Audible Differences in DAC's? Options

[sawdin]

When he announced the release of the ODAC, NwAvGuy posted the the following on his blog:

NO SNAKE OIL REQUIRED: Many audiophiles want to believe more elaborate or exotic DACs offer higher fidelity. The ODAC demonstrates you do NOT need any of these for 100% transparent performance:

Asynchronous USB
UAC2 (USB Audio Class 2) Support
Asynchronous Sample Rate Conversion (ASRC),
Minimum Phase Filtering (no pre-ringing)
Non-oversampling NOS DAC chips
Dual DAC chips
Balanced Outputs
Vacuum Tube Stages
Elaborate and/or High Current Power Supplies

Is his position accurate/defensible?

If there was a well-designed DB/ABX test of the ODAC and sub $500/$1000 DAC's (e.g., Audioquest Dragonfly, iFi Micro iDAC, Audioengine D1, Emotiva XDA-2, etc.) that are are Asynchronous, USB Audio Class 2, etc. etc., do you think there would be 'audible/discernible' differences?

The reason that I am asking is that I am curious as to the whether there really is much of an audible difference between various sub $500 or $1,000 DAC's, and I haven't come across any DB tests of DAC's. I have read many subjective reviews that claim differences are quite noticeable. Of course, there are major differences in terms of the types and number of inputs and outputs that a DAC may have, whether they include a headphone amp, how portable they are, etc.

I am not trying to start a fight/flame war, I am just curious as to what the 'prevailing wisdom is' on this site. If you think there are differences in sub $500/$1000 DAC's, what do you believe are the relevant factors (e.g., USB vs Toslink/Coax)? I know that 'speakers' make a difference, but am unsure about how much, if any, difference there is between DAC's. Again, just trying to become an informed consumer (and save $), not trying to start fights.

TIA

PS...I should note that I appreciate people like NwAvGuy and others who try to provide quality products, diy options, etc., at reasonable prices.

[pdq]

You did notice that he said that two of the files had slightly different gain?

[Arnold B. Kruege...]

You did notice that he said that two of the files had slightly different gain?

The level difference is about 1 dB in the left channel, according to a CEP2.1 analysis of the file from about 7.4 seconds in, to the end of the file (after the applause, just the music.

The applause portion of waveform undergoes major visible changes, but the music does not change that much.

The difference in noise level is about 3 dB at the approximately -55 dB level.

The response at 20 KHz falls by about 20 dB, but is pretty close up to 16 KHz.

Not bad for 24 generations through a fairly average audio interface.

I would expect the overall level difference to be the most audible change. The ca. 1 dB difference should be pretty easy to hear.

It would be interesting if someone eliminated or reduced the olevel difference to a tenth of a dB or 2 tenths, and tried again.