Enter the modern hifi world. Try this test.

HiBy FC1 vs. just about any modern or vintage DAC out there. 

Cost? Just around 20 dollars or so.

I doubt anyone will be able to tell a difference with their system. 

Let’s assume  the following case scenario: 

1. same speakers

2. same cables 

3. same amplifier 

The test:

Use a 3.5mm cable to RCA or balanced in to your preamplifier or integrated amplifier on a spare input. 

basically, it’s 2v plus a little extra mw, designed to drive headphones. 

If anything it’ll be a bit louder than your system, but fundamentally, you won’t be able to hear any difference between it and any solid-state DAC out there in terms of resolution, detail, timing, or instruments/vocals clarity.

Why? Because digital audio has advanced to the point where we are at its limits, and can shrink down the electronics this small, without sacrificing anything. Just look at how far computers and smartphones have come. Audio reproduction is no different in the digital domain.