I think we can all agree that DACs don't sound the same be it by 1% or more. My personal belief having had DACs using the same chips is that it is the analog output stages that are the biggest differentiator between DACs. It does get more blurry when different chips or even the rarer discreet D sections are used and if algorithms used are different too. Regardless, I still think the analog output stages are a huge contributor to the differences.
Output voltage varies for one, with some as high as low as 1v and some as high as 6v. WIthin one unit, you can get two different reference voltages between SE and Balanced. These alone will affect the sound when connected to a pre-amp or amp because of gain matching.
More expensive DACs will have more robust analog stages and the attendant power supplies. They SHOULD be using better passive parts given the price they are asking for. As such they SHOULD be more reliable too. Power supplies SHOULD be quieter be they linear or switching supplies. All this costs more money to design, source and build. Might as well throw in some good industrial design in terms of form and function as well.
At the highest levels of execution from what I've heard, differences are down to preference and one's required feature set.
The downside has been mentioned by Micro. Digital is moving fast and obsolescence is a dark shadow that is always looming. It is only a problem however for those that aren't satisfied with the performance of what they have now whatever the DAC's price point.
Just my opinion.
Output voltage varies for one, with some as high as low as 1v and some as high as 6v. WIthin one unit, you can get two different reference voltages between SE and Balanced. These alone will affect the sound when connected to a pre-amp or amp because of gain matching.
More expensive DACs will have more robust analog stages and the attendant power supplies. They SHOULD be using better passive parts given the price they are asking for. As such they SHOULD be more reliable too. Power supplies SHOULD be quieter be they linear or switching supplies. All this costs more money to design, source and build. Might as well throw in some good industrial design in terms of form and function as well.
At the highest levels of execution from what I've heard, differences are down to preference and one's required feature set.
The downside has been mentioned by Micro. Digital is moving fast and obsolescence is a dark shadow that is always looming. It is only a problem however for those that aren't satisfied with the performance of what they have now whatever the DAC's price point.
Just my opinion.