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dac 20bits with SCD1 16bits output as transport?

OK people,correct me about:I have a scd-1 as transport with a Cello reference dac,that use UV22 super cd encoding processing,fully feature 20 bits high resolution(as specs described).I found in my sistem(JRDG Concentra 2+ Apogee Duetta Signature)a radical upgrade with this dac over my scd-1 in both(sacd & regular cd ways)when using good recordings,specialty with XRCD`s or HDCD`s.The output signal of the scd-1 is 16 bits as transport.The dac features sample rates (32k,44.1k or 48k) & resolution (16 or high),but no matter I use 20 bits recordindgs is glued in (44.1k & 16).Today I tried using a Arcam FMJ CD23(24/96)as a transport too,and was the same.After compared sounds of both, the Cello kept his place with a huge diference too.I`m really happy how is sounding,but still interested of what I`m loosing under the hood of this (48k & high)lights.I apreciate HELP with this "catalog question" or someone with expirience with this dac before. THANK YOU,KIKE
kike

Showing 1 response by ghostrider45

ghostrider45
449 posts
 
Well said, Fineberg. XRCD's are still 16 bit but use a special high quality mastering process to derive the 16 bit CD data from a higher resolution source.

BTW, the HDCD processor samples at 88.1 khz and 20 bits (if I remember correctly). It applies psychoacoustic priniciples to reduce the data stream to 44.1 khz and 16 bits. The HDCD encoder applies a fixed set of processes to perform the data reduction. It encodes information on the process used at a given moment by modulating the low order bit of the 44.1 khz output stream.

The HDCD decoder in your player/processor decode this information and applies the appropriate inverse process instant-by-instant to the 44.1 khz 16 bit data stream from the HDCD to generate a 44.1 khz 20 bit stream for the DACs.

Also the HDCD decoder incorporates a reconstruction filter that is a perfect complement to the filter applied on the encode side.
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