^LOL! I certainly wouldn't say that (unless that was sarcasm and my difficulty detecting it without nonverbals is tripping me up again). The differences are enough that I could probably get 90% above in a blind test given some practise, only it's hardly a night and day affair, as some would proclaim.
Of course, none of these are TOTL DACs. I'll check back in once I get a YggyA2 :P
I'm sure you've been following the 'life after' thread...the differences are there, but they're not always easy to hear. DACs in the same vein are even harder to tell. I only really heard anything when I switched from a borrowed Peachtree DAC itx to my Gungnir DS.
Of course YMMV etc. Either way, enjoy the listening!
@Jinxy245 Mid-fi stuff at best, I regret to inform. Much as I'd love to get my hands on something better, finances are restrictive at the moment (damn school), but better gear is on the list!
To answer your question properly: iFi Micro iDSD, Chord Hugo, and Schiit Bifrost Multi. Latter is my fave, first two are kinda give and take?
I find the differences pretty minimal as well. They're there, but often so minor that I'd only notice if i were directly comparing small bits of music repeatedly. Glad I dumped the DAC nervousa.
Eh, I still plan on getting something endgame sooner or later (probably an Yggdrasil or anything Multibit because I rather like the presentation), just so I won't have any regrets. I consider myself a bit of a tin ear, but the differences' being there when I actively listen for em is reason enough for me to consider :))
Also, as many have stated, the hobby really is about getting the last fraction of a percent's worth of improvement in SQ, or at least getting a system as good as possible given fiscal constraints. I have an easier time justifying improvements from front-end to back, meaning transducers and amp first, then a technically-competent DAC to complement the same. A Bifrost Multibit shall tide me over until I get a better amp :))
Headphones and amps, indeed. My PMx2s are f'ing amazing and the same can be said about Stratus. Thats where big differences can actually be heard.
Just keep the Bifrost Multibit, you are pretty much where you want to be already. I got enchanted by the secrets of NOS but otherwise would call my former Modi Multibit w/ Eitr endgame. Modi Multibit was great regardless of price.
@Magnetostatic_Tubephile Just saw you edited your post! I agree that upgrading DACs after a certain price point (say, Modi Multibit level) is akin to using a set square to make sure that the length of each blade of grass on one's lawn is within a mm of acceptable tolerances, but given my experiences between the iFi/Chord/Schiit (granted, not blind), I feel I may look into it after I sort the front end out a bit more :)
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