Upsampling DACS: Take the Pepsi Challenge

I'm trying to tell you, I don't know how else to put it. Oversampling still sends the same data to the DAC. Upsampling sends the DAC data that has been sample rate converted to a much higher resolution format, while still in the digital domain. Oversampling means we are still talking about a DAC that converts 16 bit/44.1 PCM code, to analog. An upsampled data stream is sent to a DAC that (depending on what bit rate/sample rate that data is) is converted to analog with a DAC that could be 24/96, 24/192, 24/706, or 24/768........I thought all of this was common knowledge, and can't understand why you are confused. Certainly any manufacturer will be frustrated by these questions, it seems to me.

Perhaps I need to ask an even more elementary question to clear my confusion: with an upsampled datastream, what "information" is populated into the additional 16,711,680 word states (16 bit to 24 bit) and what information is packed in between the sampling points (44.1 to 96,192,706,768 kHz)? MSB has returned my e-mail and confirmed that the improvements brought about by upsampling (at least as they implement it) are primarily due to the ability to filter more aggressively outside the audio band, as well as the ability to utilize the greater linearity of the 24 bit DACS they use. Haven't heard back yet from Resolution Audio or Wadia yet, but will post their response when they do.

dCS, the British company that made the first upsampler product, readily admits that there is no known reason why upsampling should sound any better than oversampling. The processes are fundamentally the same. Since many well-trained listeners report that upsampled data sounds more natural and realistic than oversampled equivalents, then I think it is reasonable for listeners and manufacturers to be somewhat confused.

Thanks Onhwy61. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a little confused about this subject. The two processes appear VERY similar to me and yet there is quite a stir about upsampling DACs.

I really don't have much to add, except to say that I too am curious about the sonic benifits (if any) of upsampling technology. I will make several observatons, however: Observation #1-A few years ago, many high end companies were crying (in writing to the audio press) that the sales of CD players were droping off because the press was spending too much time talking about the "new" audio formats "soon" to be released, and that the press was discouraging people from investing in newer CD playback units. But now, thanks to upsampling, 24/96, and all that jazz, we're all talking about CD players again. Just a coincidence? Maybe upsampling is "better", but maybe it's just marketing hype. I plan to find out for myself one day. Anyway, on to observaton #2- some people on this site need to lighten up! Remember, this is a HOBBY; it is supposed to be FUN! All the frustration and name calling I see in this discussion group can be a real drag. And the truth of the matter is this. No matter what you buy, no matter how much you spend, no matter how much new technology improves sound quality, no matter how superior your technical understanding is, and no matter how much more "analog" someting sounds---NOTHING WILL EVER SOUND LIKE REAL MUSIC! (the truth hurts, don't it?)----Right now the kid across the street from me is playing (smashing) the drums. I know for damm sure that racket I'm hearing it is not a home stereo. How can that be? Without soundstage depth, height, imaging, tonal balance, acoustical treatments, etc...I can easily tell the difference between live music and recorded music. BTY, I'm a professional jazz musician. I play 3-6 nights a week, 52 weeks a year, all around the world, with some of the greatest musicians alive. I have a stereo system with a retail value of over $15,000. And it never once fooled me. Maybe we need to upsamle our personalities: some of us have lost the ability to have fun:) Keep it real, and in perspective.