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A DAC that can make digital sound analog?

Hi All,

I have a ModWright Oppo 105D. It’s excellent....but it sure don’t sound like vinyl or tape.

What DACs have you heard that really work like magic on digital audio files? 

I am interested in DACs that kill that digital glare/blare, that gives you that sense of ‘blackness’ or ‘darkness’ to the audio soundscape, really letting you hear into the mix...ya know that layering, space and depth that is very evident on tape.

Very curious to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!
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rauliruegas
13,064 posts
 
Dear @orpheus10  : It's not exactly as the other gentleman said but neither as you said it.

"""  The standard also specifies the form of digital audio encoding: 2-channel signed 16-bit Linear PCM sampled at 44,100 Hz.  "

"""   An audio CD can represent frequencies up to 22.05 kHz, the Nyquist frequency of the 44.1 kHz sample rate. """

""  The Nyquist frequency, named after electronic engineer Harry Nyquist, is half of the sampling rate of a discrete signal processing system.[ ""

""" 

In digital audio, 44,100 Hz (alternately represented as 44.1 kHz) is a common sampling frequency. Analog audio is recorded by sampling it 44,100 times per second, and then these samples are used to reconstruct the audio signal when playing it back.

The 44.1 kHz audio sampling rate is widely used due to the compact disc (CD) format, dating back to its use by Sony from 1979.  """


Now, a Studer A80  proffesional studio recorder extremely well regarded R2R machine goes only to 20khz at 30ips. plus,minus 2dbs. Other regarded R2R machines does not makes things a lot better and always has the printthough problems with and the quality of the used tapes and quality of those recording/play R2R tape heads. Other " problem " is that all R2R machines develops odd harmonics.


It can't compete with a flat CD frequency response or with the CD very low noise and non-existen wow&flutter coming in the R2R machines.


That you like what you are listening is no evidence/fact of superiority against the redbook in today CDP.


Each medium alternative has its native players that is the best way to go with either format.


Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

brettmcee's avatar
brettmcee OP
218 posts
 
@rauliruegas 

When you have a reasonably good tape, and a properly setup and maintained reel to reel player, reel to reel tape sounds very very nice.  This is why I started this post.  I realized how much is missing from digital when compared to vinyl and tape.

Digital does not have the same simultaneity, integration, natural contrast and beautiful empty space around instruments and vocals that reel to reel tapes can provide.  

I have a serious suspicion that frequencies above 20kHz and below 20kHz are more detrimental than beneficial to audio reproduction. They surly exert an unnecessary physical burden on speakers. Plus any audible harmonics from those higher than 20kHz frequencies are already in the recording. Why do we need to reproduce those inaudible frequencies again to reinforce audible harmonics that are already present in the recording?

Tape has noise, and is very fragile and generally an annoying medium to deal with especially when one is stoned. Other than that, I’m totally sold on tape.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

The audible frequency is from 20K t0 20,000K according to audio magazines, but in reality, a persons ability to hear falls off rapidly after 16,000K. This can easily be verified by amplified test tones on a loudspeaker.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

R2R tape has come a long way; while I had no problem with Maxell, especially double EE tape, the latest tape that I used last night is even quieter; tape noise is no longer a problem, for certain on my modified R2R.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

Some people who make inquiries about analog have lots of money to spend, I say to those people "Have fun"; but when someone comes up with a 1K budget; I say keep your money in your pocket until it adds up to 3K; that's my advice.
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