2. digital
  3. 1256386293

Are DAC prices reflecting sound quality?

I'm very confused here. While I know the price of a unit doesn't define how good it will sound, I do expect a significant positive correlation between the two.

But right now there is an Esoteric D70 DAC on Agon going for almost $3k. While the unit was very highly reviewed back in 2004, many claim digital has evolved A LOT over the last 5 years, and some claim the Berkely Alpha (a.k.a. BADA, @ $4k) and the PS Audio PWD (@ $3k) to be the best ever DACs. So is the D70 that good, or should its market price be lower to compensate for the lesser sound quality?

Opinions?
lewinskih01
newbee
4,781 posts
 
I agree with much of what Tpreaves sez.

Whether newer digital devises have 'improved', say since 2004, is probably less important than whether any subtle changes aka improvements will be sufficient to be heard on your system in your room and whether you are involved enuf in issues of resolution to have the interest an patience to sit and try to detect the differences. I'm sure that there are differences but whether there are significant improvements. For example, I like the sound of some non-upsampling DAC/CDP's and do not use up-sampling on those units which have the option (on most CD's, but not all).

Most folks, I think, are far more interested in tonal issues once a certain level of resolution has been obtained and for them I think the latest edition of some high end DAC will not be rewarding even though it is highly thought of and promoted.

Then there are some fairly ugly women who spend a lot of money on fancy jewelry! :-)
cmalak
681 posts
 
Lewinskih01...just fyi but Berkely Alpha DAC is $5K
lapierre
547 posts
 
And also the materials used helps drive the cost. Esoteric D70 DAC is heavy component with expensive skin and hardware.

In contrast, look at the newer DACs, overall they may be smaller in size and use less internal/external materials. Wavelength Crimson USB DAC and/or Simaudio 300 DAC are much smaller but with newer/different technology. The Peachtree audio DECCO which provides great value for PC users to improve sound quality from a sound card.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
One of the best DAC's I have had was the MHDT Labs Havana, and it was not expensive at all, under $700. I tried a bunch of DAC's in the $1000 - 3000 range, and the Berkeley too and I ended up buying a Bryston. I couldn't be happier, it's a great DAC.

I heard the PS Audio at CES and it sounded great, but I have not heard it in a real world system which is key. I would like to hear it. Actually I just wish someone would start a string about it, I would love to know what it sounds like.

I don't like the look of it though. It looks like my Akai stereo reciever from the '80s.
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
I heard the PS Audio at CES and it sounded great, but I have not heard it in a real world system which is key. I would like to hear it. Actually I just wish someone would start a string about it, I would love to know what it sounds like.
Macdad, here you go:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1245900512

Regards,
-- Al
More to discover