big DACs vs dedicated desktop dacs - when does it matter?

[guyinoz]

Hi, I noticed that the "big DAC" and "dedicated desktop DAC" are two separate categories. Sorry if this is a dumb question but what is the difference? I want to input my bluesound node 2i using its coax digital output into a better DAC and output to a NAD 375 BEE amp. Does it make a difference if i use a"big DAC" compared to a "dedicated desktop dac" if both of them have a coax in and a RCA out ? (I have read the 2V vs 4V output thread which was illuminating but seems like a different consideration). Thanks in advance.

 

[Nationalizer]

It's what's inside that matters (and if you can stick it where you need it). What DAC models are you comparing?

 

[guyinoz]

Ok great thanks. so i understand thats what inside that matters, so there are quality differences irrespective of their categorisation. but in terms of being able to plug them in there is no difference? thats good to know

 

[Nationalizer]

How they are built is what matters, the quality inside. Make sure you get the features and inputs / outputs you need. Other than that, size doesn't matter.

 

[guyinoz]

thanks very helpful

 

[FooYatChong]

Big dacs just look more like traditional hifi components, often with build in power supply.
It's not about quality, just looks.

 

[pozz]

It's not about quality, just looks.

Yup. No other rationale.

 

[Eirikur]

How they are built is what matters, the quality inside. Make sure you get the features and inputs / outputs you need. Other than that, size doesn't matter.

As you implicitly say: size can matter. Physically separating digital from analog sections and both of them from the power supply in a sensible way will help to keep noise away. Metal barriers lined with mu-metal can shield both internal and external interference - it all takes space!

 

[guyinoz]

Thanks, that’s helpful to know.

 

[daftcombo]

It doesn't matter at all. Perhaps shops make two categories according to the price.

The DAC in a high-end CD player is smaller than any desktop DAC you'll meet.

 

[guyinoz]

As you implicitly say: size can matter. Physically separating digital from analog sections and both of them from the power supply in a sensible way will help to keep noise away. Metal barriers lined with mu-metal can shield both internal and external interference - it all takes space!

So does keeping the noise away translate into additional benefits beyond what’s been measured? Or the measurements capture effect of everything including power supply?

 

[pozz]

The biggest by size was probably Audio-gd NFB-27.38. Showed terrible performance.

It really depends how they're put together.

 

[pozz]

So does keeping the noise away translate into additional benefits beyond what’s been measured? Or the measurements capture effect of everything including power supply?

The measurements will show the effects. Look at the FFT plot around 60Hz and its harmonics, although it's also possible that there might be a lot of high frequency junk if the DAC relies on a switch-mode power supply.

 

[guyinoz]

Thanks all, very helpful and feel I have learnt a lot