2. pc-audio
  3. 1108678883

DAC sampling rates

What is the benefit of a soundcard or DAC that supports 24 bit/ 96 or 192 kHz? Is it future-proofing? Will my computer (or my next computer) be able to read SACD or DVD-A? I believe that there are some formats ( FLAC, APE) that support these higher rates but I haven't yet seen a Mac compatible player for these formats. Also, am I correct that computer based DAC is a more generic/ less specific type of device than an audio based device? I ask this because I understand that audio DAC's are for the most part only 'redbook.' THANK YOU.
mctuff
c123666
871 posts
 
Current Audio Note DACs all support 24/96khz processing.
ejliu
109 posts
 
Most DACs in the last 10 years support multiply frequency and higher bit rate. It depends on the receiver/implementation whether it works or not.

A PC computer will be able to read DVD-A but not SACD with correct sound card/SW. I think you need a SB Augidy 2 sound card. Nothing read SACd yet unless you decide to write the SW yourself.

Some sound card supports up-sampling or higher bit processing, whether or not this helps is up to debate. IMHO, a good sounding DAC combine with low noise floor environement and decent output stage is much more important than a 24/96 DAC.
c123666
871 posts
 
One application that does work, and quite well, is recording live concerts directly to a laptop. The mics, preferably something like a vintage Neumann KM54 or AKG c61, go into a quality microphone preamp/Analogue>Digital Converter into the laptop. Grace makes a lovely portable unit with coaxial and AES/EBU outputs. These recordings can be played back from the computer directly into a home DAC with 24/96khz capability.

You should really hear something like this recorded with a band that support quality audience taping. For those interested the best place to start is:

www.etree.org

for a list of artists/bands that support internet trading/downloads of quality NON compressed digital recordings try:

www.archive.org

You can use up all those old CDRs laying about now.
More to discover