2. pc-audio
  3. 1108678883

DAC sampling rates

What is the benefit of a soundcard or DAC that supports 24 bit/ 96 or 192 kHz? Is it future-proofing? Will my computer (or my next computer) be able to read SACD or DVD-A? I believe that there are some formats ( FLAC, APE) that support these higher rates but I haven't yet seen a Mac compatible player for these formats. Also, am I correct that computer based DAC is a more generic/ less specific type of device than an audio based device? I ask this because I understand that audio DAC's are for the most part only 'redbook.' THANK YOU.
mctuff

Showing 1 response by jazzdude

jazzdude
332 posts
 
Most DACs convert PCM data to analog waveform with a very few recent designs being able to handle DSD.

Format conversion from CD Audio, FLAC, WAV, APE, etc to PCM is a function of the CD transport or the codecs in the software player.

In theory 24/96 DAC's will provide better dynamic range and more closely approximate the analog waveform.

It may just be me but I think that performing sample-rate conversion/dithering/noise-shaping in software sounds better than having the DAC do it.

There is no such thing as future proof in digital audio. Anyone who has that as a goal should stick to vinyl.
More to discover