Does a DAC need a large/strong power supply?

But how do we know that it’s better, and not just ‘feel’ like it is better?

It would be great if we knew how to

This is why I am an advocate of listening. My Pro-Ject RS2T CD transport comes with a SMPS wall wart. I have to say well implemented due to the very high quality of sound. Yet, when I replaced the SMPS with a Fidelizer Nikola II LPS there was an undeniable improvement in the sound quality. So a transition from very good to superb.

Charles 

My point of emphasis is not so much the “large” as it is the “quality “ and strength of the power supply. Yet, if there are those who feel that cheap and less robust power supplies are all that’s necessary, no problem. To each their own.

Charles

@avanti1960

The analog amplification circuitry is typically very minimal in inexpensive DACs. This is where the opportunity is to greatly improve the sound quality. The best DACs and CD players for example pay much more attention to the analog amplification section circuitry. This is where the large power supply enters the picture (the best use low noise r-core transformers, e.g. Luxman) in addition to filtering and storage capacitor banks. Look under the hood !

Spot on! Factual and well stated. High quality power supply and analog sections are critical and what separates the wheat from the chaff with regard to the sound quality of the DAC.

This in my opinion is very obvious if one were to actually listen and compare. Despite their impressive test bench measurements, the inexpensive DACs just don’t offer the same high quality of sound. Corners are being cut to maintain the cheaper price point. A price is paid for the significant compromise.Again, just listen.

Charles

But when two units can both be shown to measure well, then it is doubtful that there is a lot left to hear

 

I understand this is your experience. I “very “ respectfully disagree.
Charles

@holmz 

I don’t think it works that way, unless maybe one brings their own ear phones.

The room and the music have a huge effect, so the idea of being able to AB with an hour or two of time is not going to happen

I am afraid that I don’t follow your reasoning. If he were to purchase the inexpensive DAC, he owns it. He can then do comparative listening over what ever period of time he chooses. There’s no better way than direct comparison in one’s own audio system.

Charles

@nonoise 

Astute observation!

I enjoy open discussion forums and the various opinions and points of view. Perspectives I do not agree with can nonetheless be stimulating and thought provoking. Needless to say I suppose is that we all have our limits. In my case I hold little regard for those who display a glaring disregard (Mocking) for the gift of hearing and concentrated listening. We are endowed with this very special and vital sense for a reason.

When measurements are revered and reliance on hearing is dismissed or sneered upon, something is vastly out of kilter.Audio components are sought for the single purpose of hearing them perform as intended, listening to recorded music. Why is this activity for some, downplayed and replaced with infatuation with numbers and instrument derived test results? How is this possibly of more value than using one’s own ears? Not scientific enough ?

Both have value and measurements have meaningful application. In my opinion the listening process to judge audio merit has far greater significance.

Charles

@koestner

It was an honest question. I am very confused by ASR loving these cheap DACs. My Yiggy has a very large PS and sounds great. My interest is curiosity as to how these $300 to $600 dacs test so well and have very low noise. I believe they have small power supplies due to the tiny sizes of these units. I don’t have an "ASR Bias", just wondering if we’re all paying too much.

Are you paying too much?
Easy to determine if you have confidence in your listening ability. You own a DAC which you say sounds great. Presumably it has a high quality well engineered power supply. Why not buy one of the inexpensive excellent measuring DACs touted by ASR and “listen” to it and compare to your DAC.

I am a firm believer in the quality of power supply and parts matter significantly and separate the good components from the not so good. If you find the frequently praised low-cost (Well measuring) DACs to equal your more expensive one, then you could make the argument that you overspent.

personally, I would be surprised if this was the outcome. But in this scenario, it’s your ears and your audio system. Just do comparative listening.

Charles