DAC comparison

Aside from ring dacs (i.e. dCS)  I wouldn't touch a DAC more than 10 years old. 

How about the well-known Philips TDA 1541A S1 or S2?  Very analoguously musical even it can only decode 16 bit.

I've been test driving cars. The Audi S5 and S6 are illustrative / representative of the same. Uber competent. Yet missing more than something [for me].  : )

It’s called Porsche.  That’s what you’re missing. 

@soix 

I've been test driving cars. The Audi S5 and S6 are illustrative / representative of the same. Uber competent. Yet missing more than something [for me].  : )

Indeed. Audi makes a fine car (my wife drives Audi Allroads after years in BMW's) but they are FWD biased, even if power is being delivered to all four wheels. 

Indeed. Audi makes a fine car (my wife drives Audi Allroads after years in BMW's) but they are FWD biased, even if power is being delivered to all four wheels. 
 

@ghasley I agree totally.  Audi makes a fine performance car for the masses (R8 or 10 excluded), but if it’s passion you’re after — sorry, Porsche — no substitute. 

Eric -

Basics of what you are referring to (charged caps) is in Analog Devices MT-0156: "Basic DAC Architectures 2" by Walt Kester

I have no opinion on their sound. Not nearly enough experience, yet.

For the record, some very old DACs, with a new digital front end (USB, clock, processing - spit out to DAC) can be superb. I refer to mine as "franken DACs" for short.