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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 3 responses by bifwynne

bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Steve, my CDP is the ARC CD-8 which uses a Burr Brown PCM 1792 chipset. Not knowing very much about digital tech, can you provide any insights about the BB PCM 1792 chip. Does it take redbook CD D/A about as far as that technology can go today. The CD-8 was discontinued last year. Its replacement is the CD-9 which handles both redbook CD and other digital modalities. Thanks for the education.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
See ... I told you I am not digital wise. Stereo5 ... what is the AK chip? How does it compare to the BB chips?
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Ok ... so here's my conundrum. The BB DAC used in my redbook CDP is not cutting edge anymore -- per Steve (Audioengr). That may be true, but I cannot validate that view unless I do some serious auditioning.

Notably, the ARC Ref CD-9, which replaces my CD-8 redbook CDP, uses quad DACs in mono configuration, whatever that means. But ... the CD-9, also supports a wide array of other digital media and formats. So I do not know how much of this additional quad/mono DAC firepower is dedicated to just the redbook CD format.

Maybe my point is this. I've been consciously looking to improve the digital side of my rig. A more modern CDP may be the way to go. Dunno??

But here's "non-tweak" that took my current CDP setup to another level. The "non-tweak" is hi-def/hi-rez CDs. I picked up a couple of MoFi "gold" quality CDs to see if the quality of recording and mastering redbook CDs make a difference. IMO and IME, the answer is a unqualified ... yes!!

Out of curiosity, I may check out ARC's latest digital products to see if they can "suck more juice" out of my redbook CDs. I surmise that the answer is a little, but not a lot. Afterall, a garbage CD is still garbage by any other name. Sounds like something Shakespeare might say.

If Steve or our other digital techies can explain in plain English what the quad/mono DAC topology is all about, I'd appreciate the education. Please be kind ... I'm a tech boob. :)

Thanks
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