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Stuck: 20-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/96kHz DAC?

I'm a new audiophile so I don't pretend to know all the issues with regard to formats, but here's the rub:

I want to get the best sounding *used* CD player I can afford. Some years ago, the CAL CL-20 was a highly reviewed CD player, and it has my interest. I'd like to compare it's sound to a Toshiba SD-9200. I've heard the latter, and forgetting all about DVD-A and the player's usability faults, it makes an ordinary CD sound marvelous.

The CAL unit, like other older units, has a 20/96 DAC. The DAC in the Toshiba plays up to 24/192 for DVD-A. Assuming for the moment that the choice is between 20/96 (the CAL) and 24/96 (whatever else), how much sound performance am I giving up if I go with the 20/96?

I suppose what is really bothering me is something like the frustration I feel when my computer components become dated. Sure, they worked fine in the day, but now there's better to be had. I haven't yet auditioned 20/96 and likely won't be able to A/B test with a 24/96. The main point: if I go with a 20/96, am I buying something that I'll toss in a few years for playing red book CD audio?
im_all_ears
im_all_ears OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses.

The AH! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 has caught my attention. As I said, I'm not spruced up yet on the core technologies. What does upgrading 24-bit/192kHz TjoUpsampler board do for me? Is this an analog of the most current redbook cd technology, or the most current technology itself?

I'm still learning this stuff, but is it that when you lay your money down on a CD player like this, that what you are really doing is putting confidence in a transport and a DAC, 2 technologies that you could really buy seperately and upgrade as needed?
reubent
6,982 posts
 
Ears,

Yes, 24-bit/192kHZ is the current top of the bit/sampling rate heap. I think there are some higher sampling rates for a few esoteric units, but most high-upsamplers are 192kHz.

For the Ah! 4000, I think the upgraded upsampler is a replacement of the 24/96kHz board that comes in the stock Marantz unit that Ah! modifies to create their model.

Not sure the price of the Ah!, but if you are planning to spend more than about $800 for a used unit, the Quad 99 CDP cd player is excellent. The Quad has an excellent transport, excellent 24/192 DAC and it has 6 additional inputs so you can use its internal DAC to improve a DVD player or other digital component. Additionally, the Quad has an excellent built-in, remote controllable volume control. You can connect it directly to a power amp saving dollars normally spent on a pre-amp or pre-processor. The Quad is excellent at its new and used price. It is an especially good deal if you have an all digital system and can get rid of an expensive pre-amp, using the Quad's remote to control the volume.

Enjoy,

TIC
im_all_ears OP
9 posts
 
I'm going to continue to track the Ah! and the Quad. However, I usually prefer to buy from Echo Audio (echohifi.com), my local used hifi vendor. Are there any worthy contenders in their list of digital components? I'm trying to stay under $500 total, though I may not be able to and will entertain something upward of $1000 if necessary. Here's the current list:

Krell KAV-250cd Cd player ($2500) - $925
Pioneer CLD-99 Elite CD/LD player ($2400) - $595
G&D UCD-1 Cd player ($1500) - $695
Music Hall Maverick SACD/ upsampling Cd player ($1500) - $825
Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 Cd player w/vol control ($6200) - $2995
Yamaha CX-1 5-disc DVD/SACD player ($1299) - $575
Rega Jupiter 2000 Cd player- $895
Music Hall MMF CD-25.2, new ($600) - $495*
Sony SCD-CE775, 5-disc SACD/CD player ($399) - $185
Counterpoint DA-11.5 Transport ($1895) - $475
Monarchy DT-40A Universal transport/CD player ($1450) - $375
Cal Audio Delta Transport - $250
HHB CDR-800 CD Pro CD burner w/remote ($1000) - $550

The Krell holds some appeal because the Kav-300i is at the center of my system, and the remote will control the CD player I think.
gregm
3,405 posts
 
ONE obvious choice on yr list is the Aero -- but its price is well beyond your stated budget.
reubent
6,982 posts
 
Ears,

Help us out! What are the other components that you will be using in your audio system? Will it be a 2-channel music system or a multi-channel combination music/Home Theater system?

If you don't plan to use the player for DVD playback or multi-channel music, I would suggest a dedicated CD player as they generally load the disk faster and don't have any usability problems.

Enjoy,

TIC
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