What is most important factor in digital audio playback quality?

[sandyk]

On ‎6‎/‎28‎/‎2019 at 8:21 PM, mansr said:

Low-noise, low-distortion analogue circuits are tricky to get right, even when conceptually simple. The digital portion of these devices, in contrast, is just shuffling bits around at rather mundane rates. Not much of a challenge.

 

 Prove it by designing and submitting a relatively inexpensive DAC to Chris for review. 

Just a 24/192 DAC would do for starters .

[sandyk]

1 hour ago, mansr said:

Prove what? That getting the analogue part right is tricky? By building a poor yet cheap DAC? Makes no sense.

 

Prove that getting the Digital part right too is a " piece of cake" like you keep insisting, although MANY members who post in the .Music Server area of the forum mainly, will strongly disagree with you.

[sandyk]

1 hour ago, Paul R said:

IFi iDSD Nano - like $99? 

That would be unfair, because he wouldn't have the benefit of quantity prices for components, and not possible with proper metalwork either.

[sandyk]

10 hours ago, mansr said:

If I whip up a DAC quickly, chances are it won't be great. What does that prove?

 

 Take your time then . 

You are the one making the claims about how easy it is to get the Digital area right , which is not what many other members are reporting elsewhere.

[sandyk]

5 minutes ago, mansr said:

If it doesn't perform well, how will you tell whether the analogue or digital side is (primarily) to blame?

 I am not saying that it is easy, but experienced designers will work that out using their Test Equipment as well as their ears, and the ears of other members of the team in many cases.

 There may be more of a "Black Art" to doing that better than average ?