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pgawan2b

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  1. Ok, so it has a total of six digital inputs then and all the data transmitted through the inputs are processed? (AES, Coax, Toslink, USB and two HDMIs)
  2. CatManDo and Boatheelmusic, would either or both of you be willing to elaborate on the use of HDMI with the M51? Is the HDMI the only connection you are using with the Blu-Ray player? The reason I ask is because the user manual that I downloaded from the NAD website indicates that the HDMI is pass through only. As such, I would expect the M51 to exclude the HDMI signal from its processing. Has NAD upgraded the firmware perhaps but just not updated the user manual?
  3. Jud, thanks for taking the time to explain this. It has been helpful for me. I have not moved yet to computer sourced audio; maybe I need to consider this on the basis of sound quality and not merely convenience (although for me, computers are not always convenient).
  4. Jud, I hadn't heard this argument before. By software, are you referring to software incorporated in the newer DACs or the software run by the computer during playback?
  5. K6Davis, your comments are helpful, and thanks for sharing your observations. I guess for $300, I can afford to try a couple and pick the one I want to keep. Do you insert a re-clocking device before the DAC to reduce jitter? Or do some of the newer DACs include re-clocking before they even process the signal?
  6. Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate your input. I think I assumed a few things and didn’t give enough details. Redbook CDs are my only source of music in a two-channel system. I use the Oppo 980H because of its video capability and the fact that it is a multi functional player (DVDs and CDs). I don’t stream music and I don’t have a blu ray player. From a music playback perspective, I think I’m pretty safe in saying that the source material is no more than 16 / 44.1. So, this is why I say excluding hi res and HD (meaning blu ray). I understand that DVD, Bluray, and multichannel surround are different animals altogether. I also recognize (not understand) the complexity surrounding digital volume control and the need for as much detail as possible in the signal. However, I will use a DAC for the conversion only and not to drive the amp directly. Ironically, if I had the funds, the NAD M51 is the DAC I would most likely purchase. Part of the reason I ask this question is because of the comparison of older DACs to newer ones. My hypothesis is that yesterday’s top of the line DACs will perform just as well for me (given my source material at a bit perfect rate) as today’s DACs. While this might not be true for everyone, I think it might be true for me. Years ago I had a Monarchy Audio DAC in my system. I sold it and I really regret it now. It was a factory upgraded M22 with balanced connections. The build quality was excellent, the design was good, the components were good, and the sound was great. If I don't need USB and 24/96, I think I'd rather purchase an older DAC at a lower price if sound quality isn't sacrificed. Rob C’s illustration explaining the multiple DACs per channel really makes sense. I’ve been focused on the numbers (44, 96, 192, and etc) but it sounds like the real numbers that are important are the number of DACs per channel. Also, his comment regarding the upsampling seems logical. Alex, I’m curious about your comments regarding the Oppo 103 and redbook CDs. I’m not surprised to hear the analogue section is better in the 103, but it seems to me that comparing the SPDIF between the two units would have many variables to consider. Assuming that the cables, DACs, amps and speakers were the same in your comparison… Is the 103 better because it changes the signal from a bit perfect 16/44.1 to something higher like 192? If so, it would make sense to get a DAC that can handle the 192. But then again, it would mean the 103 is not transmitting via SPDIF a bit perfect signal, right? Or is it because the 103 is better at reducing jitter than the 981? Were the settings regarding DSD and PCM the same for both units when compared? I don’t doubt your assessment, I’m just trying to understand why. Thanks again,
  7. I use an Oppo 980H as my source, and I play only redbook CDs. Since redbook CDs are recorded at 16 / 44.1, of what value is a DAC whose processing capability is greater than 16 / 44.1? Please exclude characteristics such as build quality, brand recognition, re-sale value, and future applications from the discussion. I'm only interested learning what the value add of the processing capability has on redbook CDs. Thanks,
  8. Yes John, your reply was very helpful, just the kind of thing I need right now. I also really appreciate you sharing the lessons you learned.
  9. Thanks for the link wgscott. That looks like a great place for me to spend some time. Several years ago, I was introduced to Monarchy Audio over on Audiogon. Monarchy has a product which reduces jitter and re-clocks that has been received rather favorably by many audiophiles using DACs. I guess I made an assumption that a computer sourced signal would benefit from a re-clocker as well.
  10. I am going to venture into the world of computer audio so I have a few questions. I'm sure these questions have all been asked (and answered) before so I wonder if a separate forum for those of us just embarking on this journey would be a good idea. My basic question is this, do I understand the process correctly? Below is what I understand the process to be. Step 1 - Rip music in a bit perfect format. This requires software. Step 2 - Manage (organize, list, share on network, find cover art and etc) music files on the device. This too requires software. Step 3 - Play your music files. This requires software as well. Step 4 - Utilize a re-clocker to reduce jitter when outputting the signal. This requires hardware. Step 5 - Use a DAC to take the signal from the re-clocker and convert it to analog. The output is to a preamp or amp depending on the features of the DAC. This requires hardware. First, is this correct? Assuming it is, is there a software that performs each of the first three steps in an acceptable manner to computer audiophiles? Most likely, I will need software that operates on a Mac. iTunes is an example of a software that does all three, right? Except that audiophiles don't care for the way iTunes handles step one (compression) and step three (delivery). Is this correct? I think I have a grasp of the hardware side, but I'm pretty much clueless on the software side. Any clarification you can provide is appreciated.
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