-working, and highly respected individuals in the audio industry of underhanded and/or overly greedy business practices.  2020 is over man.  Peace out.
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