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Deleted member 38504
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Ok so basically Redbook format is a regular cd we play? Or is that not Redbook? Is it true that r2r or NOS are best type of dac for connecting to a cd player?
And are you googling for R2R DACs too?
- Thread starter vivek_r
- Start date
I'm sorry if this is off topic, but what exactly is a Redbook cd/dac? Can someone explain without too much technical detail.
Also, if I play a track on Spotify which is a low resolution track, and I connect my streamer to a DAC. Will the dac be able to convert this same low res track to a high resolution track?
Or am I off track?
Redbook is the cd resolution standard which is 16/44. Most old DACs are capped at 16/48 and don't support higher resolution. Modern DACs go up to 24/192 and beyond
A DAC can't convert a low res stream like spotify to higher resolution. They can upsample through processing but that is not the same. Think as looking at a 480p picture on a 4k screen
Whether you like a r2r dac or more modern delta sigma type DACs is a matter of preference
Audio CDs are Redbook.
Not for me.
One can't, and should not, generalise that non oversampling ladder DACs are the best sounding. There are good sounding delta-sigma DACs. There are bad sounding delta-sigma DACs. Same applicable for ladder DACs.
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Deleted member 38504
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Ok so if I just am listening to CDs and streaming crappy Spotify and tidal, what type of DAC is recommended? At least now I know that a CD is a redbook. That’s out of the way.
Jai thanks for clearing that up. The analogy of the 480 to 4K helped clear my doubt a lot. Upsampling is still better than nothing right? I mean I’d rather look at a 480 on a 4 k tv rather than on a SD tv, right?
Jai thanks for clearing that up. The analogy of the 480 to 4K helped clear my doubt a lot. Upsampling is still better than nothing right? I mean I’d rather look at a 480 on a 4 k tv rather than on a SD tv, right?
+1 to that..so easy to get lost in the theory while the prrof is all in the implementation.
As with TVs, quality of upsampling matters a lot. Plus upsampling is a divisive concept - not everyone likes it. Generally, hear before you buy.
Ha ha.. and I downsample to 16/48 if it is a Hi Rez file
Just as an analogy (though not close) when I compare a track on its original CD master with the LP/spool, though the CD has a better dynamic range, the LP sounds more fuller. CD may sound cleaner, but somehow the pure analogue has a slightly better emotional content and naturalness to the instruments.
I do it since I have no choice as my dacs limit is 16/48 !. But the Hi-rez files sound excellent even downsampled.
Maybe one of these days I'll compare downsampled at 44.1 with 48 although I guess it may be much different.
I have heard usampled sound and it never appealed, the increase in "detail" was always accompanied by reduced connect in my few experiences. But High Rez in its native format on Dac was very good. if I had a lot of High rez content I wold have gone for it but since 95% of music i listen to are on CDs and some ripped, I am hanging on
..And Analogue definitely has a more emotional connect, but I am afraid we will derail this thread with this talk
Maybe one of these days I'll compare downsampled at 44.1 with 48 although I guess it may be much different.
I have heard usampled sound and it never appealed, the increase in "detail" was always accompanied by reduced connect in my few experiences. But High Rez in its native format on Dac was very good. if I had a lot of High rez content I wold have gone for it but since 95% of music i listen to are on CDs and some ripped, I am hanging on
..And Analogue definitely has a more emotional connect, but I am afraid we will derail this thread with this talk
square_wave
Well-Known Member
Red Book CD Format Explained
The term “Red Book” is named after one of the Rainbow Books, a series of books (bound in different colors) that contain the technical specifications for all CD and CD-ROM formats, such as the tracks, sectors, block layout, coding, and sampling.
www.travsonic.com
My knowledgeable friend Google has answers for most! Rest we can fill with a decent amount of audio quackery
audiohunt
Member
I have an aqua formula dac and its a very very good dac ,i agree with bhagwan bhai for it being expensive side of spectrum n not totally justified for the price but i see it as one the few companies which is dac specialist and has a modular design
and has matching cd player n upcoming streamer so may be its priced likewise ,i have had chord qute fpga ,oppo ha2 se also have mcintosh c50 pre built in dac but on sonic fronts there are definitely certain qualities of r2r dac that keep you entangled to music there is that ease with which you feel the music coming to you, certain pieces of music pop as if you never heard them before, there is lot of detailIng but it doesnt fill your mind ,there r defined boundaries meaning the extent of frequencies n the decay all u can make out (this is am talking of aqua havent heard other r2r) one draw back some may find is they sound dull but i say they are not but you have to match your systems synergy.cheers to the sound ofmusic.
and has matching cd player n upcoming streamer so may be its priced likewise ,i have had chord qute fpga ,oppo ha2 se also have mcintosh c50 pre built in dac but on sonic fronts there are definitely certain qualities of r2r dac that keep you entangled to music there is that ease with which you feel the music coming to you, certain pieces of music pop as if you never heard them before, there is lot of detailIng but it doesnt fill your mind ,there r defined boundaries meaning the extent of frequencies n the decay all u can make out (this is am talking of aqua havent heard other r2r) one draw back some may find is they sound dull but i say they are not but you have to match your systems synergy.cheers to the sound ofmusic.
I am also a believer of r2r because of musicality they offer. They certainly have a listening ease to them. The problem is that r2r dacs cost an arm and a leg. Different compaines have different sound flavours even in r2r world, making it utterly difficult to choose. The problem is increasing day by day as technology improves.
I am using audiogd dac19 thats an r2r dac and looking to upgrade due to you know why, i am not willing to sell my kidney and a leg. World has come to an end for me. Amps and preamps and even speakers are lot easier.
Gerry_the_Merry
Well-Known Member
that goes to 44.1
A beautiful, well-constructed speaker with class-leading soundstage, imaging and bass that is fast, deep, and precise.
