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Schiit Yggdrasil -- 21 bit?

Schiit says that Yggdrasil is a 21 bit DAC. But the DAC chips that they put in the device ( Analog Devices AD5791BRUZ, 2 per channel) are 20 bit with the error of plus-minus 0.5 LSB.

How can the DAC be 21 bit if the chips are 20 bit? Using two chips per channel does reduce the RMS voltage of the noise by  a square root of 2. But how can you get to 21 bit from there?

Can someone please explain.
defiantboomerang
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
I believe Schiit addresses - at least somewhat - your question on their website FAQ page.

If you have a Yggdrasil, I'd be grateful for your opinion regarding my question(s) in this post https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/new-yggdrasil-first-and-second-impressions
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
"How can the DAC be 21 bit if the chips are 20 bit?"

It can’t. John Atkinson review of the DAC clearly states that while the analog performance is excellent, the digital performance is less than desirable especially on high signal levels (which is the majority of pop rock music).

I wouldn’t want this DAC but I understand many here do not care about measured performance as long as they like the sound.
defiantboomerang OP
141 posts
 
@shadorne 

Many thanks. I suspected that much. I would not want this DAC either.
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