The DAC Scam - Almost everyone believes the hype

There are more significant differences in recording style than DAC flavors (analytical vs. "musical"). Then add personal preference, and the vast majority of DAC are perfectly fine. For those discerning folks, you may need multiple DACs and match them to the recording.

As pointed out elsewhere, I experimented with a $250 and a $5,000 DAC and preference depended on track. Differences if perceptible at all were minute at best. Neither of the DACs was objectively "better". In that case, it was a cheaper chip vs. a more expensive R2R DAC.

So rather consider foot print and look of the DAC than thinking one may sound better for a variety of music and recording styles. If you like audio bling, go for it, put your bespoke ethernet/USB cable on lifters. If you want to be more frugal, know that you are not missing anything with respect to audio, if that is your primary interest.

@oberoniaomnia ", I experimented with a $250 and a $5,000 DAC and preference depended on track. Differences if perceptible at all were minute at best. ....So rather consider foot print and look of the DAC than thinking one may sound better for a variety of music and recording styles. If you like audio bling, go for it, put your bespoke ethernet/USB cable on lifters. If you want to be more frugal, know that you are not missing anything with respect to audio, if that is your primary interest."

So out of curiosity why then do you have a $4K+ Holo May  DAC?

Output stage is a deal maker/breaker. 
 

Op amps gonna opamp. 
 

Tubes gonna tube. 
 

Discreet is so sweet????

I do agree with the video on one aspect, you don't need to spend $40,000 on a good sounding DAC.

There is so much besides the chip. Like everyone has said, the power supply and output stage, etc.

You also have the wiring and all the input and output jacks

A designer has "tuned" the dac for certain sound characteristics. Some may prefer warm, even or brighter.

Licensing DSD, MQA, etc has a cost (probably small).

Designing, Testing, Assembly, shipping, packaging, marketing........distribution to dealers who need to make a buck as well.

Plus, don't forget all the freebies to youtubers so they can sing the Dacs praises. 

All the above can add up cost wise.

I heard about The Albany DAC Scam somewhere but never experienced it first hand.

DeKay