Is there any such thing as a bad sounding DAC these days?

@jmrrobbie1 

I have a Hegel H390.  As an integrated amp, it’s top notch, but like several other brands, they feel obligated to include an okay DAC and an almost useless streamer.  I’m sure their new DAC is wonderful, but I for one would feel better about buying one if I didn’t already have something built in to the H390.  For the same price range, Hegel is up against a bunch of other DAC’s!

Audiogoners have become more civilized. Regarding the sound quality of the Benchmark DAC3, I recall making no negative comments myself. I simply referenced GoldenSound’s review, which also made no negative comments—just described it as ’fine.’ Let’s be honest, ’fine’ simply means ’not great’ but still ’good.’

Oh my god, you wouldn’t believe how much backlash I received from forum members who like the DAC.

But now, look at the numerous negative comments describing the Dac ’bad’ from so many people here—yet there’s no pushback from those who own / like the Dac.

The only explanation I can think of is that Audiogoners have become more civilized. But what caused such a cultural shift in such a short time? Very interesting. Honestly, I don’t believe that’s the case, and I think those who attacked me owe me a sincere apology.

Yes. Topping sounds poor to me in the mid range, especially for women's voices. I find it harsh.

I have the Topping E70Velvet and it sounds superb. I think everything is system and personal preference dependent. Plus, everyone assumes people's ears are all the same...not true. 

Today, it is expected that any dac over a $100 sound pretty decent with either improvements or a sound emphasis that perhaps provides a noticeable improvement or works better with one's amp, speakers, etc., that supports the increases in price.

A higher voltage output, better separation, a bit better tonality, more note weight, stage sizing on all axis, less distorted sounds, etc., etc., however minor differences to some are highly noticeable by others.

Functionality and capability also come into play. Build quality, Reliability. 

Seems dacs these days have a lot to offer at nearly any price point.

But I remember the old TDA chips that Philips produced that could be so natural sounding,  It was a budget chip that when properly implemented...it was nice. It may not have had the larger stage size or punch as some others, but it could give a more natural rendition.