Could be. Might not be too.
Ive gotten the impression, most if not all of the manufacturers of whatever, out there have a pretty good idea of how to assess their products value. Much of the time. I also feel many of them are in dire need of a mental health professional, not a CPA,, in this regard. I think they take what is a good price and double it or add some unknown levy upon it and see if it flys or falls sometimes.
Be that as it may
Theres no question there are always going to be those items made which will be sold only to the uber-rich. The One per centers. I think my gripe if I am too gripe, is the majority of high end manufacturers are not ALL in that category, yet they want to be so included.
Consequently they generate, after some time of being wwell received and having gained a widespread wave of respect for their innovations their reference and statement efforts for said club membership. Any number of these no holds barred devices lay claim to great accolades and withstand the test of time quite well. The digital domain doesnt fare quite so handily with respect to the time coefficient. Nor do these past efforts, digitally speaking, remain of a charitable spirit to those who paid dearly for them when new.
The bleeding edge. of life has a premium all to its own.
As the sound of any piece we attempt to by is always key, theres going to be lots of good to great sounding DACs left over, in spite of the hurried pace digital has been geared to for some years now. The resale cost of these dated DACs I think has more to do with a skewed owners devotion or financial attachment, than to its actual performance. Some folks paid top buck for their gear and are therefore severely attached to it, albeit at the loss of perhaps a prudent perspective. When it comes time to part with it later.
But then wwere back to the sound of a thing. If performance is keyed to resolution and detail only, theres a wealth of DACs about which will provide more for less currently than just five years ago. Easily.
For myself, the issue rests a bit further along the trail. Sound quality WITH resolution and detail is what Id expect of a DAC today, as seen from a whole system viewpoint.. Which means the needs of the assortment as steered by my own preffs, dictate a piece doesnt have to ALWAYS have all 3 characteristics firmly in hand for me to either buy it, or keep it.
Happily the sound associated with initial digital component releases has also matured handsomely.
I suspect whats being seen in the preowned DAC sales market are those initially purchased SOTA items which now are seen as arguably over valued by their sellers. I mean after all, were not talking about A two seater Shelby 428 Cobra, V 12 Duesenburg, or Boat tailed Bugati which continue to appreciate in price!
Those days are these days too. There are folks that are spending tons on finding the debateable best way to integrate digital into their stereo systems right now, and in just two or three years, somebody will improve upon the current SOTA DACs. Will that make todays converters any less of a performer? I dont think so.
Add in the flav of the month flock, and the digital wheels begin to smoke so fast they are turning. I think one has to, as with computers or even audio gear in general, get in where and when they fit in. Current tech, previous tech, bleeding edge or vint-edge and if you wind up with a great souhnding rig, and arent a driven human doing, and rather a human being, all will be well for a long, long, time for you.
As long as a DAC is still supported, interests me or just wows me, and has affordability Id not have a problem considering it. Though like many I feel the digital wheels are moving faster than ever before so Im quite likely to be more mindful of those units made within just a few years, or those which have been factory updated to current standards first . But who knows what deal one will run across?
I imagine someone will say theyd put $$$$$$ into a 5 year old statement DCS DAC, for example, than maybe the same amount into a current other brand DAC.
Id answer the Ops Q as Mostly to the point of diminishing returns, thereafter its all about chocolate or strawberry.