Julf wrote: > Yes, analog stages of DACs definitely differ, and some are more > susceptible to noise than others. But would that noise depend on the > data format? > > This is where science and engineering comes in. Let's take the two most > common "theories" (I'd rather call them "speculation") - 1) jitter is a > major factor in the resulting sound, and jitter can be affected by the > source and data format used, and 2) the source (and the data format > used) is affecting the DAC through electrical noise conducted from the > source to the DAC. > > The way the scientific method works is that you formulate tests, based > on your theories, that can validate or invalidate your theory. In the > case of jitter, DACs with ASRCs and fifo buffers should perform much > better than DACs without them (albeit the ones with ASRCs might have > other sound quality issues). Do we see a clear pattern of people > preferring DACs with ASRCs and buffers? Do they do better in listening > tests? In the case of electrical noise, do we find that systems using > optical connections generally sound better than systems using electrical > connections? > > I think the answer to both questions is "no". > > It is good to have an open mind, but that doesn't mean abandoning > scientific thinking in favour of faith and dogma.
Again, I completely agree with you and I'm with you saying that people claiming "the problem come from here and then the solution is my fabulous isolator" has to prove that: a. The theory is right. b. the solution is effective. If not, is just marketing. Then I loose you, when you say that since we don't have a clear pattern in people preferring DACs with better isolations, we should argue that isolation does not have any matter in sound quality. In main stream market, sound quaility is not the priority, price (and cost reduction) is for sure a more important factor, we are still talking about absolute sond quality or about 'good enougth' objects? In the latter case, I don't think anyone is taking care of the little differences we are talking about... Has ever market pattern demostrate something other than people behaivours is more sensitive to fashion than quality? Back on topic. Again, I'm not the one who could formulate a theory on how and why in some systems and for some people flac do sund different than wav, so I don't have to prove anything in this regard, no matter how long you'll keep putting someothers words in my mouth, I've just pointed out that: 1. In perception matters the only evidence possible is someone sayng "I feel it". 2. The fact one could not explain how and why does not imply it could not feel it. 3. There is no 'scientific' demostrated thruth that 'is impossible'. 4. We have measurement that say difference are in place,the fact they are considerer 'too little to be audible' is opinable. 5. There are few theory (some of witch are the ones you pointed above) that try to explain how this could happen. Points from 1 to 4 don't need any of the theory at 5 to be true, hope is clear. About 5, I personally think - but I'm not an expert professional in that matter - that John Swenson theory on software related Jitter could be somehow corresponding to truth, he provided evidences, both measures and listening tests, many others had great results working on galvanic isolation and power supply. Is that dogma and faith? I know who JS and others are, please, could you explain what's your merits to say that? Again, you looks to me a little arrogant... ____________________________________________________________ SB+, Klimo Merlino + Kent Gold, Monitor Audio Studio 20 Gold SE+, Klimo reference and DIS Interconnect. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ marcoc1712's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=34842 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=104227 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
