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Coping in an Age of Uncertainty

there have been numerous threads here, i know, about sacd v. dvd-a, upsampling, oversampling, etc. a number of these threads have included discussions of which, if any, new digital format will replace what we now call “redbook” cd’s. i don’t wish to rehash these discussions. rather, i’d like to hear from others how they are coping with the “age of uncertainty” in the realm of digital audio. is it better to “roll the dice” and invest in sacd or dvd a? ignore the contenders for the new and get the best possible out of redbook cd’s? buy with upgradeability firmly in mind? follow another path? i don’t post this query out of mere curiosity. i really haven’t figured out what course i should follow. i’d appreciate your giving me a hand. -kelly
cornfedboy
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Prfont; I agree with your position, ie let your ears be the judge. I do think that improved, up to date implementation of the up (or over) sampling technology, as well as improved "handling" of the signal in the analog domain is responsible for the improvement(s) in music quality/character when using these devices. Cheers. Craig
pls1
432 posts
 
There are several interesting technical papers on the dCs site, http://www.dcsltd.co.uk/, and one specifically addresses their position on upsampling.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drubin
3,269 posts
 
They sort of invented it, so you can imagine what their position is. But they are very smart folks and all of the writings are worthwhile. Check out one of their product manuals online--awesome! You can switch upsampling on and off with the MSB Platinum and there's a big audible difference, for what it's worth.
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
cornfed

my solution

beef up the redbook setup

I went with an EVS Millenium II dac (incredible piece)
upsamples tp 24/192
and a Teac (Wadia) transport

I also bought an inexpensive ($300) Toshiba DVD/DVD-A player
I have done direct a/b comparisons on Steely Dan's new disc
it's a toss up

why go the universal route when I can enjoy DVD's today and the DVD-A. I doubt SACD will ever have music I like and $25 a pop when I can get new discs at $9-12 each, forget it.

so hedge your bets and spend little now
and see how it plays out

tom
dndphishin
2 posts
 
In an age of uncertainty, I buy gear compatible with established formats in the marketplace - that is to say, those formats which are "universally available". I haven't attempted a 7.1 system, DVD-A, SACD, etc - not enough software to justify the expense. The cost to get into all of the latest formats (latest preamp for 7.1, added speakers and amplification, and the source units to make it work) vs. the benefits obtained is too expensive. I find that staying in a 5.1 system has given me much more bang for the buck. I like high quality used gear or closeouts for this reason - I get expensive sound with not so expensive prices.
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