What to look for in a DAC

[odizcvw]

It comes down to 3 factors.
1. Does it do what you need it to do?
2. Do you like the sound?
3. Can you afford it.

[computerfreakch]

I'm an electronics engineer and an audio enthusiast - and I find Paul's answer very convincing. Same goes for the approach they took at PS Audio to building a great non-compromise DAC solution: while over-sampling solves most issues with phase distortion in the output filters, the FPGA makes it powerful, very flexible and future-proof - making a great value for the customer. I feel inspired.

[georgeanastasopoulos]

From another excellent video I have finally decided to get myself a PS Audio DAC! Thumbs up. Thorough explanation, and enlightening, Paul.

[tee-jaythestereo-bargainph]

I upgraded my modi 3 dac with the iFI I power supply and I couldn't believe the difference in sound then added AQ cables rca and toslink and for all tolD of 238.00 bucks total for all amd it sounds amazing !!! It beat out my first dac that's was 400 bucks sounds twice ad good ! Power supply and cables matter !! Just dropped my review on it I call it the Mod-E-Aud-E-Fi Dac lol

[gdevelek]

Q: Hey Mr. Manufacturer, how much attention have you put into the output stage?
A: Geez, well, a LOT, let me tellya!

[Sams]

good "audiophile DAC?" ... well how much have you got to spend? dCS makes them at $115, 000 and you'll never hear anything better... or for about 1/20th the price you can get one from PS Audio that's not bad either... but you get what you pay for, and there is a diminishing return on more money spent.

[suzesiviter]

At the end of the day however, audio companies use off the shelf DAC IC's from companies like Analog Devices, Ti and the ilk and so any differences in sound quality is determined by associated support hardware.
Obviously this rule is broken at the true high end as Paul says using FPGA's or DSP processors.

[odizcvw]

Great answer.
Missed the 4th critical component IMHO which is the clock. If you get the rest remotely right, the phase noise of the clock will set the device into a sound quality ranging from irritating digital to SOTA audiophile.

[anthonygordon]

Paul, belatedly catching up with this great description and also at a time I am reviewing my current DAC and considering an upgrade. Part of my review includes reviewing your well designed Directstream DAC including the lower priced GainCell DAC. I agree that the output stage is very important. Cheers Tony

[alialamri]

I really don't get it.. Very diplomatic answer!

[isettech]

The biggest problem I have had in the scientific community in precision instrumentation, is not the logic, but the quality of the R 2R ladder. Upsampling is fine and can be fed to an off the shelf PCM type DAC with all the benefits, plus the high precision of a mass produced and very precise R 2R ladder. I'm surprised Paul didn't even touch on this subject.
Paul, are you building the ladders from discrete components or from a resistor network manufacture?
For the best linearity and precision, modern DAC chips are very precise. They handle upscaled data just fine. It is almost impossible to produce an FPGA DAC that can outperform an off the shelf 24 bit DAC produced for the scientific community to their standards. Analog devices products are very difficult to match with discrete components. They are used in the semiconductor industry for positioning the steppers that are used to align layers in a semiconductor IC. Precision is essential in this application.

[mustafasahibzada]

Hi Paul my name is Shuja belong from Pakistan I am vinyl CD LD vintage turntables CD nakamichi cassette players collectors I loved to watch your audio HiFi program because Sir you always give so much wide detail who ever ask you any question about audio HiFi mostly I watch your videos THANKS. FROM SHUJA SAHIBZADA

[Richardhush]

@PS Audio hi, whats the difference between a multibit dac and a balanced dac?

[graxjpg]

I want to hook my receiver up to my DVD player video output which is no problem. Getting that receiver output from RCA to HDMI is the problem..

[teresafactoid]

Just look for a 192 24 DVD player. It blows every one away who hears it with my 1970s amp and speakers.

[angelwars]

Hi Paul do you think a DAC dedicated to either PCM or DSD is a better option than one trying to cover all formats (jack of all trades) ?

[SathishKumar-tkqx]

Hi 👋 Sir, I wanted to buy a good quality DAC for my music systems. I have a pre amplifier and power amplifier Parasound. Which should I buy one. I wanted European make only. I have selected LKS audio MH DA 004. & RME ADI -2 DAC FS. But I don’t know anything about it ?? Please advise me which one ☝️ to buy. Thanks 🙏

[mark]

what about sony's pcm-1? that was an external dac from... 1977. what are your thoughts?

[bedrosdaoudian]

Hi Paul... Thanks for your videos... I actually own one PS Audio Product... The phono preamp GCPH... Just want to say that in this digital age a DAC has become the center of interest for many Audiophiles... I didn't get a lot from the answer you gave regarding the DAC choice... What are the things to look for for example in an output stage... What are specific questions that I can ask the manufacturer about... Thanks again...

[suzesiviter]

Paul; you say you use an FPGA to design a DAC, however obviously the FPGA has a digital interface, how can you use one of those to design a DAC?, unless you are using an output resister ladder network on the pins.