Computer based system. Need advice on DAC.

"I guess it all comes down to what you consider recent. DSD came out about 16 years ago (I think 1999)."

News to me! Live and learn, I guess. Zd542, could you name some of the 1999 DSD units that were in commercial production? Would you consider any of the the 1999 units an option for the OP?

Perhaps of more interest to the OP: putting aside a bit of money for a USB cable that is an upgrade from stock can be an audible investment, if you aim to implement via USB.

John

"News to me! Live and learn, I guess. Zd542, could you name some of the 1999 DSD units that were in commercial production? Would you consider any of the the 1999 units an option for the OP?"

It depends. For me, the only way I get involved with DSD is with SACD's. As you know, there are any number of players that support the format. Theoretically, you could have bought an Elgar DAC in 1999 or 2000, have it upgraded periodically, and its still considered one of the best in the world today. And, yes its not a cheap DAC. But the real question, is do you really need DSD and is it worth getting involved with outside of SACD's? I say no. For hi res using a computer as a transport, I don't think it sounds any better than PCM. Also remember, Sony pulled the plug on DSD about 10 years ago and is considered by many to be a failed format. I think if the OP stays with PCM formats, he can use the same DAC for quite a while.

Another thing worth mentioning is if you judge a DAC based on its digital characteristics, you're only judging half the DAC. The analog portion of the DAC has a huge effect on its sound quality. If you don't consider the analog section, you're really missing out on a lot. In most cases, what separates an exceptional sounding DAC vs just an OK sounding DAC, is the analog section. And I think it goes without saying that a better overall sounding DAC will be kept longer by its owner, regardless of specs or formats.

You need to mention what inputs might you use other than computer and also which file types you might use via your computer. There are many DACs available, new or used at or under $500 which might serve you well. Especially if a computer is your only input and you are only going to play PCM files.

AS ZD stated there is more to a DAC than the converter chip. The power supply and analog sections contribute much to the sound.

+1, Zd542.

"....The analog portion of the DAC has a huge effect on its sound quality.
....what separates an exceptional sounding DAC vs just an OK sounding DAC, is the analog section."

DSD how many studios record in DSD