DAC experiences?

@mahgister is this the French DAC you're talking about? 

http://audio.starting-point-systems.com/

yes this is it. For the price it is very good...( i paid it 20 canadian bucks on a bid many years ago, 8 years i think )

If my budget will make me able to upgrade it i will be afraid to do so without listening the contenders...

I will be  more assured  to beat it with something over 1000 bucks...

The problem of low cost dac is the "timbre" , they all sound unnatural, at least all those i tried  ...

 With my low cost system  which is very satisfying i dont look for any upgrade after my optimization ...But the optimization takes me a long time...

I listen music and participate a lot in Audiogon music threads ...

" minimal acoustical satisfaction threshold " is here.  It is enough for me to feel no frustration at all ... With  headphones or speakers ...

@mahgister is this the French DAC you’re talking about? 

http://audio.starting-point-systems.com/

Chord DACs are know to be on the detailed / dry side. The PS Audio DAC is warmer and more natural. If you want an outstanding natural sounding / musical DAC, look for a used Audio Research REF DAC 9. That is basically what I use in my system (actually the DAC REF CD9 SE), I have compared to much more expensive DACs. It does not do DSD... but is exceptionally detailed, and musical.  

I also found Chord to be too dry/clinical. I had the Qutest. I went through a Weiss and ML, also felt both were too clinical. Currently I have a PS Audio / APS Audio Transformers Direct Stream Signature Series upgraded MK1 DAC. It sounds beautiful and allows my system to be very revealing, but warm. The guys at APS Audio Transformers do an amazing job and really improve the sound of the PS Audio DS with top of the line components and better power supply. 

My two Cents

I compared the PS Audio DS DAC II when it came out with the Chord Dave and bought the Dave.

 Still love it.  Looking for a used Sean Jacob’s power supply for it.