Hi res digital audio file questions

[marcster]

I have a Macbook running OS 10.7.5

I'm interested in high-res digital audio file playthrough using this Mac. I'd run the files to Yamaha R-S700 stereo amp running Axiom M3 speakers.

Currently vinyl sounds pretty sweet on this system, with a little NAD photo preamp in the mix.

But I'm thinking of turning to DSD / 24/192 digital files.

Kind of looked at a Meridian director DAC, but some reviews cast some doubts. I certainly won't pay 4 figures or high 3 figures for DAC.

Does a 24/192 DAC decode DSD files? I could never figure out that relationship.

Is DSD and or 24/192 beyond the capability of my system? ie. will the difference between that and a slightly lower-res digital file be discernible with a midlevel DAC and my Yamaha/Axioms?

Will high-res digital files + DAC really sound better than vinyl? I've read they will but … before I invest would be nice to know. I also have kind of an entry level turntable-- Denon 300F with upgraded Grado cartridge. But vinyl takes up a lot of space & maintenance ...

 

[jinjuku]

DSD and 24/192 (PCM) are encoding formats. It's a poor analogy but think of it as diesel vs gasoline. They both will get the job done.

Honestly, given your speakers, and if you have 4 figures of cash on hand get better speakers.

 

[ReUpRo]

One does not need to spend 4 figured to get good DAC solution.

One option is the stand alone DAC between the Macbook and Yamaha. Example, http://audioengineusa.com/Store/D1-24-Bit-DAC or https://www.nuforce.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=4:udac-2&Itemid=186/index.php or http://www.jdslabs.com/products/39/odac-objectivedac/

Alternately, you can update your Yamaha to a USB high rez capable stereo receiver. Example, http://www.crutchfield.com/S-OIaufdW6lwN/p_779651AB/Cambridge-Audio-651A-Black.html or http://www.rotel.com/NA/Products/ProductDetails.htm?id=515

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

regular CD COULD sound better than Vinyl if mastered correctly, not to mention higher resolution formats...
Like Jinjuku said, before wasting money on external dacs - you should invest first in high quality speakers. M3 are nice, but far from pinnacle of audio world

Try to get Ascend audio for 30 days trial

 

[usery]

...I'm thinking of turning to DSD /24-192 digital files...Is DSD and or 24/192 beyond the capability of my system?

Don't bother with 24/192 - according to this it's beyond the capability of your ears.

 

[bikemig]

The emotiva xda-2 is pretty cool at $269, XDA-2 USB DAC/Digital Preamp/Headphone Amp | Emotiva Audio Corporation | Emotiva Audio | High-end audio components for audiophiles and videophiles, spanning 2-channel music systems, as well as 5.1 and 7.1 home theaters. Products include multichannel .

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...I'm interested in high-res digital audio file playthrough using this Mac....But I'm thinking of turning to DSD / 24/192 digital files....

Wait a second here. DSD is referring to SACD DSD? If that is the case, you can't do that with any PC. You would have to play the SACD DSD disc on a player that is capable of DSD SACD and an AVR that is capable of decoding DSD SACD.

Direct-Stream Digital (DSD) is the trademark name used by Sony and Philips for their system of digitally recreating audible signals for the Super Audio CD (SACD).

Direct Stream Digital - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[jliedeka]

You can buy music as DSD files not on a disc. You need a DAC that can decode DSD to play them.

Jim

 

[cpp]

You can buy music as DSD files not on a disc. You need a DAC that can decode DSD to play them.

Jim

Correct, plus a software player like JRiver (PC), FooBar2000 that can play the DSD files or Audirvana, Amarra for MAC OS

 

[Stanton]

Here's another angle/option to think about: instead of putting those $$ into an external DAC (which I assume would have to be via USB), upgrade the Yamaha amp to one with digital I/O (some now accept up to 24/192) and built-in DACs and just get a SPDIF output/converter for the MAC. Lots of options, but I have a problem with $$$$ external DACs when you can get a (good) amp/AVR for the same price!