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  3. 151421-10803

Do we really need anything greater than 24/96? Opinions?

It's really difficult to compare resolutions with different masterings, delivery methods, sources, etc. I have hundreds of HI-rez files (dsd, hi bit rate PCM, etc). I have to say that even 24/44 is probably revealing the best a recording has to offer. Obviously, recording formats, methods, etc all play a huge role. I'm not talking preferred sources like vinyl, sacd, etc. I'm talking about the recordings themselves. 

Plus, I really think the recording (studio-mastering) means more to sound quality than the actual output format/resolution. I've heard excellent recorded/mastered recordings sound killer on iTunes streaming and CD. 

Opinions?

aberyclark
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
@antigrunge2 - my ARC Ref 9SE can upsample redbook playback to 176.4kHz.  I tried it several times and cannot say it really sounds better overall than native sampling of 16Bit/44.1kHz.

You did mentioned that upsampling works best with delta sigma DACs.  Sorry for not being digitally technical, but is a delta sigma DAC refer to a type electronic architecture used in PCM DACs like Burr BrownDACs?   
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Here's a question.....If one were to make one final version of a master tape and store away that Master for many years. What method would capture everything the tape had to offer so future engineers could use that new source as the master?

1. Digital? 24/96/24/192?

2. Analog tape copy?
antigrunge2
1,427 posts
 
@bifwynne 

http://sw1xad.co.uk/delta-sigma-vs-nos-r2r-dac-designs/


antigrunge2
1,427 posts
 
@bifwynne 
I am surprised that you have no benefit from upsampling. Have you tried inserting an Insulator into your USB connection? Does your DAC have a BNC input for a master clock? Both of these might help in making it more audible.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
@antigrunge2 - thanks.  I read most of the link which discusses Delta Sigma versus R2R DACs.  Can't say I understand it all, but I think I get the point.  That may be why the SQ from good LPs has a certain life and richness that is lacking in digital. 

I do not know how Delta Sigma or R2R relates to streaming music. Maybe the music feed is just binary data that the the DAC (be it Delta SIgma or R2R) translates into an analogue signal. 

So, ... if one is looking to stream, is it possible to look for a DAC of a particular architecture?        
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