looking for general info on DAC's,

[sphynx_000]

Considering DAC's how important are the specs?
-signal to noise ratio
-resolution
-sampling rates
I dont understand what resolution and sampling rates are either???






I have it down to 3 choices for my DAC (mostly for mp3's and some lossless codecs off a computer)

1. m-audio preMobile (would already have xlr mic inputs for future upgrades)

2. creative live external usb (cheaper, and has better specs than the m-audio, but I am not sure if that necessarily means it would sound better?)

3. run a digital output to my h/k receiver. (24 bit, 192khz DAC... I am not sure how this would work... would I be limited to decoding mp3's then?... or could I still play ogg, flac etc?


I am scrambling to get my system together, and cant seem to make a decision on what equipment to buy. Suggestions are welcome.

[littlesaint]

The compression decoding would happen on the PC regardless of the DAC. A DAC converts digital PCM (or DSD) to the analog signal. So whether it's a CD, mp3, flac, etc., it will be decoded on the PC. I'd go with the receiver if it's an option.

[sphynx_000]

you mean option 3?

[littlesaint]

Yes.

[sphynx_000]

If I went with option 3, using a soundblaster for my usb to optical conversion, then there would be no need to calibrate the sound card right?

[Azeke]

If I went with option 3, using a soundblaster for my usb to optical conversion, then there would be no need to calibrate the sound card right?

I'm not for certain, but you will need to calibrate the sound conversion software. I use some freeware called Audacity (open sourced), however they have some pretty sophisticated s/w available for purchase, i.e. Cakewalk, which I have used on occasion.

It's all a matter of what you need. Hope this helps you along the way.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[sphynx_000]

sound conversion software,

is that just whatever is decoding the mp3's etc.? ie:windows media player?
and what does s/w stand for?

[sphynx_000]

I may have just figured it out. The max resolution of a cd is 44.1kHz/16-bit. Meaning, processing any mp3 higher than that would be useless... no matter how good my DtoA converter is, it wont surpass the sound quality that was achieved with the 16 bit AtoD converter that was used to record the music.

is this correct?




Further thoughts on digital sound.

So higher resolution recording is only possible with dvd's, where digital recording can be done in 24 bit sampling rates and even higher the already super-sonic resolution. And even then the only benefit to higher sampling is "preserving the amplitude" of a wave. I think I understand this now. But I am still unsure if there would be anything to gain by converting a track with a 24 bit sampling rate, if it was only recorded with a 16 bit sampling rate??????

Now for resolution. I think this is basically means how high of a signal can be captured. (48kHz, means a 48kHz wave could be recorded/played) I have read that you want double the resolution of the highest freq. that was going to be reproduced. So a 48kHz sampling rate would set me good for up to a 24kHz wave. Now even though that is above the audible range, I think it is believed by some that the super-sonic freq's still add to the overall sound characteristics (even though studies have shown there is no perceivable difference). Even so, one could argue a reason for a 96kHz resolution, but anything over would be pointless overkill... Now back to the CD comparison. Being they could only be recorded at a max resolution of 44.1kHz. A 48kHz dac would defiantly reproduce a cd as good as possible.

I think I am getting a grasp on this stuff. Please let me know if I am wrong about something, or missed part of the picture :T

[Azeke]

sound conversion software,

is that just whatever is decoding the mp3's etc.? ie:windows media player?

Yes sir, that is correct. as well as other production tools.

and what does s/w stand for?

The s/w is just an abbreviation for software.

I may have just figured it out. The max resolution of a cd is 44.1kHz/16-bit. Meaning, processing any mp3 higher than that would be useless... no matter how good my DtoA converter is, it wont surpass the sound quality that was achieved with the 16 bit AtoD converter that was used to record the music.

I know you can re-configure the sampling rates and sampling formats, etc. with production tool s/w. I'm not sure what benefits it would provide, I guess it would be h/w (hardware) and software dependent. My suggestion, d/l (download) the Audacity freeware and take a look at what it provides for you.

The Tower of Power forum may provide further information. I'll move the thread there, it'll probably provide a higher level of information.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[sphynx_000]

also, do I have to have 24 bit capable software (windows media player?) to decode my mp3's in 24 bit?

and if I connect my computer audio-out via a digital connection to my receiver I would just be using the DAC on my receiver, right? Meaning no matter what the specs on my sound driver are- it will be decoded at 24 bits by the receiver?

[sphynx_000]

I found this site to have some useful info

more


here is what I have learned so far,

-decoding a MP3 at a higher resolution than it was encoded does have its advantages. The ADA loop is not exact. The signal is distorted from the original when it is digitally encoded. Then when it is decoded back to analog it is distorted from the last state a little more. Distortion at this phase can be reduced by using a 24 bit decoder instead of a 16 bit decoder.

-the effect of high sampling seams to be minor, but often notable between 48kHz and 96kHz.


I still dont understand
-does your media player s/w have an effect on how an mp3 is decoded?

EDIT: yes, it does, so my next question is,

will windows media player decode an mp3 at 24 bits?