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Another DAC bits and Hz question

For redbook CDs only, why use a DAC greater than 16/44.1 for two-channel?

Redbook CDs are my only source of music in a two-channel system. I use the Oppo 980H because of its video capability and the fact that it is a multi functional player (DVDs for my children and CDs for me). I don’t stream music and I don’t have a blu ray player. From a music playback perspective, I think I’m pretty safe in saying that the source material is 16 / 44.1.

Part of the reason I ask this question is because of the comparison of older DACs to newer ones. My hypothesis is that yesterday’s top DACs will perform just as well for me (given my source material at a bit perfect rate) as today’s DACs. While this might not be true for everyone, I think it might be true for me. Years ago I had a Monarchy Audio DAC in my system. Foolishly, I sold it. If I don't need USB and 24/96, I think I'd rather purchase an older DAC if sound quality isn't sacrificed.

Is my hypothesis reasonable? Or do the newer DACs extract the musical data better today regardless of the bits and Hz perhaps due to better re-clocking or algorithms?

I posted this question over on computeraudiophile, but I think it was the wrong location since I don't stream music or use a computer as the source.
pgawan2b

Showing 4 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Newer D/A chips do give you more detail and blacker background, lower noise. However, digital filtering usually does irreparable damage to the SQ. If you can find a DAC that has selectable digital filters, this can help. Otherwise, use a NOS older DAC based on the Philips or BB chips, ie; PCM1704.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Bif - the PCM1792 is not a new chip. There are newer BB chips that are better, more detailed with lower noise.

Stereo5 - the PCM1704 is a very musical chip, however the detail will always be less and the noise higher than newer technologies. However, I would not recommend to replace it with a player with AKM chips. These sound very unnatural to me. Probably due to the switched capacitor techniques. The AD and BB chips are better. Some like the Wolfson, but I am not familiar with that sound. The Sabre chips can be good, but only if used direct with I2S. If you like the 1704 like I do, then I would highly recommend getting a source with lower jitter to give more detail. 50% of your detail is being lost now because of jitter and the other 50% because of the D/A chip. A reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh can deliver this.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Jwm - that would be cute, but it would add to the cost, making it more difficult to own an OR5.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Quad/mono DACs just means that they are using stereo D/A chips, but only one per channel so it used in a "mono" mode, not stereo.

One way to make your existing CD transport sound even better than a new transport is to add the Synchro-Mesh in-between:

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/synchro-mesh

This is the best reclocker on the market.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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