Comparing two DACs - One cheap, one expensive
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Wednesday August 27, 2025
David Mellor
David Mellor is CEO and Course Director of Audio Masterclass. David has designed courses in audio education and training since 1986 and is the publisher and principal writer of Adventures In Audio.
@craft-o-matic399 replies to @AudioMasterclass: I have to be honest dear sir. I didn't care for the sound of any of these DAC units. However, if I had to choose one, I would reluctantly choose DAC X.
Really enjoying your channel! I will subscribe as soon as I finish this comment. Thank you!
Lisa
@leosgolf replies to @AudioMasterclass: I listened on a simple macbook air M4 and I thought A & X were the same. The most defining feature for me was a more holographic effect in the clips with the electric guitar section ... the sound simply had exta depth and width to beside me instead of just coming from the macbook ..maybe distortion that I liked more as well.
@hagbard72: B but I could live with A, especially given the prices.
@RetroVHSFest: Listening to files with the YouTube compression is pretty funny
@AudioMasterclass replies to @RetroVHSFest: What's really funny is the number of people who complain about YouTube audio despite me saying exactly this... https://youtu.be/h_fw6QFE4tQ?t=314
@apolloxiii5574: I don't hear any difference, the YouTube compression algorithm and my computer DAC makes everything sound the same, maybe the original soundtracks makes a difference.
@bikeman123: So we are listening to a analogue recording that has been converted to digital and then is played through a dac to convert back to analogue, which is then recorded as an analogue signal and converted to digital then uploaded to youtube who compress it and then we convert it back to analogue on whatever device we use to listen to it. 😂
@SuperDeepfield: X=A=iFi
@andrewstafford-jones4291: I have 4 differnt DAC's at price points up to 3K.
The presentation of all the DAC's is all completely different and the most expensive one is simply in a different class to the others.
Speakers are SCM100ASL (Active) in the latest specification.
@voiceofreason9238: I haven't read any comments. DAC X is the same as DAC A and I determined that SOLELY from listening to the sibilant "s" from the female vocal and comparing . I heard sibilance from DAC B. I'm not sure about this next thing, but I think I liked the piano better on DAC B, the difference is so subtle.
@_TheRealGod: I was hoping for DAC Donald!
@bradtowne2305: Listening to two different DAC's, through the cheap DAC on my laptop is clearly, the way to tell the difference.
@whizzkidd4: I like b
@raypena1516: they all sound good. hard to say which one I like the most.
@michaelgahan2968: I must be blessed bc my DAC on my iPhone streaming to my system with Bluetooth receiver sounds just as good
@chahyadirusli5219: Dac X
@Farhan-xu6rr: Dac B wins, more body, more space between instuments, voice is better and more real, less hursh, i can hear the ambient, enjoyable. The X was Dac A. It's more flat. I didn't even play with my setup. I downloaded and listen from my phone using airpod pro. Hope I'm right
@duaneselby6743: I'm going to say X was Dac A. The music just lacked depth and body; it just felt thin and flat. On Dac B, the music had more depth, was warmer, fuller, and more detailed. Im listening on my Hegel 120 and Focal Stellias.
@bogdanniculescu4941: B the best
@عبدالسلاماحمدعبدالكريم-ص3ك6ج: لا تنفع افضل الاجهزة اذا العيب في التسجيلات في اختلاف بين استدويات التسجيل وكذلك علم مهندس التسجيلات وكذلك كذب الشركات تكذب وتغش
@andreasrochow5170: Once again, I was able to see just how well my DAC and stereo amp work together with the Quadral “Amun X” floorstanding speakers. My favorites in the test were the DAC A and DAC X. May I ask why you don't carry any acoustic bass models in your lineup?
@mariusandvickipessah6535: I have noticed that almost every week there is a new DAC reviewed on YouTube which the reviewer claiming that it’s a huge breakthrough or a game changer . Many times it’s the same company with a minor tweak with a concomitant change in the model number and increased price . Yet there has been almost no mention of Schiit DACs at fraction of the price . The adjectives used to compare the DACS are reminiscent of a menu at an expensive restaurant . I advise checking your amplifier and speaker ohms to make sure you have enough power . Position your speakers properly or invest in a good preamp that would improve the sound of your system better than the DAC and don’t forget decent cables . Great review !!! I agree that the sound of DACS don’t make that much of a difference . I’ve owned a Schiit Yggy for years and I’m in heaven .
@donk1822: I can hear the differences between my Audiolab's various filter options quite easily, I always end up on the optimal transient whenever I've scrolled through them blind, but I can't hear any difference between them, DAC X could be either to my ears.
@NickPuentes: Ultimately, the difference is very subtle, but I think DAC X sounds like DAC A.
@jacquesmertens3369: I have partial hearing loss and I can no longer hear very low or high frequencies. But I think X = A = neutral, dry and B = slightly warmer with a bit of added resonance.
Therefore I assume A (and also X) is the cheaper one, B is the expensive one.
@gianlucabassi8853: My vote for A
@archiemadison764: DAC A sounds more lifelike
@paulstubbs7678: There WAS an analogue 'internet', it was the old analogue phone network - however unsuitable for this use.
I think 'X' was the Douk K5
As for the inversion, it's got to be the internal design of the K5, as lead wise the only one that can do that is a miss wired balanced lead, that I don't think you were using. I used to think this does not matter - as long as both channels match, however I've seen some banter of late on YT telling of the horrors of signal inversion.
In one of my setups I have a cheap plastic combo DAC/ADC where I played with its USB feed (that is also it's power) running it through a filter and a linear 5V power injector - It now sounds WAY better. to the point I am no longer looking to replace it.
Darn, I just noticed this video is 8 months old - Yikes I hate it when YT does that to me.
@jonathanstarr3568: Thank you for this test. Financially speaking, I could only ever afford the first one to begin with and now I will not regret my decision.
@bobc3997: What a ridiculous idea. We're listening to it streamed by low-fidelity YouTube.
@AudioMasterclass replies to @bobc3997: You’re an idiot. I’ll let you figure out why.
@philipw7058: The comparison is infantile and shows no understanding of audio,the more revealing a system is,and if the room has treatments or not, witch will make the room more revealing,that is the criteria for hearing difference’s in audio electronic sound difference’s,this need to compare audio devices is ridiculous,it comes down to topology that the designer implements in his design, all Dacs are not designed equally that’s what makes this video childish and was a waste of my time
@AudioMasterclass replies to @philipw7058: Haha, the classic audiophile snob’s riposte. “Your system is insufficiently resolving therefore anything you say is meaningless”. “Anything I say however is true to the utmost degree, even if I offer no evidence to prove it.” Thank you for the entertainment. I had a good laugh.
@philipw7058 replies to @philipw7058: @AudioMasterclasslike I said childishly answered,the only thing ignorant people can do when they don’t understand anything is to laugh,I guess you think all audio electronics sound the same ,people like you are a joke and I’m the one that got a good laugh and won’t waste my time watching any of your ignorance,go get a better system or get your hearing checked
@alexbucher5179: What comes on top is that hearing a difference doesn't even necessarily help you on your decision. The difference can be positive with certain audio material and negative with another one. As to say there is no loudspeaker or room, DAC, Amp or even an instrument that is universally better in everything. Just different.
@PaulvonKarnten: sounds like dac x is the same as dac a. dac b sounds a bit more airy to me, more room.
@Jarrettfan: I couldnt hear any difference on my phone at all.
@doncampbell1961: I could not tell a difference. I was running through a good dacs on my 7700x motherboard to my amp and eq set up through polk audio speakers. Only thing i can tell you is they were all glorious recordings. funny I enjoyed them more than I should have , lol.
@iSot80: I can hear the difference between these. The easiest to see the difference is to listen the woman vocals.
@MrJohnAW: Sorry if I am rather late to the party. Very hard to tell on my kit, but maybe X is the Valkyrie?
@WispGlitch: I didn't even need to download the .wav files to hear the difference very clearly.
Youtube audio didn't have an impact on the ability to hear the difference.
The difference between the two dacs was clear.
Dac A had higher distortion overall, and had higher peaking on the highs.
Dac B had less distortion of sound overall, but especially handled the higher tones way more effectively.
This gave it a bit more of a clearer sound and made the sound hit your ears a bit "softer" causing less ear-fatigue.
All of the samples together did allow for a better clarification of this, and the MOMENT that track X started playing, I instantly knew that Dac X is infact, Dac A (The Douke).
I then played the samples of both dacs again, only this time I took the same segments and played one, then the other.
This once again verified what I was hearing.
Just having quality headphones is enough to hear the difference.
@dabirdcageofdoom: Sitting in a restaurant using my phone, on mute, I could still easily feel the difference in aura, emanating from the music. Chocolate versus plain vanilla.
I need to get my phone cryo treated. That would be amazing, I bet.
@joeMW284: Should just do a null test and call it a day.
@wapphigh5250: The "other" British Audiophile needs to watch this...
@AudioMasterclass replies to @wapphigh5250: I’ve watched some of his videos. Apparently his wife has very acute hearing. I’m divorced.
@raju365: DAC A is more open and airy, but slightly artificial. DAC B is more closed-in, yet more natural and realistic. DAC X leans toward DAC A’s presentation. This observation is based on listening through my phone speakers on YouTube.
@JohanDee: € 89 is not cheap, try the SMSL SU1, way cheaper... But what about the built in DAC?
@patthewoodboy: if you cant tell the difference , then the expensive DAC had the same cheap audio output
@tubecollector100: i am sorry to say this . i am very suprised that all the music in the test seems to be so low in quality . there is a lot of music uploaded to youtube that sounds a lot better , i really would like to know how this is possible.
@AudioMasterclass replies to @tubecollector100: I don't think that you're sorry at all. I think that you didn't listen to what I said before commenting. Have a shit day.
@tubecollector100 replies to @tubecollector100: @AudioMasterclass my day just got a lot better :) i already suspected that you would not try to upgrade the content of your channel... and do not like to value honest opinion. i do wish you a very nice and sunny day , and your followers much wisdom..
@kevinbentley3790: At first I thought the cheap DAC (A) sounded better and X was the same as the more expensive DAC (B). I heard some warbling (for want of a better word) on B and X. Then I realized I was listening at 1.25 speed. Listening again at normal speed I couldn't tell any difference between the two DACs. Both sound clear and detailed. Personally, I'd 'settle' for the cheap DAC. Will refer to the results on the follow up video now.
@AudioMasterclass replies to @kevinbentley3790: Now everyone will want a warbling DAC.
@kevinbentley3790 replies to @kevinbentley3790: @AudioMasterclass True. Makes me wonder if could obtain crowd funding for a new Hifi company to be named Kazoo Audio.
@jhon33761: A=X . Sounds better in my ears then B. Hope it's the cheap one, cause cheap is all I can afford.
@johnthornton3863: Enjoyed video. However the cynics who say DACs and Amps sound the same, apparently think only speakers are different. Maybe you deny even speakers. You are very wrong. 🔊
@user-if3gv7pt7n: The same audio tracks are so much timewise apart I can't hear a difference ( I can't remember what it was sounding like before)
@1112-LXH: Dac X is Dac A. To me, Dac A is more lively, soundstage and clearly.
@thatguythatdoesstuff7448: I think DAC X is DAC A. And honestly, I liked the drums on DAC A better, but everything else I liked better on DAC B.
@carl-ludwigcombler4088: Listened on the built-in speakers on my MacBook. I think A = X. I like the sound of B the best personally. It sounds more airy to me, especially in the drum part.
@you2ber252: Through youtube the difference is subtle, due to there being a lossy codec in the chain. Even listening to the wav files would not be ideal, since there would be a third DAC in place (the one used to reproduce the files). However even through youtube, to my ears DAC X is DAC A (the cheaper one). As far as my own DACS are concerned, I can definitely tell which one is which by listening to them. The differenece is pretty obvious. I am not a dumb "audiophie", I am a technician. Nevertheless, the difference is pretty clear.
@philmccracken2012: Any kind of mouth sounds always gross me out! When is a microphone obviously right next to somebody's mouth and then you can hear them smacking or whatever you wanna call it. I could never understand ASMR mouth sounds!?
@paulboyce8537: Douk K5 is X. Why? The sound on vocals and acoustic guitar was almost as clear but lacking stage presence further away. Drums and piano sounded very muddy compared.
@jdl8350: I felt Dac X is DAC A which is IFI, and DAC B is the Duke I guess, but I can‘t tell big differences.
@kokopellie: Thanks a lot for all the effort that must have gone into this!
I downloaded the files and imported them into Garage Band to make it easier to compare them. I’m listening to the samples on my Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro headphones through my Schiit Jotunheim 3 DAC/Amp with a mesh card.
I must say that my DAC seems to be doing a great job and appears to be on par with the Douk or Valkyrie when playing the original WAV file. However, there isn’t enough difference (to my 71-year-old ears) to justify the over $500 price difference between the two.
@archiemacdonald553: Cheap dacs expensive dacs its how the whole design is put together buy the manufacturer cheap dacs can sound much better than expensive ones its all about its implemented . I could be wrong but anyway 😂
@hipoint4599: Two words Expectation bias
@Scan_Speak: I bought a well made bit perfect streaming DAC that sounds great. Unless it outdates in features I require or malfunctions, I’m not replacing.
@dougcarmack5426: I don't understand what you are doing.
@dougcarmack5426: How is it regulated between A,B,X? Three dacs or two. If two how?
@dougcarmack5426: Dac B then Dac X - the live "sound"
@xzxzt4: i cant hear the difference
@carlwinslow4175: Its refreshing to the usual ''its a new Dac that will let you hear your music like never before!'' The delta between the tracks are tiny and possibly on heard on really high end rigs with room treatment?
We not all susceptible to the hype are we not?
@madcrabber1113: Love my cheap ears!!
@rocheuro: "only a Duck would know which DAC was which DAC"
@DavidFletcher-m3h: I personally couldn't hear any difference between both DACs...😂
@audiojunkie5435: I can definitely hear a difference but it's nuanced. The instruments sound more natural (realistic) and theirs definitely better dynamics e.g. the smack of the snare skins and bit of decay. A passive listener definitely wouldn't be able to pick out those kind of details and it's definitely not lightyears of difference between the cheap and expensive DACs. I'm listening using DCA E3's through a FIIO K17 combo AMP/DAC if anyone was wondering.
@walabooza642: Maybe I just don't understand how DACs work. But this seem kinda silly test. How can I hear DAC A or B if I listen it with my DAC C from YouTube. How can I hear $1000 DAC quality in my $100 DAC? Maybe next I go test sound of $1'000 speakers on my $100 speakers.
@daddylonglegs2010: PS. The "Noise floor" in my system is inaudible to the extent that my DAC (Arcam IrDAC Mk2) switches off unless there is actually music playing. Is this normal?
@daddylonglegs2010: Stab in the dark, I thought the X DAC was A the Douk. I just swapped a cheap buy great Nobsound Q4 for a second hand Arcam Ir DAC mainly for the extra connections and a remote, but It was deffo worth it as the sound-stage opened up and the phantom center made the speakers disappear even though I use a center channel too. Go figure. Personally I don't want to pay any more than necessary to hear my CD's/PC/TV/BluRay and BT over my system than I have to. I keep links in digital as long as possible then get the DAC to do the rest and RCA it out to the Amp which can accept COAX too, and gives me 5.1 for BluRay/DVD concert disks. It all sounds pretty wonderful to me :) I have a test track from Barbara Streisand called "Windmills of your mind" from the "What matters most" album. The first part of the track is just her vocal and it sounds like she's standing in front of me singing to just me. It doesn't get much better than that. I can recommend the entire album, as it's beautifully produced :)
@dave91863: For the comparison to be valid you have to burn in the douk for at least 700 hours under a full moon using a £1000 linear power supply for the cleanest power, and then for the purest signal you need to use cables made out of real unicorns with 25k gold connectors.
@leeprimeroessler3277: The most shocking thing in this video, was the fact that you used a casio calculator instead of an HP:-)
@AudioMasterclass replies to @leeprimeroessler3277: Don’t worry, I have a TI programmable in my cupboard.
@humanitech: My simple goal with hifi is to try and make all the variables in the music such as good/bad recording, production and playback - sound as engaging and enjoyable to me as possible! I dont care about all the high brow tosh about it being "as the artist, producer or mixer intended" or where I have the latest juju voodoo components or fads! Because its always been a highly compromise and subjective hobby! But I have noticed that some components and circuit topologies sound different in both oisitive and negative ways! As does my hearing and mood! So does it really matter what other people choose to believe, make or waste their money on?
@mysero1188: 8:36 11:15 13:55
@albertabdullayev3108: DAC A better than DAC B
@jebajaj3704: Does this even make sense, since youtube make everything sound shiet anyway?
@AudioMasterclass replies to @jebajaj3704: This is why you should pay attention to the video before commenting.
@jebajaj3704 replies to @jebajaj3704: @AudioMasterclass Well you mention it in the video, does not chance the reality?
@AudioMasterclass replies to @jebajaj3704: The reality is that you could have downloaded the WAV which would not involve YouTube audio. If you choose not to do that that’s up to you.
@jebajaj3704 replies to @jebajaj3704: @AudioMasterclass Sorry, I diden't take notice you are right.
@AudioMasterclass replies to @jebajaj3704: No prob. Take a listen, see what you think.
@frodehokholt3944: On my Hifiman Edition XS, I could easily tell that X is the Douk.
@teseglet: Thanks for this. X is definitely the cheap Duke.
@Androxylo: I agree with this particular example, especially through YouTube. But at home I have several DACs and the difference between them is very large, definitely worth the price difference. There is no such thing as a good DAC under $500, with the current level of technology it's impossible.
@karlos543 replies to @Androxylo: Lol
@guyjordan8201: Apparently I’m a cheap date
All three sounded different so I’m fairly convinced DAC x was a third unit.
@trungnc5487: X=A
@Chris.Davies: The idea that a component can "improve" an audio signal is absolutely true! You can improve the sound by changing the tone controls, and the subwoofer setting for an individual song. Or you can use different digital methods to expand the 2-channel sound to 2.1, 5.1 and in my case, even 7.1. I can add "Flex-Bass" and I can add effects if I like - but a sewer pipe doesn't sound great. :P
Is this improving the sound? Only if you think it sounds better or you enjoy it more by tweaking it.
But, it is self-evident the only thing a component can (ever!) do is faithfully pass along every bit of musical data to the next component without degrading the signal. If it achieves that goal, it is doing its job perfectly well. And this is why we all love great recordings, and why I used to pay premium prices for half-speed masters, and special pressings from Blue Note records. The difference at the speaker end is astonishing. Simply because the normal vinyl media was... poor. This is why we got so excited about CDs!
Recording --> Media --> Room (setup) --> Playback Source --> Amplifiers --> Speakers.
Room and Media might be the wrong way around. But I'm perfectly happy with my room, my setup, and my media. I am so lucky! :)
I'm still assembling other Fosi systems for different locations, and I am having the time of my life while spending very little money. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!
@Chris.Davies: I am in my workshop, on a tiny Windows tablet, using BT to connect to a low quality (but powerful) 5.1 system. It shakes the place nicely, but it is not even slightly appropriate to take your test.
When I am in my study, I will be able to listen via my NAD-based all-analog 7.1 system (Thanks to ASUS Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe!) as well as my dedicated USB-based Fosi ZD3 and mono block ZA3s & M03, and I will also be able to test with my Sundaras being driven by the Fosi GR70 tube amp.
But I am predicting here and now, that on no system will I detect any differences. I'm 60, and while I feel my hearing is top notch, I know that it can't possibly be. And I wonder if this is one reason I am enjoying listening to music again on my new Fosi setups. Is it that my hearing is so bad now, that I can't hear the stuff that used to annoy me?
I guess I will find out in a few minutes!
------------------------------
Edit: Can't hear any difference on any system, any amp, any DAC, or any headphones. That makes me so happy. :)
Because I use the YouTube version of Oscar Peterson Trio's 1964 recording of "You Look Good To Me" from the album "We get Requests", to audition audio gear, and it sounds bloody fantastic on every system I own. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcK6_ezmw6U
Enjoy!
@liambond5653: but this sound is also going through the listener's dac and amp at the end right? so is this test really valid?
@AudioMasterclass replies to @liambond5653: If you can hear differences then yes. If not then the result is uncertain unless the listener has a DAC that is better than the examples. Until someone invents an analogue internet the listener’s DAC will always be a limiting factor.
@captaincrankysdock9730: I thought the Infinity had a tiny bit better transient response and slightly slightly brighter sound. The Douk was a touch warmer. In all samples, I thought the piano sounded like crap. Seriously, you don't have to use all ten fingers at once. Open it up a bit, and try not to hit two keys side by side. Plus, the recording level on the bass end of the piano, was more than a touch north of 0 DB. All that said, I'm not sure I have a right to an opinion. I was listening on a $10.00 pair of Berhinger headphones.
@BlankBrain: I see more comments claiming X=A than X=B. I thought X=A too. But I think it's psychological, not physical. How are musical memories stored, and (how) do they become corrupted? I suspect that critically listening to sounds three minutes apart allows plenty of time for degradation.
@ulrikmortensen9426: X is B I Think😊😊😊
@ulrikmortensen9426: Get on with the test. And fix the hum in your right channel, audio professional
@tuncelkoroglu7074: DAC X is Duke..
@AlistairEwingforensic-services: DAC50 pro on paper looks good, ordered from Ali Express, Nichon capacitors, 2 x AKM chips as well as the XLR outputs, USB/HDMI/Optical options and and 4 changeable IV and 2 X buffer op amps, what is there not to love for 220 GBP delivered?
@voiceofreason9238: After one listening, I really couldn't hear a difference I could point to. I'm a bad audiophile. 😮💨
My hearing is fine but my short term memory is not worth a crap. I could live with either of those DAC's.
@xprcloud: NO ONE can walk into a room and tell which DAC is playing , NO ONE
And that is the only test you need, Even if there was some minor audible difference, overall this would make exactly ZERO difference in practice.
@DavidMander-rs4uk: How about never using an external DAC 😆👍
@danielcastaneda827: 1- no es la grabación original si no lo que está saliendo de cada dac,
2- está limitado a qué lo que quiera que esté grabando aporta si toque a ambas comparaciones
3- calidad de equipo de grabación tal vez no profesional y entorno tal vez no controlado.
4 escuchar ambas grabaciones en un mismo equipo que tiene su propia firma.
En conclusión: para notar diferencias hay que escuchar cada dac personalmente y no grabaciones de grabaciones
@paulcomeau6: DAC X = DAC A Duke of course despite limitations noted. Heard on Focal Bathys MG headphones. Poor playback gear may lead to other results. ;-)
@jvm-tv: DACs are the biggest scam in the audiophile world. Anyone paying more than ~100 on them is a fool. There I said it!
@dfwew4423: I heard quite clearly DAC X as DAC A using redmi buds 5 bluetooth earbuds with dolby Atmos for headphones on my laptop. Interesting, that there was no any difference between yt in 4k and the downloaded sound file.
Have a pair of 59 year old ears, that must be the weak link.
@jabawakiebot: I'm actually able to hear that DAC B sounds more resolute, ever so slightly. They say dacs themselves don't make much of a sound impact its more about the amplification. I guess there is limitations based on what you're listening on too, I have a $1200+ sound system.
@tomclark7551: That's not a very expensive DAC
@briansat7667: A=X.