It’s all important, but from what I’ve heard from other hi-fi enthusiasts much more knowledgeable than I (and judging with my own ears, which may not be as keen as others’) it is the quality of the power supply and the type and quality of the output stage that make the most noticeable difference in a DAC’s sonic character, given that the clocking and conversion are above a certain standard of performance. Again, I’m sure others will disagree, but that’s been my experience.
DAC general question
As I understand it the actual DA function is done by a single chip. If true do all these DAC makers use custom chips or are there limited manufacturers of the chips? If so then the goodness or badness of a DAC is dependent on the circuitry around the chip.
Am I wrong?
Am I wrong?
- ...
- 12 posts total
You are correct. There is a lot more to a DAC than the chip. The design of the input circuit, the power supply & the analog stage have so much more to do with the sound of the final product. In fact, I would say the chip is not the most important part at all. Watch this video, Paul does a better job of explaining what I am trying to say. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McoA82-fi9s |
| Post removed |
| Post removed |
- 12 posts total