What defines the quality of a DAC?

The difference in quality between the cheapest DAC and the most perfect DAC is enormous, provided you use a high quality playback system. But what makes the most perfect DAC the most perfect?

Relevant videos:
Syntaxx ICON power supply: not reviewed

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[DouglasPneuma]

Hanz, I just want to thank you for these videos. I'm just getting into hifi. I learned about external DACs just a few years ago. While I likely can't afford the products you mention, your explanations of basic concepts, and what works and doesn't, is helping me to better understand how digital audio works and is translated from and to analog domains.

[b]

This will be a reference video for quite some time. Thank you Hans.

[timolatimor-leste]

Excellent video Hans....Your hard work shows in the results, we are lucky to have you!

[NickP]

Thank you very much for this video, Hans. I’ve strictly had a turntable as a source for aprox 30 yrs, but am very interested in finding a good DAC to add to my system, and this vid was extremely helpful.

[hugobloemers]

I learned more in this video than all the reviews about DACs I have seen together.

[mikelm]

Good explanations - thanks. Two things come to mind . . . 1) Ladder DACs tend to be less affected by jitter than Delta Sigma DACs which is one of the reasons that they can sound better than DS DACs. 2) Most power supplies both pollute the mains supply with noise and are affected by mains borne noise. Adding power supplies for each piece of equipment that are designed to not pollute the mains supply as well as being as immune as possible to noise on the mains supply will tend give the best subjective results.

[michelvalois]

Hanz, you're lovely, smart and brilliant! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with humility. You explain and democratize audio technicality so well! Thanks!

[blainerivera]

One of your best videos. In fact, I watched it twice. I not only enjoyed the technical but connected with the steps you have taken to make your system better over time. I reflected on my own path while I was watching. What a great watch!

[petermoller]

Thank for the most informative video on DAC's I have seen on youtube.

[cesartemio]

I am so glad I found your channel. Very technical yet educational. It makes buying decisions easier in this age of online shopping. More power to you!

[hantenharkel]

Dank je wel Hans, ben erg blij met jouw verhelderde uitleg! Leuke les hoor!..

[pianoman]

most concise and understandable explanation ive ever seen. thank you so much

[robertshorthouse]

Thank You for the continuing education.

[hawkins]

Thanks for the explanation, particular the part about jitter.

[sarsedacn]

Thanks for the video Hans. Very well presented as usual. Clear-cut presentation.

[jesuscostantino]

Your wisdom is appreciated. Thank you.

[clintonwalker]

Hi Hans, One has to listen 👂 well to your sometimes technical reviews, so so interesting well done mate. My DAC is CHORD TT, with my Aries G2, it would be great fun to try other DAC’S. Look forward to next Friday, thanks Hans.

[aceofspades]

13:07 lololololololol Hans dropped a bombshell at the end! Was a lovely way to end a great segment of content. I wonder if Hans has been watching Stradman?

[MohrMi]

Another great video. Thanks, Hans. A review of R-2R DACs like Denafrips Aries would be great.

[manardh]

Everything sounds different. I know. Great job on the video.