Edit: I realize now you might have in mind the mp3 players from the post, while I’m making a more general point
What about the speaker/driver?
There is a lot that has to happen to convert the “identical” binary data into physical sound waves. Each component has flaws and limitations (one might call this character or personality) that perceptibly changes the quality or impression of the same data. It doesn’t all come down to the DAC and amplifier.
It’s not that these differences are placebo, it’s that it is a perfect confluence of consumerism and addict-like obsession over it
You can buy DAC’s and amplifiers today that have zero audible flaws for not much money at all.
Edit: I realize now you might have in mind the mp3 players from the post, while I’m making a more general point
What about the speaker/driver?
There is a lot that has to happen to convert the “identical” binary data into physical sound waves. Each component has flaws and limitations (one might call this character or personality) that perceptibly changes the quality or impression of the same data. It doesn’t all come down to the DAC and amplifier.
It’s not that these differences are placebo, it’s that it is a perfect confluence of consumerism and addict-like obsession over it