2. digital
  3. 157896-1627

Higher sample rate than 16 bit redbook

Niave question

I have a 16 bit Audio Research Dac 3 and am interested in whether any newer redbook cds are done in higher bit values.  Is it just a few specific “audiophile” discs or 95% still 16 bit.

I have heard that some recordings mentioned as higher bit rates are regarding their recorded bit rate but then are formatted down to 16 bit for the cd mastering.

I also have have res bluray /sacd/ dvd-a player so I am not looking at that issue but rather would my dac play 90% of the cds out there

Thanks
128x128audiotomb

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,872 posts
 
Hi OP, cleeds is exactly right.  If you want to call it "Redbook" it has to be 16 bits, stereo, at 44.1 kHz.

However, having owned the ARC Dac 8, I have some suggestions for you.


1 - It's way past time to update it.  Even the DAC 8 is bettered by almost any modern DAC. Modern DACs do amazingly well with Redbook compared to prior.


2 - What DID make a huge improvement for the DAC 8 was an upsampler from Wyred4Sound, the Remedy.  It will resample everything to 96 kHz/24.


Best,

E
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