CDs, redbook standard, put out 44.1kHz at 16 bits. The DVD on the video standard is 24 bits 96 kHz and DVD-A will put out 24 bits 192 kHz. There are a number of devices (digital to digital--that go between the transport and DAC) that will upconvert the CDs and output a digital signal at 24 bits 96 kHz, but as you pointed out you have to have a DAC that is capable of receiving this information. Many DVD players have the option of putting out either 44.1 kHz 16 bits or 24 bits 96 kHz. It is user selectable. The latter is desired if you have a DAC capable of handling it, if not then you must use the 44.1 / 16 option. I am not aware of any older DACs that downsample the 24/96 signal.
Digital idiot wants to KNOW: upsampling?
In my quest for "perfect sound forever" I see that the big rage is upsampling. So how does this work. (The Sine wave graphs in the mags look so pretty) I see D/A converters that accept 96/ ??? Does this mean some CD players put out this? and what if you have an output of 96/??? and you D/A is an old outdated one... does the 96 get downconverted to ??48 (So it seems in my Acdom GDA700?).
I want to gain some sort of understanding how these multiple rates mesh together. Or just point me to a site that helps? Also it seems some D/A's do the upsampling and some just 'accept' upsampled data. I am comfused. Help me (so I can spend another $3000 on a MSB Platinum and not get burned.)
I want to gain some sort of understanding how these multiple rates mesh together. Or just point me to a site that helps? Also it seems some D/A's do the upsampling and some just 'accept' upsampled data. I am comfused. Help me (so I can spend another $3000 on a MSB Platinum and not get burned.)