Best practices when conducting a DAC comparison

@toddverrone

The thing is, getting to know an audio system takes time.

Agreed.

I'm planning to take my time, especially with the newest component.

The A / B comparisons will be at the very end of the process.

@gdhal 

I have read and kept up with your thread. I also posted a few times.

Luckily, I don't have to worry about the return window since I purchased outright because I believe in what @toddverrone mentions in his post. I do not want to rush this. 

Thank you for the detailed response and guidance. Since you recently went through this, the list of all the steps you took is terrific and very helpful.

I'm not sure about the cold start one for me, but I understand why you did it when you explained it on your thread.

@willemj 

My methodology will (likely) not be at a level where you would consider it to be valid. If my business depended on such matters, I'd be much more thorough and particular.

So white coat it will not be. Perhaps somewhere between white coat and cigar jacket. : )

@audioengr 

Steve, great points across the board. I'll do my best to check off each one. Thank you!

.... I do not want to rush this. Thank you for the detailed response and guidance. Since you recently went through this, the list of all the steps you took is terrific and very helpful.....

@david_ten

You’re welcome, David.

I agree with you (and @toddverrone). I didn’t want to "rush" anything either. Thing is, at least in my case (and this is usually the case with any new component), the manufacturer may provide an "audition window of time" whereby you can return the piece if not satisfied. In the case of the Yggy this is 15 days. Would I have preferred 30 or more, sure! Point is I only "rushed" in order to maximize the return opportunity. Once you know for certain you are keeping your unit, at that point absolutely, take all the time you need/want to compare it to other pieces. Presumably you would be living with your gear for many years at least, so there is certainly plenty of time to "check" (and even re-check) it during that time.

Best of luck David. You are rather thorough, knowledgeable, etc. so I have good reason to believe you will make the right decision in any case.