Question about DACs

[Walsh1]

DAC stands for Digital Analog Converter, correct? I'm a little uneducated about DACs and their value in audio.

If a Blu-ray player has a DAC would this even matter if one is connected to an AVR or pre-pro via HDMI cable? That's all digital and not analog. I'm assuming a DAC only plays a role in Analog connections.

Someone help me understand this.

 

[sven1olaf]

That's pretty much it.

Dacs are important for head phones. Most AVR, Blu-ray players, etc have more than adequate dacs in them. Though some still chase the best available, which are out there if you want.

 

[Walsh1]

That's pretty much it.

Dacs are important for turn tables and head phones. Most AVR, Blu-ray players, etc have more than adequate dacs in them. Though some still chase the best available, which are out there if you want.

I just always hear about one DAC being preferred over another so far as Blu-ray players and I'm over here like WTF should that even matter if we're using HDMI connections with an AVR along with your TVs e-ARC connection?

 

[ryanosaur]

I just always hear about one DAC being preferred over another so far as Blu-ray players and I'm over here like WTF should that even matter if we're using HDMI connections with an AVR along with your TVs e-ARC connection?

Laughing! It's true. Most DACS in good equipment will be more than adequate for most usage. My Marantz sounds great, and its 2 levels below "flagship." Better go spend another grand+ for diminishing returns!

Seriously though, It has been discussed at endless lengths about whether the DAC in one unit is audibly better than another. At a certain level, the answer for most mortals is "no."
Ultimately, if (when) you decide to chase Sound Quality, Speakers are first. Once you have better speakers, and you still aren't happy, then look at other things like your room and the AVR maybe. Once those are dialed in... It'll probably be time to upgrade the TV.

BTW, If I understand it correctly, the analog out on a Blu Ray or CD will use the on-board DAC. Digital out should bypass that, for the next step in the chain (perhaps that $1K DAC from Schiit Audio),which could go direct to an Amp, or digital-in to another device.

Best!
R

 

[lovinthehd]

That's pretty much it.

Dacs are important for turn tables and head phones. Most AVR, Blu-ray players, etc have more than adequate dacs in them. Though some still chase the best available, which are out there if you want.

Uh, why would a turntable need a dac? It's analog. There are some ADC processes to digitize vinyl, tho.

@Walsh1 Easiest way to think about whether the dac is in play is how you're passing the signal. If the signal is analog (like with RCA cables), the DAC has already been employed. If a digital signal like with hdmi, then you're passing the digital signal along to a dac....

Many old 2ch gear enthusiasts do get a bit carried away by converting their old analog systems to digital-capable ones with various stand-alone DACs, much overblown stuff there.