The DAC thread

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bobmeister

106 posts

Master Geek

#1058596 3-Jun-2014 15:04

Okay, then I had better go and get my ears cleaned out.

ilovemusic

1439 posts

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#1058630 3-Jun-2014 15:58

never found a separate dac as good as the one in my old marantz cd7 cdp.

that redbook beast also sounded better than all but the very best sacd players.

alas i sold it.

:(

geekiegeek

2513 posts

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#1059220 4-Jun-2014 15:34

NZtechfreak: This is mandatory reading for those wondering about 24-bit and whether to bother:

http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html

So is this http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=922

I tend to agree that 192Khz is probably pointless but 24 bit can add something to the sound. I only go to 24/96 myself and have found that this is superior to 16/44 but when going from 24/96 to 24/192 I could pick up any difference.

NZtechfreak

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#1059223 4-Jun-2014 15:48

geekiegeek:
NZtechfreak: This is mandatory reading for those wondering about 24-bit and whether to bother:

http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html

So is this http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=922

I tend to agree that 192Khz is probably pointless but 24 bit can add something to the sound. I only go to 24/96 myself and have found that this is superior to 16/44 but when going from 24/96 to 24/192 I could pick up any difference.

Even taking that rebuttal at face value, the case he is making is exceptionally marginal - for some (very rare) new recordings the dynamic range is such that 24-bit has an advantage. If you don't take that at face value then you'll see the rebuttal piece is written by someone with a vested interest in selling you HD audio, and that he fails to address the aural science presented in the xiph piece that says even if the piece has a dynamic range suited to 24-bit audio that advantage isn't realised because of the limits of human hearing. That piece is not, all in all, very convincing. Show me something from someone with a background commensurate with the author of the xiph piece, AND who has no vested financial interest in selling HD audio and then I'll be more interested in whatever rational case they can make for HD audio.

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

geekiegeek

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#1059498 5-Jun-2014 06:10

But a red hat developer who quotes a single possibly flawed study is an authority on the subject?

NZtechfreak

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#1059501 5-Jun-2014 06:49

geekiegeek: But a red hat developer who quotes a single possibly flawed study is an authority on the subject?

He's also a professional musician and recording engineer, developer of the ogg codec - it's disingenuous to downplay his credentials. They stand head and shoulders above the author of the piece you posted. I have yet to see any opinion to the contrary from a similarly high level source. If someone can produce better, or at least equivalent level evidence to the contrary I'm all ears. I'm a scientist, my opinion changes according to the best evidence available.

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

pknz

102 posts

Master Geek

#1064252 12-Jun-2014 17:30

Does anyone know of a place where you could rent/loan/borrow a cheapish DAC?

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

livisun

421 posts

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#1068682 18-Jun-2014 17:20

any ideas if this is a good dac?

would it be good to use as an headphone amplifier too?

http://www.audioreference.co.nz/product/benchmark-dac1-usb-stereo-usb-dac-24192

networkn

Networkn
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#1068683 18-Jun-2014 17:23

livisun: any ideas if this is a good dac?

would it be good to use as an headphone amplifier too?

http://www.audioreference.co.nz/product/benchmark-dac1-usb-stereo-usb-dac-24192

Benchmark DACs are considered reasonable to good, but there will be dozens of reviews available. Yes fine to use as a headphone amp.

Stu

Hammered
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#1104910 8-Aug-2014 14:44

I'm looking for a portable headphone DAC/Amp for use primarily with my Note 3, and also with a PC or any portable source. Have been looking at the FiiO E18 Kunlun Portable Headphone Amplifier & USB DAC, but haven't found anyone who carries them in stock so I can test drive it first. Does anyone know of a stockist in Auckland (South of Central would be preferable, but not essential) that carries these? Computer Lounge don't carry them in stock.

Alternatively, does anyone have one and able to comment or offer any pros/cons?

Any other suggestions of similar products would also be great, thanks!

Cheers

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