Dangelod - jitter is just only one of the elements and it is much more complicated than that. Benchmark asynchronously upsamples incoming digital data about million times to filter it in digital filter and output to 24-bit DAC at 100kHz rate. Filtering itself affects the sound and some prefer no oversampling and filtering at all (NOS DACs). Recently reviewed in Stereophile magazine Meridian CDP uses different filtering scheme and sounds much better (but costs $16k). DAC IC itself comes in different varietes to overcome resolution limitations. Benchmark is using Analog Devices Sigma-Delta DAC (similar scheme to SACD) that has 24 bit resolution (not obtainable in traditional DACs) but timing errors limit resolution anyway. Others use traditional DACs - some with statistical averaging (like DCS RingDACs) to improve resolution. Harmonic distortion play also important part. Benchmark updates DAC ,capable of 192kHz,at only 100kHz because harmonic distortions are much lower at this point. Important to remember is that there is no perfect DAC and everything is a compromise (and very complicated). Listening test will give you much more than reading spects.
DACs and reproduced sound
I am trying to understand how to think of DACs effecting reproduced music (I am new to the hobby). I think of a DACs "role" as taking a digital input (1s and 0s) and a cleanly as possible processing that digital signal to an analogue output - goal is not impart anything on the processed data. The difference between a good and bad DAC seems like it should be on how well it does that. Or, said another way, from a review of a Benchmark DAC:
"The old regulars know exactly my position regarding the stupidity of ascribing a “character” to the sound of an utterly neutral signal path. Oohing and aahing over the vast improvement in soundstaging, front-to-back depth, bass delineation, or treble sweetness obtainable with this or that electronic component may sell high-end magazines but is totally unscientific and delusional. What the Benchmark DAC1 HDR adds to or subtracts from its input signal is borderline unmeasurable, so the sonic character of its output is obviously the sonic character of its input. It’s as simple as that. It has no sound of its own."
I sort of think of amplifiers and speakers (I am digital only listener)as being more important in "imparting" a particular musical flavor (warm, bright, etc.).
I am a bit new to the hobby so I would like any insights or be educated on DACs some more.
"The old regulars know exactly my position regarding the stupidity of ascribing a “character” to the sound of an utterly neutral signal path. Oohing and aahing over the vast improvement in soundstaging, front-to-back depth, bass delineation, or treble sweetness obtainable with this or that electronic component may sell high-end magazines but is totally unscientific and delusional. What the Benchmark DAC1 HDR adds to or subtracts from its input signal is borderline unmeasurable, so the sonic character of its output is obviously the sonic character of its input. It’s as simple as that. It has no sound of its own."
I sort of think of amplifiers and speakers (I am digital only listener)as being more important in "imparting" a particular musical flavor (warm, bright, etc.).
I am a bit new to the hobby so I would like any insights or be educated on DACs some more.