Does a DAC need a large/strong power supply?

Even if you do a comparison between two DACs--one with a huge power supply and one without, how do you attribute any difference in sound, if there is any, to the power supplies when everything else is different?  The entire design and implementation matters. 

It really comes down to the ASR measurement-is-everything approach vs. subjective listening.  I can think of nothing better for showing how little measurement really tells one about a DAC than going to an Audio Note dealer and listening to something like a DAC 5 (or any of their lesser DACs).  The Audio Note DACs measure so poorly, deliver waveforms that are almost totally unrecognizable from sine waves, that they should not be able to produce any music at all.   Do the audition and tell me if that is what you hear.

@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

@charles1dad ,

Very well stated. Ones needs measurements to get you there and listening to refine and perfect it. To disparage the second half of the equation is downright silly and exposes those who do so as trolls, as this one ably demonstrates.

All the best,
Nonoise

+2 @charles1dad ​​​​@nonoise 

@koestner

You ask a good question - but I think ultimately what you’ve come across is a case of people dismissing (or perhaps minimizing) the performance of a component under the misguided notion that price or fancy parts is an indication of how a piece of gear performs.

So why does an inexpensive component measure well? Adhering to good engineering and design principles most likely. What about all the hubbub over different power transformer types, discrete circuits and custom digital filters? It’s really all just marketing in the end.

If you decide to compare the Yggy to something like the Topping D90 SE, then I highly suggest removing this type of psychological priming through a blind test. You can draw inspiration from this Wikipedia article on ABX testing. Not knowing which source you’re listening to (and probably keeping your eyes closed) during testing helps you to judge solely on sound quality. Don’t forget to pay attention to the section labeled ’Confidence’.