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Another DAC bits and Hz question

For redbook CDs only, why use a DAC greater than 16/44.1 for two-channel?

Redbook CDs are my only source of music in a two-channel system. I use the Oppo 980H because of its video capability and the fact that it is a multi functional player (DVDs for my children and CDs for me). I don’t stream music and I don’t have a blu ray player. From a music playback perspective, I think I’m pretty safe in saying that the source material is 16 / 44.1.

Part of the reason I ask this question is because of the comparison of older DACs to newer ones. My hypothesis is that yesterday’s top DACs will perform just as well for me (given my source material at a bit perfect rate) as today’s DACs. While this might not be true for everyone, I think it might be true for me. Years ago I had a Monarchy Audio DAC in my system. Foolishly, I sold it. If I don't need USB and 24/96, I think I'd rather purchase an older DAC if sound quality isn't sacrificed.

Is my hypothesis reasonable? Or do the newer DACs extract the musical data better today regardless of the bits and Hz perhaps due to better re-clocking or algorithms?

I posted this question over on computeraudiophile, but I think it was the wrong location since I don't stream music or use a computer as the source.
pgawan2b
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Newer D/A chips do give you more detail and blacker background, lower noise. However, digital filtering usually does irreparable damage to the SQ. If you can find a DAC that has selectable digital filters, this can help. Otherwise, use a NOS older DAC based on the Philips or BB chips, ie; PCM1704.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Steve, my CDP is the ARC CD-8 which uses a Burr Brown PCM 1792 chipset. Not knowing very much about digital tech, can you provide any insights about the BB PCM 1792 chip. Does it take redbook CD D/A about as far as that technology can go today. The CD-8 was discontinued last year. Its replacement is the CD-9 which handles both redbook CD and other digital modalities. Thanks for the education.
mesch
3,529 posts
 
I believe, and I could be wrong, that many of the older DACs can offer a great value/$$$ over newer ones for redbook CD playback. Even if using a computer to playback AIFF or WAV files, provided a USB/SPDIF converter is used.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,496 posts
 
" Otherwise, use a NOS older DAC based on the Philips or BB chips, ie; PCM1704."

Steve, My Esoteric SACD player (UX-3) has the 1704 dac chips. Am I sacrificing anything by not going with a cd player that uses the newer AK dac chips? I really like what I have, but sometimes I feel the highs aren't quite as sharp as I would like. I am using a Kimber silver streak cable from the cd player to the preamp and the silver wire seemed to help a little. Your thoughts?
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