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Stuck: 20-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/96kHz DAC?

I'm a new audiophile so I don't pretend to know all the issues with regard to formats, but here's the rub:

I want to get the best sounding *used* CD player I can afford. Some years ago, the CAL CL-20 was a highly reviewed CD player, and it has my interest. I'd like to compare it's sound to a Toshiba SD-9200. I've heard the latter, and forgetting all about DVD-A and the player's usability faults, it makes an ordinary CD sound marvelous.

The CAL unit, like other older units, has a 20/96 DAC. The DAC in the Toshiba plays up to 24/192 for DVD-A. Assuming for the moment that the choice is between 20/96 (the CAL) and 24/96 (whatever else), how much sound performance am I giving up if I go with the 20/96?

I suppose what is really bothering me is something like the frustration I feel when my computer components become dated. Sure, they worked fine in the day, but now there's better to be had. I haven't yet auditioned 20/96 and likely won't be able to A/B test with a 24/96. The main point: if I go with a 20/96, am I buying something that I'll toss in a few years for playing red book CD audio?
im_all_ears
reubent
7,005 posts
 
Ears,

Personally, I don't think the computer analogy holds up in regards to a CD player choice. Computers become "less usable" over time because the software becomes more complex and requires more CPU performance, memory space and disk space to run. A CD player that you buy today will still play future CDs with the same performance that it delivers today.

So, if you audition a CD player today and it sounds good, it will still sound that way in the future. Now, there may be better and less expensive players available in the future (like computers), but they won't make your player obsolete.

That said, I generally would not recommend buying most older CD/DVD players because they have a relatively high failure rate over time. The transport mech (motor and lazer assy) tend to fail after several years of use. Of course, if you find a great deal on a player and can budget in the cost of a replacement transport mech, go for it.

What is your budget for a new player? Knowing this can help forks offer some suggestions.

BTW, Cal Audio has been out of business for several years, so you would be exposed to parts and service availability if you purchased that unit.

Enjoy,

TIC
jburidan
803 posts
 
Recommend not going 20-bit/96kHz. The CAL CL-20 is just O.K. compared to other affordable CDP's. A 24-bit tubed output stage can approach turntable/vinyl sound when tweaked with the right tubes for your system. Be patient and buy something you'll enjoy for many years. Recommend you look at the AH! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 with 24-bit/192kHz upsampling.
Jay
judy426
228 posts
 
A well designed and built 20/96 will smoke a lesser quality 24/96. It's not just about numbers.
Judy
im_all_ears OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses.

The AH! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 has caught my attention. As I said, I'm not spruced up yet on the core technologies. What does upgrading 24-bit/192kHz TjoUpsampler board do for me? Is this an analog of the most current redbook cd technology, or the most current technology itself?

I'm still learning this stuff, but is it that when you lay your money down on a CD player like this, that what you are really doing is putting confidence in a transport and a DAC, 2 technologies that you could really buy seperately and upgrade as needed?
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