How easily can you distinguish between different DACs?


When I read reviews or watch them on YouTube the reviewers talk about the vast differences between various DACs.  I haven't compared too many, but found the differences pretty subtle, at best.

Which got me into thinking:  Is my hearing ability really that bad?

Do you notice the differences as easily as folks make out?

128x128audiodwebe

@mapman - the A/B test I did was not from two vanilla $500 streamers.  The actual SOtM streamers were both SMS-200 neo SE ($1000) both connected to a Sean Jacobs DC3 dual-regulated PS ($2000). Both streamers connected to an SOtM sCLK-0CX10 ($4000) (it has 4 outputs) itself powered by a Farad Super3 PS ($700). So, if using $ as a measure of quality each streamer cost around $8000.  This is a good piece of streaming kit. It should be capable of discerning differences between an expensive and cheap DAC, if they exist. 

Well this appears to be going well? Is the OP satisfied yet? 
For me it’s easy…

Money

Magnitude

Margin

Synergy

PRAT

Soundstage

Timbre and tonality.

Significance

Value

Judgement,  mine or yours?

Cost

Logistical challenges

Connectivity

Implementation

Design

Materials

Parts

Components

Room

Nah there’s more

Lots more, but hopefully, you get the idea.

 

Reminds me of a story. My wife was rummaging around and found a bottle of wine. Opened it and I suppose enjoyed it. I noticed it on the counter and let her know this was a grand reserve 20 year old Rioja. 50 bucks a bottle. After that she just went on and on about how delicious it was and how much she enjoyed it.  I don’t deny it was good but if she didn’t know would it have been all that memorable? Having heard lots of systems, most sound mediocre to me.  If one change or another makes it sound less mediocre, so what? I think the room, the speaker placement changes everything, so why leave that in place and mess with one part?