Do DACs Matter? (my experience)

Do DACs matter? This is a question I have been working on answering for a long time. For me, at least, I think I have come to an acceptable conclusion. There are definitely differences between DACs, and you’ll certainly see improvement in sound quality over built-in DACs. I also feel you see improvements up to the typical $100 DACs that are pretty much ubiquitous from all audio companies. After that….
As stated in the video, I have not tried anything real high end yet, so maybe my opinion will change after that, but I am skeptical. I do have a SMSL SU-9 on the way, so look for a review of that in the future.
Here’s some of the DACs I’ve tried / mentioned in the video (affiliate):
SMSL Sanskrit: amzn.to/3bnG4Tn
SMSL M300 mkii: amzn.to/3y4kzRc
SMSL SU8: amzn.to/33zKHFB
Topping E30: amzn.to/3hlvKPi
Modi 3+: amzn.to/3uITpwW
ES100: amzn.to/3obFwVy
Fiio e10k: amzn.to/3hhMBT9
Fiio K5 Pro: amzn.to/3w12D89
Micca Origen G2: amzn.to/3frS3AD
Cheap Behringer: amzn.to/3vTQ0f0
Cheap Optical: amzn.to/3oc7GzL
Chord Mojo: amzn.to/3tDT39O
Here’s links to some headphone amp comparisons I’ve done:
Solid State Comparison: • Solid State Amp Showdo...
Hybrid Tube Amp Comparison: • Hybrid Tube Amp Compar...
As usual, I’d also recommend looking for used options at:
Head-Fi: www.head-fi.org/
HifiGuides: forum.hifiguid...

[@theonlyegg]

Chord has got everyone believing that box is filled with unicorn farts.

[@feeateruwu3216]

man the most honest content ive been looking for weeks

[@starker1971]

Thank you for this. On a FB computer build group, a guy was insisting that I run an external DAC in order to avoid noise. I wasn't very convinced my expensive motherboard would have introduced noise to the audio. I have an Aiyima T9 pro, so I decided to do a comparison. I did not find any noise. Thanks to your video here I did an other test to try and notice a difference in sound performance. Yes the DAC in my Aiyima sounded better than my motherboard's DAC. This is a bummer since the mother board has a series of outputs intended to support 7.1. Once again my 2-channel stereo wants aren't playing nice with my surround sound wants. Now I am torn between getting a needed preamp for the 3.5mm variable AUX output of the Aiyima so I can fee the other preamp side of my other Chinese amps. I have been getting multiple amps to support AUX 3.5 to amp then to passive speakers. This is great fun to do speaker comparisons and weens me off the poor powered speaker products made for computers. I can optionally get a lead DAC for the conversion directly from the PC's optical. Depending on the product chosen, this may also require a downstream pre-amp. It never ceases to amaze me how often the audio product market never seems to offer features you want, with good quality and reasonable price. Why can't they all sound like my Sansui 2000. The disease of FOMO is real. I don't recommend exploring unless you are ok with wanting things :)

[@raylow304]

Always appreciate an honest review!

[@Simsonlover222]

features and connections was exactly why i choose the dac that i choose... and because it mets my standards but having a remote with switchable channels, headphone and speakers seperated channels, mute, volume control with remote... really looking forward to it

[@bleucosmo]

Just received my SA-1 today, I paired it to my SMSL SU-8s....and got blown away. My Focal Elegia, 6xx and even iems like Blessing 2Dusk, 7z Timeless all played on high gain and balanced cables just revealed themselves. I don't think I would have such a high degree of improvement with an upgrade to the Schist Bifrost and my SMSL SH-8s. Can't wait to introduce the SA-1 to a "worthy" dac.

[@Strngboy]

Be interesting to see you compare the sigma delta dacs with a mulitbit like the Mimby. I have one and would say this one changes the conversation between comparing dacs. Great video and keep them coming

[@MrAyrit]

Well, I can't say I'm quite clear on exactly what isn't sigma/delta yet. I was under the impressions that both the Mojo and my Deckard use their own discrete designs, but I didn't notice much difference from them to the other typical AK / ESS stuff.

[@drewmorg.]

Went from UMC22 Behringer DAC line out to my Magni to power my Edition XS and DT 770 pro 80ohm to a Modi -> Magni and besides the very obvious power jump (1v vs 2v) I did pick up some small differences. What I can say is every sound that comes out now (regardless of headphones) sounds more "interesting". As if every noise whether it is faint or in your face has more overall punch and definition to it. Movies illustrate this well. I went back and forth A-B testing to the UMC22 headphone output on its own (at reasonable volumes so it was not distorting) and I would describe the more complex sounds as "crushed" when listening to the UMC22 alone. Things also have more separation in the sound stage between the 2 and noises transition from side to side a little more decisively when using the Stack. If you want to get the best out of your headphones I would say it's necessary. Also objectively the white noise floor is much lower and I think anyone can appreciate that when listening at higher volumes.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Good advice. I think you have the direction right- Headphone first, then amp, and always with your sources in mind...which might be analog.

[@leninreddy]

Just found about your channel. Enjoying your content. Subscribed. Keep the good work man. Means a lot

[@MrAyrit]

Welcome. I appreciate the kind words.

[@kalihipalama1762]

Appreciate your upload and testing of your repertoire of DACs. I own the red Behringer and would like to know if you think it has a phase heavy echo sound compared to the $100 DACS. Thanks much!!!

[@Coneman3]

Some say it’s the DAC chip, some whether delta signs or r2r. I suspect it’s mostly how well it is designed.

[@thevindictive6145]

I got the He400se with the Fiio k5 ess both for 150 bucks. Now i am aiming for the hifiman edition x, for the next upgrade. But gonna wait for a year first and learn more on hifi set ups. Still havent even got my amp yet and already planning for upgrade. Plug the he400se directly to the PC, was barely audible. DAC amps is a MUST.

[@msd5808]

I think I can hear a very minor difference between my old Sony PHA-1 and my Apple USB-C adapter, but it might just be a difference in output impedance and channel balance. The Sony sounds slightly smoother and more "laid back." Apple sounds slightly clearer or sharper.

[@runorrunor5957]

From my experience I put things in such order: 1. The very music record 2. Speakers 3. Room 4. DAC etc P.S. I am in love with my Modi 3😍

[@flipandgame431]

Amplifier??

[@FabioKasper]

I only hear differences in DACs when I compare (any sample) against that $10 Prozor. Same form factor you had in the video. For others, specially after level matching, I still can't hear a difference. Will keep trying.

[@Khulu6061]

I have the same problem too, the expensive DAC aren't supposed to be worth that much. I don't even know what to consider in buying a DAC.

[@TC-bz8sm]

Thanks for sharing and appreciate your straightforward no hype styles! I’d like to start the journey , after reading your hardware reviews, I got a probably ignorant question, I only use iPhone AAC files （as I bought hundreds of songs from iTune） does it make sense to get a dad amp combo , even your favorite Cayin RU6 , would that make a significant upgrade on the sound /Soundstage for lossy files?

[@simpsonbergman2185]

If you get to try a multibit DAC I will be interested in your impression. I never heard any of those and I'm considering that.

[@MrAyrit]

I’m sure I’ll get one at some point.

[@Kumodot]

I have one of those Cheap $30 ones and i am using the SPDIF from my MOBO to it and to a pair of Rokit5. And I am hearing pops when i use some of my other usb devices. Do you think a better dac would possibly fix it ? (I know it's hard to know)

[@jimis3167]

Recently I upgraded from Topping NX4 to Ifi hip dac and It's quite worthed It I can say..

[@MrAyrit]

Good to know. I just picked up a Fiio Q1 Mkii for $35. I thought it would be worth testing out for that price.

[@corolex]

How does a Playstation 5 dac compare?

[@ironsienna]

Everything depends on the resolution of the rest of your system.

[@MrAyrit]

Unless the DAC is the bottleneck, which is definitely possible

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

Have any plans to review Hifiman Ananda??

[@MrAyrit]

It’s definitely on my list, but it’s hard to say if/when it will happen

[@SlippstersVideos]

I have the Sony NW A55 Walkman, and a pair of 1More Quad Driver IEH, the sound is weak; I don't have a headphone amp yet, guess I need one? Suggestions? I am new to all this, your video is extremely insightful, answered many ?'s I have seen a few of these on amazon, thinking "wtf are these? do I need one? " "How much should I spend?" I have folders full of flac's, and i can convert cd's to flac, I am exploring the whole HI-RES AUDIO / SOUND thing, and any point in ripping CDs to 24/96? or stay 16/144? and so called Hi-Res content can only be purchased correct? too many questions? heh...lol (this is for nice audio on my bike rides) I use Soundcore Liberty Pro 2 and 3 (Ldac) Bluetooth True Wireless ear phones and want to step it up. edit later that day: ok settled on this one.. FiiO BTR5-2021 Receiver Bluetooth5.0 Headphone Amp Hi-Res 384K/32Bit Native DSD256 USB DAC Supports LDAC/aptX HD CVC 8.0 for Phone/PC/Car/Home Audio(Comes with Type-C to Lightning Cable)

[@MrAyrit]

Okay, I'll try to answer most of your questions. I'm surprised that the A55 wouldn't be able to push those IEMs. It doesn't put out a ton of power, but typically IEMs don't require much. If you are going to get an amp--do you want it to be portable, or is it just going to live at your desk? Then, I can make some recommendations. Also a budget would be good. A good place to start usually is a Modi/Magni stack (I think the IEMagni is a great starting point). If you need portable, that's a bit of another discussion. I personally don't worry too much about high res, but others have quite different views on that. I stream for convenience, and I use KZbin music which isn't super high res, but I pay for KZbin Premium, so it just makes sense. My understanding is cd quality is set at 16 bit, so ripping it at a higher bit rate isn't going to really gain you anything--you can't add information that isn't in the source. Most streaming services are currently offering pretty high res stuff at very affordable prices, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Tidal, Qobuzz--all stream in very high res. If you want to do an experiment, check this test out with your current gear and see if you can pick out the difference (I don't do well on this test): www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/06/02/411473508/how-well-can-you-hear-audio-quality

[@ForeverYoung007]

What is the latest dac you have settled on to feed your CTH? Also is your CTH still your go to preferred amp?

[@MrAyrit]

I am fortunate enough to have gotten my hands on a Bifrost 2. Deckard is now my preferred amp.

[@ForeverYoung007]

@@MrAyrit Nice hopefully you can put out a review on it. Does the bifrost 2 live up to the hype and would you say its worth its 600 ish price?

[@MrAyrit]

@@ForeverYoung007 there’s definitely a question of value, but if you can swing it, the short answer is “yes”

[@mtnmankeith9069]

Is there a big jump up going from a schiit magni 3+ to Asgard 3?

[@MrAyrit]

Noticeable yes, big is subjective. I think it’s worth it. You can by a used A3 for $150 if you keep an eye out. Magni from Schiit will be $120 after shipping.

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

Which is more necessary for audio dac or amp?? When you have only 100 bugs. Or dac amp combo like e10k..

[@MrAyrit]

Not a big fan of the e10k. I’d say amp for sure. Some of it would depend on what headphones you’re using / want to use in the future.

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

@@MrAyritplease recommend some budget amp

[@MrAyrit]

@@towsifshahriarshovo I liked the ifi Hip DAC, but I’d also say if you can stretch your budget to $150, then you can look for a used stack: Schiit, JDS, Liquid Spark.

[@Remo860]

Have you done a double blind test?

[@MrAyrit]

Nah, my wife doesn’t have the interest to help me out with something like that.

[@castro619a]

From Fulla 2 Dac only to SMSL su-8s was a night and day difference. I don’t know the su8s vs another $200dac is significant

[@r00s.]

DACs DO Matter! R2R DACs are amazing, IMO! In my experience, you have to step up to the $450 to $500 to start to hear bigger differences. And R2R compared to Delta-Sigma chips is pretty noticeable. Bifrost 2 is amazing! Keep trying! I have a Gungnir MB DAC and will NEVER give it up, only upgrade it!

[@MrAyrit]

The Bifrost 2 has been on my list for a long time--that's just a big trigger to pull! I actually was able to just get a really good deal on an SU-9, and am testing it now. I'll have a video on it at some point.

[@simpsonbergman2185]

What r2r DAC do you suggest in the $450 to $500 range?

[@r00s.]

@@simpsonbergman2185 A used Bifrost 2 from somewhere like head-fi.org.

[@joshswanedits]

@@MrAyrit What were your results on the SU-9? Ive got a ifi zen dac and SH9 amp - thinking of completing the SMSL stack, worth it??

[@katerinaplockova6092]

#DACLifesMatter :DDD

[@samyt681]

snake oil scam

[@MrAyrit]

Care to elaborate?

[@Khulu6061]

​@@MrAyritidc, it's stupid to buy an expensive DAC without the knowledge of the DAC itself that still a mystery and no YT succeed in explaining it so far.

[@nicktaylor7680]

Do DACS matter? do amps,speakers,network switches, routers,cables,power supplies matter? the answer is all of the above if you are interested in sound quality!

[@arijitgayen644]

You can't hear the difference because you are using a source i.e a desktop or smart device which has a inbuilt shitty dac which is nearly impossible to bypass. Use a stand alone device from cowon or sony or cayin nokia 5800 xm and will surely spot the difference between noise and sound.