2. digital
  3. 1179003870

What is new with the Memory Player?

I have read that this player is the next great source at the online mags. Have others heard this player and is it currently being sold? What are the impressions of those who have heard this machine? Any information would be nice since I have read almost nothing other than what is contained in the magazines. Bob
baranyi

Showing 3 responses by aplhifi

aplhifi
515 posts
 
"The Memory Player's 32BIT DAC has NO onchip gain" This is a quote from the MP manufacturer web site.

Ever since the MP was introduced a 32 bit DAC is claimed. To my knowledge, at the time MP was introduced, none of the current DAC manufacturers had a 32 bit DAC chip to offer, and they still don’t.

The part "...NO onchip gain" is also interesting since, again to my knowledge, there is no DAC chip available with gain, many provide attenuation in the digital domain but none offer gain.

Anyone cares to explain? I'd appreciate it.

Regards,
Alex
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Tbg, I am not aware of 32bit DAC chip availability so this is why I ask. Who knows, may be such DAC exists and I will be very happy to find out more about it.

Furthermore, there are many currently available Digital Signal Processors with 32bit internal resolution, and there are even some with 64bit "double precision" internal processing but, as far as I know, all of these are equipped with 24bit output ports to interface with 24bit DACs.

For the record, there is a certain approach that was introduced by Denon 15 years ago where they've used proprietary "word expansion" digital filter to convert 16bit CD data to 20bit. This digital filter had two output ports. One 16bit and one 4bit which were connected to 2 separate 16bit and 4bit DACs per channel. So it's possible that the MP uses a similar topology with two separate DACs per channel. It'll be very interesting to find out.

I am also not aware about DACs with gain.

Regards,
Alex
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Well, now you all know it, the AK4397 is, to my knowledge, the first 32 bit DAC ever, incorporating unique and patented technologies. I was honored to evaluate it at various development stages, including the latest finalized one. It is a "true miracle", IMO!

Needless to say, the AK4397 will be used in all flagship APL Hi-Fi digital products the moment it becomes available.

Since I know that AK4397 was very recently finalized and, at this time, only samples are available, I was very curious to find out what is the "mystery 32 bit DAC" claimed to be in the MP ever since it was introduced? I was just not aware that such thing exists besides the brand new, and until recently, "top secret" AK4397.

Regards,
Alex
More to discover