Stuck: 20-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/96kHz DAC?


I'm a new audiophile so I don't pretend to know all the issues with regard to formats, but here's the rub:

I want to get the best sounding *used* CD player I can afford. Some years ago, the CAL CL-20 was a highly reviewed CD player, and it has my interest. I'd like to compare it's sound to a Toshiba SD-9200. I've heard the latter, and forgetting all about DVD-A and the player's usability faults, it makes an ordinary CD sound marvelous.

The CAL unit, like other older units, has a 20/96 DAC. The DAC in the Toshiba plays up to 24/192 for DVD-A. Assuming for the moment that the choice is between 20/96 (the CAL) and 24/96 (whatever else), how much sound performance am I giving up if I go with the 20/96?

I suppose what is really bothering me is something like the frustration I feel when my computer components become dated. Sure, they worked fine in the day, but now there's better to be had. I haven't yet auditioned 20/96 and likely won't be able to A/B test with a 24/96. The main point: if I go with a 20/96, am I buying something that I'll toss in a few years for playing red book CD audio?
im_all_ears

Showing 3 responses by reubent

Ears,

Personally, I don't think the computer analogy holds up in regards to a CD player choice. Computers become "less usable" over time because the software becomes more complex and requires more CPU performance, memory space and disk space to run. A CD player that you buy today will still play future CDs with the same performance that it delivers today.

So, if you audition a CD player today and it sounds good, it will still sound that way in the future. Now, there may be better and less expensive players available in the future (like computers), but they won't make your player obsolete.

That said, I generally would not recommend buying most older CD/DVD players because they have a relatively high failure rate over time. The transport mech (motor and lazer assy) tend to fail after several years of use. Of course, if you find a great deal on a player and can budget in the cost of a replacement transport mech, go for it.

What is your budget for a new player? Knowing this can help forks offer some suggestions.

BTW, Cal Audio has been out of business for several years, so you would be exposed to parts and service availability if you purchased that unit.

Enjoy,

TIC
Ears,

Yes, 24-bit/192kHZ is the current top of the bit/sampling rate heap. I think there are some higher sampling rates for a few esoteric units, but most high-upsamplers are 192kHz.

For the Ah! 4000, I think the upgraded upsampler is a replacement of the 24/96kHz board that comes in the stock Marantz unit that Ah! modifies to create their model.

Not sure the price of the Ah!, but if you are planning to spend more than about $800 for a used unit, the Quad 99 CDP cd player is excellent. The Quad has an excellent transport, excellent 24/192 DAC and it has 6 additional inputs so you can use its internal DAC to improve a DVD player or other digital component. Additionally, the Quad has an excellent built-in, remote controllable volume control. You can connect it directly to a power amp saving dollars normally spent on a pre-amp or pre-processor. The Quad is excellent at its new and used price. It is an especially good deal if you have an all digital system and can get rid of an expensive pre-amp, using the Quad's remote to control the volume.

Enjoy,

TIC
Ears,

Help us out! What are the other components that you will be using in your audio system? Will it be a 2-channel music system or a multi-channel combination music/Home Theater system?

If you don't plan to use the player for DVD playback or multi-channel music, I would suggest a dedicated CD player as they generally load the disk faster and don't have any usability problems.

Enjoy,

TIC