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High resolution digital is dead. The best DAC's killed it.

Something that came as a surprise to me is how good DAC's have gotten over the past 5-10 years.

Before then, there was a consistent, marked improvement going from Redbook (44.1/16) to 96/24 or higher.

The modern DAC, the best of them, no longer do this. The Redbook playback is so good high resolution is almost not needed. Anyone else notice this?
erik_squires
ejr1953
542 posts
 
Erik,
Your point is well taken.
I've grabbed some of my really old CDs and with my modern disk transport and DAC, the sound quality I enjoy is often times really excellent!
I would not necessarily associate the format of a digital source (i.e. 44.1/16, 192/24, DSD, etc.) with the ultimate sound quality.  I have a few SACDs where I find the "regular CD" sounds better.  I suspect it's in the mastering.
erik_squires OP
5,268 posts
 
I am a big big fan of BB DAC's, having really loved the Theta Casanova I sold too soon.

At high rez it was a really glorious thing.

I'd still rather have a modern DAC, especially for redbook.

Best,
E
celander's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
celander
1,036 posts
 
Whoa...Erik and George in agreement? People, sniff deeply that rarified air. 
swanlee597
3 posts
 
Hyperbole, newer better DACS help high res sound better as well.
erik_squires OP
5,268 posts
 
Hyperbole, newer better DACS help high res sound better as well.


From what I have heard, the delta between 44/16 and higher is a lot smaller. The value of high resolution audio files is therefore diminished.


Best,
E
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