Digital Drive

Upsamplers, DACs, jitter, shakes and analogue withdrawals, this is it.

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RE: "But IMHO there's not much to be gained above about $1000 or so."

Posted by AbeCollins on December 4, 2016 at 06:07:55:
One of the differences is that a real linestage will likely have multiple analog inputs and connectors (RCA/XLR), input switching, versatile remote control, and cost associated with these features. A basic DAC can still have a good analog output stage but may delete all of the features and cost mentioned above.
I agree that the DACs analog output stage plays a huge role in it's overall sound and I have to laugh to myself when folks put a too much emphasis on needing the latest greatest (or rare vintage) DAC 'chip' itself. The 'best' DAC chip is no guarantee that the DAC is going to sound great or even decent.
I'm sure there are excellent DACs out there for well over $2000 but in my own experience and opinion, one can get an outstanding DAC for much less these days. As with anything audio, higher performance and better sound are not always proportional to higher price. The magazine ratings and ranking systems will try to convince you otherwise. At least that has been the case for me in a number of comparisons not only with DACs but other gear as well.