Just to be clear, I enjoy this conversation. I am learning and open to doing so. You are obviously very knowledgeable and I appreciate your curtesy and kindness.
I have heard lots of dacs in my system and tons around at buddies’ places, shows and dealers. They sound very different to me. I dont always think the most expensive is best. I do not like the price of a lot of audio gear and I always hunt for deals, as I am sure many of us do. Living in Asia gives me lots of opportunities to borrow and try pieces. I have heard all the Chinese dacs: Gustard, Topping, SMSL, Denafrips, etc. I didnt like any of them. However, I would never say they won’t work for others.
For me, music is subjective, personal and even spiritual. I am not a machine. I think you would enjoy reading this Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Master-His-Emissary-Divided-Western/dp/0300188374
I really enjoyed it and I think it indirectly speaks to a lot of aspects of music appreciation and Hifi.
Once again, thanks for taking the time to share your perspective. I dont have any issue with it. In fact, I have learned from it, as I mentioned. What does bug me sometimes is when folks think that what they value should be what I value. For me, Lampi dacs are the bees knees. Of course, they are expensive and not everyone can get one, but man oh man do they glow. I have forgotten my system and my world is all music nowadays. i have a Horizon on the way, so we will see what that brings. I was so impressed by the Pacific and what it offers, I bought the Horizon without hearing, trusting others on this forum who also love the Pacific. My point is I dont care how it measures, I am not in love with it for how much it costs; I love the sound full stop. I fell in love with it 5 seconds into the first track I played…. No measurements could convince me I don’t or should not love it, just as no measurements should tell me I do not or should not love the music I love….
