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.
Hi @mitch2 , anything new to report on your comparison? I own a Mojo EVO B4B dac (love it), but have been getting the itch to try something else. Your review so far has me thinking the SMC-DAC2 could be right up my alley. Does SMC plan to put the DAC2 into production? I don't see it listed on their website. |
I have not heard anything about SMc having plans to put the DAC-2 into production. You could contact Patrick at SMc directly for more information. The SMc DAC-2 does sound very good to me, but so does the B4B (one of which I previously owned). I have been conversing with Benjamin about why I like the sound of my EVO Pro so much and when I opened mine up, I found that it contains special AD1862 Z DAC chips, which are apparently much more precious than the standard version. There is apparently one more recent upgrade that I could do to the EVO Pro, or I could move my Z chips to an X SE and have the upgrade performed on that DAC. In any event, unless you are willing to chase down rabbit holes, you may want to remember why you liked the sound of the B4B in the first place, and stick with that. The Mola Mola is a different animal and sounds like perfection, but that version of perfection may not be the sound I like best. |
Thanks, Mitch. I didn't know there was a "Z" version of AD1862. Perhaps I should call Ben and see if that's an upgrade option, as well as doing a few of the Pro upgrades to my B4B - like the amorphous core chokes. I've heard the Mola Mola head-to-head with my Mojo. It was indeed close to perfection, but I still preferred the Mojo Mystique - a touch more natural, IMO. |
@veroguy - You should call Benjamin to discuss possibilities. He may have some new stuff on his horizon - as usual. |
