2. digital
  3. 185360-71961

When Will the DAC Singularity Be Reached?

A humorous title, but wondering if those more in the know have an opinion on either: i) examples today where inexpensive DACs (say under $2500) are comparable or superior to expensive (say over $10K) DACs or ii) can we anticipate that within a relatively few number of years that inexpensive DACs will basically achieve the sound quality of today's expensive DACs? Thanks. 

mathiasmingus
jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
850 posts
 

What comes out of any DAC is voltage/current. This can be measured for noise and distortion, plus frequency response. This is all that can be heard! So all DAC's of comparable measurements will sound alike. There is no special unknown X - factor that differentiates one DAC from another. No "secret sauce" to justify charging five figures for a DAC!

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
894 posts
 

I once saw a sign that said “Price, Quality, Speed. Pick Two.” This was in relation to commissioned work (at an ad agency) but works for so many things. Sure in Audio there’s overlap but often you get what you pay for. 

designsfx
787 posts
 

@jjss49 

I appreciate the link you posted- this man seems pretty down to earth. It will be nice to see/hear his thoughts while moving upward into higher value reviews/comparisons. 

laoman's avatar
laoman
373 posts
 

@jasonbourne71

"This is all that can be heard! So all DAC’s of comparable measurements will sound alike. " Wrong forum and very silly comment. Even the minion master does not claim this, (or so he says.)

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