Does a DAC need a large/strong power supply?


I see these inexpensive DACs on ASR that get great reviews, but people say they're not that good because of a weak power supply. Is this mostly true? Does a DAC sound better with an overkill power supply?

koestner

Who are we trying to please here, some measuring bot or ourselves?

I measure twice then listen! 😁 LOL

Mike

This forum gives way too much oxygen to ASR. Ignoring them completely is the best way to relegate their thinking to obscurity.

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 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.

 

@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