Streaming is definitely evolving. Usb and WiFi used to be audible comprises but no longer. The resolving power of DACs are increasing as well, particularly their ability to play DSD. Contrast this with analog, where the only thing that has gone upward are the prices required to buy antiquated, played out technology
Digital Improving All the Time?
I hear it here all the time - digital technology is constantly improving…usually being told to someone afraid of buying something that will be obsolete soon. It is true that, with the advent of high-quality Asian products, prices on some excellent digital has come down to the point that one can buy a very nice dac for under 1k and an excellent one for 5k. But I don’t see that the technologies improved over the last 20 years. The Naim 555 and the Vekian and Wadias were astounding products built long ago. Even now, some of the best dacs from Audio Note and Jadis use old chips and the darling ladder dacs are even older technology. Ok, some use the FPGA thing, but that’s basically just a home-rolled chip, which does add a bit more flexibility to the architecture, but that’s about it, IMO. And yes, some companies like DCS and MSB built $100k dacs that I’m sure sound great, but other companies probably could have done the same thing 20 years ago by adding huge power supplies and stuffing them with the most expensive parts and construction quality possible. But they probably didn’t think anyone would buy them. And I’m not talking about streaming and such, because that is relatively young in its development. Streamers may well be improving, but I don’t see dacs as constantly improving, as is so often said. Good day.
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Yeah, I guess DSD could be considered an improvement, although I would question whether it’s really better than the best CD/SACD players of times gone by. And HD Tracks hi-res downloads have been around for a long time as well. I guess my post was aimed more at the actual architecture of the dac, which seems pretty stagnant, except for the price drops, which are quite remarkable. |
there are modular and upgradeable digital products
Aqua hifi makes 100% upgradable dacs which can evolve as Aqua comes out with improved technologies.
the 432evo servers are also100% upgradable
So yes you can invest in State of the digital that will not become obsolete.
Dave and Troy Audio intellect nj us importers 432EVO music servers Aqua Hifi dealer |
@chayro , it seems the digital technology is evolving into more than two channels instead of simply "better" two channels. If you have space for more speakers you might really enjoy immersive audio. “This is a completely new way to create and experience music, freeing artists to be more expressive and experimental with their recordings,” said Todd Pendleton, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President, Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby Atmos Music envelops the listener, bringing you inside the music and creating a visceral ‘wow.’” “UMG and Dolby are fundamentally expanding how we experience music,” said Michael Frey, UMG’s President of Operations, Global Studios and Technologies. “Artists will be able to share their music directly as intended and created in the studio. Dolby Atmos Music give artists the power and creative freedom to express their story like never before.” Dolby Atmos is integrated at UMG’s iconic studios, including: Capitol Records Studios in Hollywood, Abbey Road Studios in London, and Berry Hill Studios in Nashville. UMG labels around the world are all working on creating immersive music content in Dolby Atmos.
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@kota1 - I guess you’re right. My post was primarily focused on the sound quality of 2-channel digital 20 years ago as opposed to today. There is always something new being sold. |
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