DAC sampling rates


What is the benefit of a soundcard or DAC that supports 24 bit/ 96 or 192 kHz? Is it future-proofing? Will my computer (or my next computer) be able to read SACD or DVD-A? I believe that there are some formats ( FLAC, APE) that support these higher rates but I haven't yet seen a Mac compatible player for these formats. Also, am I correct that computer based DAC is a more generic/ less specific type of device than an audio based device? I ask this because I understand that audio DAC's are for the most part only 'redbook.' THANK YOU.
mctuff

Showing 1 response by audioengr

The main advantage is for upsampling on the computer. Some of the PC player software upsamples and the DAC will pass this if it is supported. Also, there may well be 24/96 digital downloads available in the future.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer