Do hi-end DACs offer true value or diminishing return...


These two hi-fedelity recordings posted on Youtube allow one to audition the state-of-the-art, highly raved R2R DACs with values ranging from $850 all the way to $6,500. Please use headphone or, play back to your stereo system if you think your system is revealing enough. The question to ask to yourself is that the true hi-end (w/ high price tag) gears offer you true values or just a diminishing-return foolproof. In my system, I do hear the differences but, to me, the differences might not be that significant to justify the luxious spending. Maybe my system is not revealing enough.  Maybe the recording quality through the on-line broadcasting degrades.  How about you? Do you hear major differences? 

Terminator Plus ($6.5k), Venus II ($3k)

Terminator $4.5k, Ares II ($850)

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Absolutely no intention to preclude lower-price gears. It is just for such fine quality recordings are difficult to find online.  I know, from the responses above, some gentlemen have their own perfect reason ditching the use and purpose of them and I respect that.  I certainly understand the limitation and bunches of factors playing into that may invalidate legitimacy of using that avenue for selecting the hi-fi or mid-fi (if you judge them purely base on the price) gears.  But I believe that is the dilemma that many audiophiles run into because of the limited resources around the neck of wood where they live.  I certainly do not have much disposal money to purchase and bring all of gears I am interested home for auditioning.  That is essentially the reason why some enthusiasts put out a fair amount of time doing so to help out and I appreciate that.  The is apparently the suboptimal way given the reality constraint.

I also agree the blind test needs to be part of equation and you could do it in your discretion.

For those who are reluctant to admit there is diminishing returns, listen to what the humble gentleman Paul has to say: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5GN1a5XmTU.

I also invite those who have DACs you think exceptional/worthwhile could also spend some time doing some fine recordings and showcasing your gears with the community.  Would you?  Appreciated.

Raul, Was trying to be funny.  Of course, the OP is free to post on the Digital Forum, as well.  I wish he would have exercised that freedom, in fact.

Look into Merging Technologies +player. An exceptional DAC with Roon Core/endpoint, all in one chassis. If you’re interested in auditioning, reach out to Colin @gestalt audio. 

I cannot comment on these specific DACs, but on the concept of diminishing returns:

An upgrade might feel like a small step. However, once you are used to it, trying to go back to the previous "level" will feel like a big, almost unacceptable drop....

 

 

Well, it’s all up to you. If you are struggling to find money to buy a decent DAC, or any kind of audio equipment, then you will surely find all kind of reasons in the Internet not to buy one. Then you (plural) you will be a specialist in posting in all audio forums why those are snake oil. That’s how it works. I have seen it all over again and again.

 

Including making decisions based on a YouTube video 😂

 

Bottom line: take care of basic needs first, food to the table, family, housing, kids’ college, and so on. Audio is a hobby. Secondary to all in the grand scheme of things. Discretionary