[RoadTripper]

Does anyone know much about the Dodson DACs that were, based on their price, top of the line DACs from the '90s? A search here shows that Silversmith Audio absorbed Dodson's work. But their website now shows they just do cables and not much else.

I worked with Ralph Dodson in the 80's and 90's (from a distance - pretty sure he wouldn't remember me) and am wondering if anyone has bought or heard his DACs and whether or not they would still be competitive sonically with what's out there today. Any opinions?

[Mike-48]

I don't know Dodson's work, but in my experience, DACs have improved a *lot* since the 1980s and 1990s, more than any other audio component. I might buy an older amplifier, but not a DAC.  Just one person's opinion.

[nickd]

I owned a 217 DAC for a number of years. One of those pieces I wish I had never sold. They excel in resolution and musicality. I do not know how much you would have to spend to get a better red book DAC today, but I would think it would be more than $7500.

Most people like me get talked into "wanting" hi Rez formats like DSD etc. in reality, I listen to Tidal 95% of the time and vinyl the other 5%. The Dodson is a huge step up from most DAC's people own. Guaranteed to make your friends jealous, even if they own a brand new "multi format hi Rez" machine.

Ralph new his stuff and had good ears.

[Mike-48]

I'm glad someone with direct knowledge spoke up. I never would have guessed.