Are DAC's overpriced?

@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

@nonoise  
 
An increase in bit-depth only lowers the noise floor, that’s it.

If that’s it, then what are the benefits of doing so if not to improve the sound quality of the music?

From what I understand, noise floor is the threshold from which lower signals can not be resolved. Those signals are music that can’t be differentiated from the noise.

Ridding the noise that clouds musical signals, harmonics and spatial clues doesn’t benefit anything like the music you can now hear?

I think the problem is you only "see" things mathematically, without art or it’s contributions that the math can only approximate. Music can be measured linearly but when it’s actually played, it’s a different animal. You really should get to know these animals. They’re beautiful.

I’ve always believed that 16bit recordings are all one needs, when done correctly. Take Tony Manasian’s work that I’ve mentioned in other threads. His work rivals any high rez junk out there, and betters most.

I know we all have to deal with high noise floors in our rooms which limits dynamic range so we really only have so much to play with. But any way one can reduce the noise floor betters the sound, or so everything I’ve read says, except you.

Call me dense, but I’m used to it. 😄

All the best,
Nonoise