2. digital
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DAC Portability/Durability

Wondering if anyone here has used a non-headphone-amp DAC as a portable device to be switched in and out of multiple sound systems frequently.  I’m looking at trying to acquire something like a Chord Qutest/Denafrips Ares or Pontus/Topping D90 variant next year for my main system and would like to use the same DAC out in the workshop system instead of springing for a 2nd DAC, at least for awhile.  Do these type devices stand up to this sort of use on a daily basis?  
 

Thanks in advance…

lg1
sandstone
358 posts
 

Lg, Jim Smith of "Get Better Sound" traveled around with an Ayre Acoustics QB-9 as he toured to perform his custom room calibrations.  Good sound and essentially bulletproof.

mlsstl
1,449 posts
 

Most of the electronics I've had over the years has been very durable. But the one weak spot can be cables/connectors between equipment. For example, I've had the charger plug for laptop break multiple times, necessitating replacement of the charger.  Only one time did the connector in the laptop itself go bad, but it can happen.  Or, think of your cell phone charger cable -- I've also had several of those go bad over the years, but cell phones tend to be plugged in daily.

The DAC not only has the power connection, but also has signal in/audio out connections, so that gives you a couple of other points where you want to be careful.  Finally, for many audiophiles, they upgrade things like DACs on a regular basis. You may have moved on to new gear before you've had a chance to wear anything out.

ghdprentice
7,323 posts
 

@sandstone 

 

Funny you should mention a Ayre QB-9… I have one in my headphone system, upgraded to the 2020… “Twenty” version. 

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