Yes, it is without proper controls and that’s where funding is needed. As I see it, this poll about opinions based on listening experience is highly subjective and unscientific. Is the jury still out there given majority here can still hear differences between well measuring DACs? What’s the plan going forward?
The majority are not saying they can hear differences (some only "think" they can) in sighted comparisons where we know psychology plays a huge part. I would trust the measurements. After all, if there were significant changes in sound (more, "punchier" bass etc) that would show up in the measurements.
Also note the rather large minority who say "not sure" or that there are no audible differences. these people match closer with what the measurements are telling us.
That’s fine with interpretation and nuances. The bottom line, would those who have voted here (>140) be willing to make some contributions to purchase Topping/SMSL DAC for listening tests, no? I am happy to contribute $200
No I wouldn't, because there's no guarantee listening tests would be done properly and we all live all over the world. Also I don't have a spare £200 for such a thing.
Yes that is a complete chinese DAC list. All chinese manufacturers. I paid 100 Euro for mine without listening tests, reading papers in psychology or the need for diyaudio.com expert opinions (their products are not on the list). In this case I read the stuff on ASR after I bought it. So it was in fact the absolute horror of buying without any information (exactly as I bought all the others before it 🙂)!!!! It is just very good and does what it needs to do. It is used for music (the goal) and switched off when I am done. Satisfied customer. The next one would have been D6s if the current one would not be so good. Maybe I will try it anyway as it measures number 19 on the list. Love the underdogs.
There will be better measuring ones out there but at what price? A factor 6 or 10? Do I hear that few dB improvement? I get the impression that the immense success of relatively cheap but good chinese DACs invokes some kind of jealousy. Turn that jealousy in a joint effort project and prove you can offer members a better device.
There will be better measuring ones out there but at what price? A factor 6 or 10? Do I hear that few dB improvement? I get the impression that the immense success of relatively cheap but good chinese DACs invokes some kind of jealousy. Turn that jealousy in a joint effort project and prove you can offer members a better device.
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My diy DAC costs about 350 EUR but it has only brand-name components bought from Mouser with single quantity prices + VAT (Ok, the IPS display, volume knob and SMSL remote control came from Aliexpress). But it is 100% my own design and making it was both fun and a learning process. As a hobbyist I'm not competing with Chifi so the jealousy argument is lost on me.
Who said you were addressed to?
About your DAC. How many versions did you make in total to get where you are now? Add all costs up. Not wanting to bring down fun and learning DIY endeavors (tell me!) but maybe it is wise not to do that to chinese DACs either.
As a member there is not a single benefit for me reading that chinese DACs are only so so when there is no alternative offered. Maybe skilled DIYers do not compete with Chi-Fi but Chi-Fi does certainly compete with skilled DIYers 😀 Chi-Fi competes even with the whole audio sector as we have known it.
About your DAC. How many versions did you make in total to get where you are now? Add all costs up. Not wanting to bring down fun and learning DIY endeavors (tell me!) but maybe it is wise not to do that to chinese DACs either.
As a member there is not a single benefit for me reading that chinese DACs are only so so when there is no alternative offered. Maybe skilled DIYers do not compete with Chi-Fi but Chi-Fi does certainly compete with skilled DIYers 😀 Chi-Fi competes even with the whole audio sector as we have known it.
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This particular DAC is 3rd PCB revision. As I'm frugal I reuse every component I can so most of the added cost comes from PCB orders (maybe 10 EUR each).
This DAC by @bohrok2610 already measures very well and it will be interesting to know how it compares (sound wise) to similar Chinese brands
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