The sound quality from DACs - is it all the same?

Even if you think the sound differences are subtle in your system, consider basing your choice on how easy it is to get service if something goes wrong, whether or not the power cord is detachable IEC without a wall wart, etc. Even those two parameters might cause you to rule out >>90% of existing DACs, especially the cheapies.

I agree with many of the posts on this thread that different DAC's will sound different to some people and the best policy is to choose the one in your price range that sounds best to you providing you have an opportunity to compare different DAC's in the same setting. If you don't have an opportunity to audition the DAC's select a few with features you like in your price range and read a few different professional reviews on each DAC to see if that helps with your selection. 

I have an onboard DAC in my Preamplifier and an onboard DAC in a CD Transport and I can stream music from a separate Streamer through both devices and can say they both sound good but they definitely sound different. To my ears I prefer the matchup of the Streamer with the DAC in the Preamp. 

For CD's I prefer the sound of the DAC in the CD Transport possibly because it was designed to work as a system.

We all hear things differently.

I think it's cute that so many of you think this is a serious thread........🙄

indeed...

I am credulous toward people and lend them good faith...

😁😊

But you are right it is probably not a serious thread created by the OP  BUT  i am not a dupe because i answered seriously to a bait...

Sometimes being wise is acting like we have not see the string behind the clothes...But staying  silent is always the best politic... I am not as wise as i think i am  either anyway...

😁😊

"Indeed"....

I always like these discussions it makes those people that own a kia think that is is better or at worse on par with a rolls Royce or a Bentley. Or if they fill it with premium gas it will run hard against a Ferrari. Thank you for the entertainment.