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Next best exponential DAC quality level?

I recently did a shoot out of three DACs using my Hint6 + routing each of the other DACs to analog input on the Hint6:

(1) Hint6: ESS Sabre32 -- Integrated 

(2) SMSL M500: ES9038PRO D/A   ~$400 

(3) Khadas ToneBoard(v1): ESS ES9038Q2M - ~$99

I played the same song passages on Amazon Music and was able to cycle through each Hint6 input corresponding to each DAC.

The result?  Very small difference in terms of rendering.  Maybe a more open sound stage with better overall balance using the Hint6 DAC.  The Khadas was more bass / midrange pronounced w/ a more narrow soundstage.  However, I wouldn't suggest that any were head-and-shoulders "better" over the others.  In fact, they were all pretty decent with only small nuances (certainly not worth the price differences.   

I decided to keep the Khadas for my small headphone listening area. 

But it got me thinking - how much would one have to spend to realize an exponential difference in quality?  Is the Khadas that good, or is DAC technology differences more nuanced than I originally thought (meaning, we're paying 10x for only 5% better).  

 

martinman
cindyment's avatar
cindyment
351 posts
 

The cost for achieving state of the art sound, however, is high for both (at this point in time).

 

@david_ten , Define state of the art for digital. I mean truly define it. At what point, in clear, concise words, does a DAC become state of the art?

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,372 posts
 

what do you think a steamer is? It is nothing more than a stripped down computer.

 

Well I could tell you what I think a steamer is, but it has nothing to do with a computer...😀

david_ten
5,480 posts
 

You need to define it for yourself.

Hint: it's not the DAC.

stuartk
3,338 posts
 

@martinman:

"I think the best way to sum up this thread is ...  you can get a lot of DAC for very little $$$". 

 

I'd suggest that depends upon what you like and more to the point, what you've heard.

A 2K DAC may sound incredible compared to a $300 DAC but less so when  compared to a $10K DAC. 

cindyment's avatar
cindyment
351 posts
 

david_ten

4,861 posts

You need to define it for yourself.

Hint: it's not the DAC.

The cost for achieving state of the art sound, however, is high for both (at this point in time).

 

 

I will repeat using different words. In a clear, concise, easily understood, and repeatable, i.e. I can easily say something is state of the art or not, what defines a digital playback system that is "state of the art".

 

 

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