DACs - what exactly do these things do?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital-to-analog_converter external is supposedly better than internal ones included in most computers you can spend up to $35,000 if you want |
As you go up the chain, you get more resolution and sound stage. I, too, balked at the high price of some DAC's, but when listening, could hear the difference in presentation. There are also added noise and distortion from PC's drives and USB, which would be another thread. Suffice it to say, there is a reason ' why someone would pay $2k-$5k for something that simply converted digital to audio, when just about every component out there and in most people's systems already do the same.'Of course, the main dependent is whether or not it is worth it to you. B |
There are dacs that strive for neutrality and utmost transparency . They are staples in studios . There are hifi companies that make dacs and who knows what their goals are in designing them . Its all about manipulating frequency response . What frequencies do you need be boosted to make a great sounding dac in your system . I think it is easiest to go for neutrality in a dac and add the frequencies you want to manipulate in other areas . |
yeah, maybe I am confusing "DAC"s, which I know are actually audio chips that convert digital to audio and "streaming players", and can be found in many different types of components - and a "streaming player"...like a Krell Vanguard, or any of the other units out there, that do not actually have any internal storage. If you have a decent preamp with HDMI or optical/UBS inputs it will convert to analog. If my assumption is correct, what does a "streaming player" do that isn't already being done by a pre? Sorry if I'm walking you guys around in circles on this.. (btw - very happy with the Sony HAP...running XLR directs into my Krell Foundation...listening to CDs in ALAC sounds just light-years ahead of the MP3s..(no-duh!)) Thanks for all the input so far and looking forward to more. |
