16 bit vs 24 bit vs 35 bit vs 36 bit vs 64 bit DAC sampling


I have limited knowledge about DAC's, but as I understand it, a typical CD player used to have 16 bit sampling, and supposedly no one was supposed to be able to hear the difference between anything more than 16 bit sampling; however, I recently purchased an Esoteric K-01X, which has 35 bit sampling (why 35 bits? no doubt only to differentiate it from their then top of the line 36 bit sampled Grandioso series).  

Now I can hear a big difference between my old Musical Fidelity kW DM25 DAC with 24 bit sampling (circa 2005), and the newer Esoteric DAC with 35 bit sampling, although I'm not supposed to, although maybe there are some other electrical programs playing with the sound besides the sampling rate.  

Now, there are 64 bit sampling DAC's, and I'm wondering how much the ear actually does hear from the sampling, or if it's something else entirely that's making the digital sound better?  

Any insightful opinions or perspectives?  

Thanks.
drbond

Showing 2 responses by alan60

You should check out Peter Qvortrup of Audio Note UK's views on higher bitrates, he is talking about bringing out a 12bit player. I am a vinyl man, but the higher end Audio Note Cd players and DAC's are the most Musically engaging digital format I have heard, and that includes top DCS gear, Kondo/CEC, etc.
I thought my point was about bitrate, in that Audio note are only 16bit and they are developing a 12bit, and suggesting to check out Peter Qvortrup's views on bitrates, but heyho!