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


I've been talking to my cousin brother about sound quality. He is a self-proclaimed expert audiophile. He says that Audio Science Review has all of the answers I will need regarding audio products.

In particular, he says an inexpensive DAC from any Chinese company will do better than the expensive stuff. He says fancy audio gear is a waste of money because the data is already bit-perfect.  All DAC chips sound the same. Am I being mislead? 

He also said that any DAC over $400 is a waste of money. Convincing marketing is at play here, he says.

He currently owns a Topping L30 headphone amplifier and D30 Pro DAC. He uses Sennheiser HD 569 headphones to listen to music.  I'm not sure what to think of them. I will report my findings after listening one day! (likely soon, once I get some free time)

- Jack 

 

 

jackhifiguy

I dicuss if you remind my posts...I always give arguments, not ad hominem attacks...

I ceased to discuss with someone when someone used insults and insinuations like you just did because you are unable to any rational thinking sometimes...Save to appeal to scapegoating me because i dont appreciate cartoon insult poster of any kind ...

mahgister, the world was a better place when you were arguing with highfijack.

«A wise person recognize himself with or without a mirror, a fool cannot even with a mirror»-Anonymus smith

i am able to apologize when i am wrong...

Imitate me...

You're operating under the mistaken assumption that I'm somehow obligated to talk to you, even when you butt in, looking for ways to argue with me. 

Silly.

All the best,
Nonoise

I am operating under the assumptions that we MAY discuss without insulting each others... Arguments matter...

I dont "butt in" like you pretend, i observed that your answer with an insult in a "biases" matter discussion is inappropriate especially with annoying children like cartoon...I dont like stupid cartoon... Sorry....

You can mute yourself and not answering to my observation or apologize for insulting someone... But i can make my observation, i am not perfect either, insults annoy me... Even if they are not  directed against me...

You’re operating under the mistaken assumption that I’m somehow obligated to talk to you, even when you butt in, looking for ways to argue with me.

Silly.

When I read these threads they make me laugh! Not only do DACs make a significant difference in the audio chain - digital transports do too.

In fact cheap out on your digital front end then don't bother auditioning amps and speakers - you just ain't going to get the best out of them. I would go as far as saying with confidence that the importance of system building is working from the top down!

Mahgister - I know you have the very good SPS DAC 3 - I also own that DAC but the Audio Note 0.1x is so so much better - I think if you are going to work your magic then work on AN's affordable DAC, it's light years better than the already good SPS. Just try it and see!