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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 3 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
4,458 posts
 
I am in the get a transparent DAC camp as @djones51 mentioned.

I got a Benchmark DAC3B which I was going to use as a DAC on my lesser bedroom system. I was going to get a much costlier DAC for my office system. However, when I added the DAC3 to the Benchmark HPA4 preamp in the office system I was of the opinion that changing this sound signature would be foolish and costly on my part. It sounded great and transparent.

My speakers are going to determine the tone of my system. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,458 posts
 
The GAIA can even accept multiple inputs, so a many-2-many distribution point.

My interest in it is to try different DACs into the system while comparing against my reference Benchmark DAC3B. These DACs would not measure the same so their will be sonic differences.
yyzsantabarbara
4,458 posts
 
@djones51 Have you paid attention to the new Denafrips GAIA DDC unit that recently came out. From a connectivity stand point it would be very convenient for me. A single Sonore microRendu connected to a GAIA which is then connected to a multiple DACs which as connected to separate preamp inputs. That is the convenience part for someone that is looking to get a few DACs into the system. I wonder about the claims of sonic improvements.

I have the Benchmark DAC3B. Looking to add the Audio Mirror Tubadour SE, and maybe something else if I win a lottery. Any opinions on the GAIA?
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