It seems to me that the DAC sits at the top of the pile when it comes to product development in the hifi industry. I feel like every turn of the page in our magazines, shows a DAC going in some new direction.
So if I’m right, then why spend end-game money on today’s DAC when tomorrow that technology will be old news?
(I’m defining “end-game” money arbitrarily, let’s pick $30K and up. And way up like the Varese)
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There are hobbyists in audio who like to feel what they have is end game, which is a fantasy. Something better will always come along.
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I can see possible end-game gear in speakers, amps, or even analog gear. But digital? There is no end to it. 
Think more about it there is no endgame in this hobby, only bigger rabbit holes.
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There are some forum members who are well past participating in hifi as a mere hobby. Anxiety, agitation, inner restlessness, lack of impulse control, obsession …a life consumed by hifi.. 
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I chose “hobbyist” feeling it would be less contrarian than “audiophile”, or possibly “nut job”. 
I may have to plead guilty myself on that one.
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End Game for me is I just can’t afford to spend any more money. Hence, I am saving my cash to purchase components and speakers that will be a “one and done” kind of thing.
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…lying on the couch…Yes, Dr Dirk…you describe me perfectly.
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Agreed. Another thing about digital/dacs (in my experience) is the diminishing return. Kinda like cables.
A 2k (especially used dac) can do the job very well. Up to 4k maybe. After that your either buying nuance, sound difference vs quality etc.
After Lampi, Chord, Pass, Aqua etc etc, i have noticed a slew of excellent performers under 4k. Some under 2.
Speakers are very different in my experience. Huge differences…
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Have you spent any time with a $30K+ DAC in your system? If you have not, consider keeping it that way. I have, and I feel like you are enjoying wishful thinking. By all means, carry on! The Grimm MU2, with its excellent DAC would spoil such thinking.
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Heard them yes- demo etc. Had them in my system, no. The 10k and 4k examples I have had compare very similar. However still some, regardless of price do not make the cut. Probably related to the fact we all listen to different qualities.
We all hear different qualities in music. If you are sure you hear something special in a 30k dac then great. Other folks just turn thier fuse 180. Same result. But to each his own. There are as many differences in systems as their are forum members. And for God’s sake, none of us lack for equipment choices regardless of price.
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No but your beliefs allow you to look down on people who believe differently. I have learned that more expensive gear can and frequently does sound better. But rather than look down on you, I am instead, somewhat envious.
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What would be great to see is the PMG stuff come out swinging. 9k is a major expenditure to some and a cable to others, but hopefully the reviews have it compared with dcs or Grimm etc…some excellent potential there!
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That’s not my point at all. I’m sure that state of the art DACs are great. My point is that today’s state O the art DAc will likely be displaced tomorrow by a more state O the arter DAC. Ya know?
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And I don’t look down on anyone. Except cable deniers. Yup cable deniers, ugh.
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This probably a question for Vince: does a silver cable work better than a black cable?
Asking for a friend.
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“If you have to ask…”
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I was sure for years that most any quality cable would do. Just dont go too cheap.
Then i started playing with speaker cables and difference was pretty stark. Im currently using 3 different XLRs and noting the difference. I still figured no way a digital cable would do much but a Stealth USB i tried was pretty awesome.
However im now trying Viablue. A inexpensive cable from Germany and I really like the usb and speaker cables. Great quaility too. Not sure what makes the difference but you can hear it when its done right.
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Silver is brighter. Where have you been???
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I am still searching for the best under-twenty-dollar USB cable. But there are so many to choose from!
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It’s like a needle in the hay stack!
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