2. digital
  3. 187076-21

Simple device for downsampling?

Is there a device such as a DDC or something else that can be placed in the digital path prior to the DAC and set up to downsample all higher resolution digital music files from Tidal, Qobuz, and local storage (all played through Roon) to a maximum 16-bit and 44.1 or 48 kHz, to facilitate a DAC with those playback limitations? 

Many Tidal/Qobuz files are already 16-bit, 44.1 kHz but almost as many are higher resolution files and I am unaware of any options within Roon to limit file resolution sent to the DAC.  Back when I used a Mac mini and one of the player programs, I believe we were able to select the output sample rate but now that I solely stream stuff thorough Roon, I am not sure how I would do that.  Thanks for any helpful suggestions.

mitch2
lanx0003
1,025 posts
 

@mitch2 It seems that DAC-2 has a better power supply than DAC-1, which originally featured a Crystal Semiconductor CS8412 chip (handling 48kHz), as per Mr. McCormack. I'm curious about the chip used in DAC-2. It may still be the same chip since you mentioned it is limited to the same sampling rate. I've come across comments from several users about upgrading to CS8414, which can handle 96kHz with improved audio performance.  Mr. McCormack must have a good reason for sticking with the old chip if that is the case.

(McCormack DAC-1 Deluxe Ed.)

mitch2 OP
4,209 posts
 

Yeah, I haven’t opened it yet but Patrick told me the original chip only operated to 44.1 kHz so the CS8412 must be the second chip they used as he told me 48 kHz is the limit, which my use so far confirms.  At least it seems to accommodate a 24-bit depth.  He also told me whatever chip they are using is smaller so needs a mounting chip that matches the original pin size.  I will see more when I get around to opening it up and taking a closer look.

mitch2 OP
4,209 posts
 

I believe the DAC chip is the smaller chip sitting on the red base in the picture of my DAC.  Does that conform with where the DAC chip is located in your DAC-1?

lanx0003
1,025 posts
 

You are right, and that chip seems to bear a great similarity to https://www.ebay.com/itm/1X-CS8412-CS-Digital-Audio-Interface-Receiver-SOIC-to-DIP-adapters-CS8412-/120777575789?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1ee78d6d

I don't own the DAC-1 in the attached picture so I could not confirm but, if you count # pins on SOIC (or SOP) and DIP (zoom in), they are both 28 pins (SOIC28 to DIP28) which is the same as in DAC-2.

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