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
designsfx
787 posts
 

@mitch2 

Interesting to hear your thoughts so far. As your running the Mola with the 6V output setting are you able to run the Mojo and SMC with balanced or AES outputs or are you just having to level match?

mitch2 OP
3,694 posts
 

Not sure what the output voltage is on the Mojo and SMc DACs so I am matching output volume by ear.  The 6V output from the Mola Mola DAC seems to add dynamic punch and life to the music, regardless of the output volume.  I found the 2V output to sound comparatively bland.

designsfx
787 posts
 

I would recommend installing a sound level meter app on your phone (at least) and use that with a very consistent tone for setting levels. I do this when comparing dacs and set the levels on different channels on my preamp.

A higher output almost always sounds better in comparison to a lower one and can definitely trip up a comparison.

According to Mojo’s website the Mystique will output 2.5V single ended and 5V balanced. I don’t believe you mentioned anything about SE vs Balanced. I wasn’t able to find anything regarding the SMC unit.

 

mitch2 OP
3,694 posts
 

I didn't mention that my system is balanced throughout so all three DACs are using the balanced outputs.

At 6V vs. 5V, the Mola Mola and Mojo DACs are pretty close in level but at (I believe) 2V, the SMc DAC is at a noticeably lower output voltage than the other two so I do increase the volume when comparing with that DAC.   Good suggestion on the phone app although the differences I am hearing are not solely related to impact/output level as I seem to notice differences in body and dimensionality between them.  Tonally, the differences are not as apparent and all three DACs are similarly resolving, with maybe the Mola Mola a slight bit better than the other two in that area.  However, I don't believe resolution will be my deciding factor. It is still early.

brbrock's avatar
brbrock
4 posts
 

I am excited to see your findings especially with the SMc DAC2.  I had Patrick update a DNA.5 a few months ago and he mentioned a new DAC2 he  built and that it may not be able to process the bit rate as the new DAC's but  it was the best DAC he had listened to.  He said it just sounded good and musical.

 

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