I think that this is an interesting technical discussion, lots of information. I keep on thinking that if God came down with the perfect DAC, none of us would probably like it. The whole Analog to Digital Recording process, plus the Digital to Analog conversion, has consistently removed Harmonic Content and Decay. Some of the best DACs have tried to reproduce what little Harmonic Content there is on the CD Disk. I believe that some utilize their Analog Output Stages, to overemphasize the little Harmonic Content there is. I don't bear any grudges to the changes from the original, because the Digital Process is so largely damaging to the Harmonic Content, that any exaggeration in the opposite direction is an improvement, within reason of course. This is why, I believe that if God did provide the perfect DAC, it would be the perfect magnifying lense to all of the huge warts of the Digital Recording Medium. More accuracy only exposes less and less Harmonic Content that is inherit in the Digital Recording itself. You might have the perfect DAC, but you probably wouldn't like it!
DACs and reproduced sound
I am trying to understand how to think of DACs effecting reproduced music (I am new to the hobby). I think of a DACs "role" as taking a digital input (1s and 0s) and a cleanly as possible processing that digital signal to an analogue output - goal is not impart anything on the processed data. The difference between a good and bad DAC seems like it should be on how well it does that. Or, said another way, from a review of a Benchmark DAC:
"The old regulars know exactly my position regarding the stupidity of ascribing a “character” to the sound of an utterly neutral signal path. Oohing and aahing over the vast improvement in soundstaging, front-to-back depth, bass delineation, or treble sweetness obtainable with this or that electronic component may sell high-end magazines but is totally unscientific and delusional. What the Benchmark DAC1 HDR adds to or subtracts from its input signal is borderline unmeasurable, so the sonic character of its output is obviously the sonic character of its input. It’s as simple as that. It has no sound of its own."
I sort of think of amplifiers and speakers (I am digital only listener)as being more important in "imparting" a particular musical flavor (warm, bright, etc.).
I am a bit new to the hobby so I would like any insights or be educated on DACs some more.
"The old regulars know exactly my position regarding the stupidity of ascribing a “character” to the sound of an utterly neutral signal path. Oohing and aahing over the vast improvement in soundstaging, front-to-back depth, bass delineation, or treble sweetness obtainable with this or that electronic component may sell high-end magazines but is totally unscientific and delusional. What the Benchmark DAC1 HDR adds to or subtracts from its input signal is borderline unmeasurable, so the sonic character of its output is obviously the sonic character of its input. It’s as simple as that. It has no sound of its own."
I sort of think of amplifiers and speakers (I am digital only listener)as being more important in "imparting" a particular musical flavor (warm, bright, etc.).
I am a bit new to the hobby so I would like any insights or be educated on DACs some more.
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- 25 posts total
- 25 posts total