Are DAC's overpriced?

@geoffkait

In terms of music mastering (like the DR Database may score one song a 6 and one song a 12). This is the comparison of RMS vs peak levels (or some variant).

In terms of digital audio as a format, it’s the amount of bits. CD is 16Bit, so, if undithered, it has ~96dB of dynamic range (20*log10(2^16)). Meaning from the loudest sound possible all the way down to the lowest noise possible (due to the noise floor), it is a difference of ~96dB.

If you haven’t, I suggest watching this video by Chris Montgomery.

@elizabeth 
 
Yes, there are many songs I like where the vocalist going from average singing levels to belting results in only a slightly increase in volume.

Chord Dave.  I rest my case for that expensive DACs make a difference.

I’m so relieved that the Rams will not have to face the Bears. Now, as to:

No, an increase in dynamic range only results in a lower noise floor. To suggest it has any other benefit (effecting the sound “across the board”) shows that you do not know what dynamic range is on a fundamental level. We are not talking microdynamics here.

So when there is a lowering of the noise floor and the sound improves (microdynamics included), it’s all incidental?

(congrats ont the Chord Dave)

All the best,
Nonoise