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This Reference-5 is a serious value at US$400 against your local comp set. With a median of US$588 and a 25th percentile of US$319, it sits comfortably below the middle of the market and closer to the lower end than the average asking price, so it reads as a solid buy rather than an aggressive ask.
What makes it appealing is the classic Audio-gd appeal: a discrete, older-school DAC with the PCM1704UK multibit chips, which many buyers chase for its dense, smooth, non-fatiguing presentation and strong meat-on-the-bones sound. If the unit is complete, quiet, and functioning properly, the upside is getting a well-regarded, now-scarce DAC platform at a sensible entry price; the main thing to verify is condition and any included remote, PSU, or original packaging, since age and parts availability matter more than with newer gear.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Audio-gd, a high-end Chinese audio brand, traces its origins to over two decades of operation, with products like the DAC-19 now marking a tenth anniversary. Founded and led by Mr. He Qinghua, a First Prize winner in the National Semiconductor (USA) Audio competition, the company has built its heritage on innovative engineering from China, emphasizing proprietary technologies such as the ACSS (Audio-gd Current Signal System) for current-domain signal transmission.
The brand specializes in two-channel hi-fi components, including DACs renowned for R2R ladder converters, preamplifiers, headphone amplifiers, and balanced designs in its flagship Master and HE series. These products incorporate advanced features like regenerative power supplies, positioning Audio-gd as a purveyor of digital-to-analog converters and amplification solutions rather than speakers, turntables, or headphones.
Audio-gd holds a strong niche in the high-end market, celebrated for exceptional price-to-performance ratios that deliver refined, silent soundscapes—earning multiple Qobuzism awards for standout models. Boutique appeal draws discerning buyers seeking value-driven excellence over mainstream luxury pricing, with a reputation for technical prowess that shocks even seasoned audiophiles.
See all Audio-gd listings on RADAR.
