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What makes a DAC so expensive?

You can buy a Cambridge Audio AXA25 25 Watt 2-Channel Integrated Stereo Amplifier | 3.5mm Input, USB Input for $225, and most DACs seem more costly. 

I'm wondering what it is that makes a Bifrost 2 almost as expensive as an Aegir and 3x's as expensive as the Cambridge product, above. I would have thought an Aegir would out-expense a Bifrost by a factor of two or three. What are the parts that make the difference? 

I'm wondering if the isolated DAC concept is one that comes with a "luxury" tax affixed. Can anyone explain what I'm getting in a Bifrost 2, or other similar product that justifies the expense...?

Thank you.
listening99

Showing 6 responses by jl35

jl35
3,918 posts
 
the dcs stack is incredibly good
jl35
3,918 posts
 
just to be clear, the USB input on the AXA25 and AXA35 are charging ports, and they do not contain an internal DAC...
jl35
3,918 posts
 
like with most stuff, there are some inexpensive products that sound very good, some expensive ones that do not sound very good, but unfortunately the best sounding ones tend to cost a lot...
jl35
3,918 posts
 
I own both the DirectStream and the Ares ll and find the PS significantly better, though the Denafrips is an amazing bargain...that last 10% often costs a lot...on the other hand, I could probably sell the PS and take less of a loss than on the Ares, so actual cost of ownership would be less...before PS started selling direct, their actual prices were way less than list...
jl35
3,918 posts
 
before PS went to manufacturer direct sales, many of their larger dealers sold their gear new for 40% off...no longer the case of course...
jl35
3,918 posts
 
I cannot consider the DCS either, was just lucky to get a long listen to it...
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