Do some DACs "handle" sibilance better than others?

@audphile1 

Thanks, Z

I meant: "all other things being equal", can one DAC present more apparent sibilance than another?

;o)

I haven’t heard sibilance be an issue with DACs in practice but I suppose anything is possible and certainly different DACs can sound quite different. 

Yes it can, and some DACs like the Chord Hugo TT II  has 4 filter setting that can let you dial it back some. But if your DAC doesn’t have filter settings, you may be able to make the adjustment with different digital cables. You might try the Cable Company and see what they have in their lending library and they will guide you as to which cable to try.

DACs can certainly sound different, and some add less crud and sizzle to the treble.  

Marketing gets into every nook and cranny. I think people need all kinds of ways to review and promote DAC’s. 

My understanding is that a DAC might subtly influence the perception of sibilance, but it’s primarily an issue rooted in the recording itself, speakers, and room acoustics. A well-designed DAC should be transparent. Excessive sibilance is likely coming from recordings, speaker characteristics, and room acoustics.

If you have a significant problem with sibilance and you're trying to fix it with DACs, you will never fix the problem.