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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 2 responses by oldhvymec

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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Funny, I was looking at a system I use. I use a 5 dollar, flee market Galaxy SIII phone for the source and the DAC.

I go in and listen to, the Mac C2500 or a Krell I use in the basement.

Is there a difference? Man oh man. HELL NO!!, 


Just kidding, big time difference. The Krell skinned the pants off the Mac
until I did some work. Tube roll or two, and an op Amp swap. Krell is very clinical. Mac is..... Mac...

Just so you know none of them come close to my C20 in the analog world. Good yes, great, NO! That C20 is killer..Samra Touch...

Regards
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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I agree there is a bunch of hoop-la. There is some differences in sampling rates and such with Mac gen 2 dacs.  It had something to do with SACD sample rates, and the DACs ability to use ALL of it. 
Macs second gen Dac addresses that along with their, $$$$$$$$$$
Transports.
Someone will clear it up.. To rich for my blood. I'll stick with my (ES) Sonys, thank you very much. I love the bang for the buck and the house sound of the TWO, Sony and Mac..Gen 1 Dacs, both fine by me..

Regards
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