2. digital
  3. 140110-20253

DAC's : The missing feature: Signal quality

One thing I wish DAC's would provide is some idea of how much jitter and noise a particular input provides. This is something which I think with a little work could be gleaned from the input circuits.

I want something that tells me "woah, that's a really dirty signal coming in, but i"ll do the best I can with it."

One common source of noise is ground loops. Another may be high jitter from a source like Apple TV. This would also help us evaluate the benefits (if any) of various signal cleaners and reclockers.

Best,
E
erik_squires

Showing 1 response by elizabeth

elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I can understand the op’s point of view. If it was an easy thing to do.. It might be good. I have no idea how hard it would be to implement? But as some have mentioned, the end result is already there. Plenty of folks can just hear (the result in the final sound) the input stream is not as good as another. So they already know.
Like when I bought on multiple recommendations, the Lifatec Toslink cable to connect my favorite five disc changers to my DAC. Yes it sounded ’better’. What else did I need? Proof? Why?
On the other hand if the DAC came with an easy meter or? and I could then come here and say Why yes the Lifatec reduced jitter 16% over my previous glass medical Toslink. ???I would think a stand alone device would be more appropriate. But who would PAY for one? if it cost $3000? even $300?
More to discover