Upsampling Dac and Alac/iTunes

[basshound]

I`m considering buying an upsampling dac such as the Eletrocompaniet ECD1 or Moon 300D. I have ripped my cd`s in Apple Lossless within iTunes so my question is will the dac be able to upsample these files or will I have to convert to another format and/or media player?

 

[DavieCee]

My guess is that the DAC will take whatever is thrown at it. Your player will be the deciding factor.

 

[SteveR750]

Why do you want the DAC to upsample the files? If they are lossless, then the DAC should convert at the native bit depth / rate. In any case, I think its the source that sets the bit rate, not the DAC, so if you want to upsample, you need to configure itunes to do that, and at a rate that your DAC can convert.

EDIT re-read your original post, its an upsampling DAC. In which case why do you want to upsample lossless files / what is the benefit?

 

[Craig M.]

steve, your dacmagic upsamples. most modern dacs do. the dacmagic has a fixed output of 24bit/192khz.

to the op, your lossless files will be fine.

 

[SteveR750]

whats the benefit, or reason?

 

[Craig M.]

not sure steve, i read something about it a while back but damned if i can remember what it said.

it can be used to reduce jitter, but not sure if that's the function in the dacmagic - think it's something to do with aliasing and moving its effects above audible frequencies. don't ask me what aliasing is, i haven't a clue!

 

[basshound]

SteveR750:whats the benefit, or reason?

Thanks for the replies,this is a quote from the Electrocompaniet website

"The ECD1 is a 24Bit 192KHz upsampler DAC accepting 16 - 24Bit input and upsample it to 24Bit resolution. This will give app. 10dB more headroom by lowering the noise floor, with more details reproduced."

So still clear as mud then!

 

[SteveR750]

basshound:SteveR750:whats the benefit, or reason?Thanks for the replies,this is a quote from the Electrocompaniet website"The ECD1 is a 24Bit 192KHz upsampler DAC accepting 16 - 24Bit input and upsample it to 24Bit resolution. This will give app. 10dB more headroom by lowering the noise floor, with more details reproduced."So still clear as mud then!

Well, a clear advantage according to EC.

I only ask as I have read many comments on other forums questioning whether upsampling was effective, indeed a few suggesting the opposite, none with any explanation other than is it doesn't improve SQ, and might make it work.

EDIT work = worse

 

[Craig M.]

it's all down to synergy with your other kit Steve, rather then saying upsampling doesn't work. the best dac is the one that complements your other kit.

 

[SteveR750]

Craig M.:it's all down to synergy with your other kit Steve, rather then saying upsampling doesn't work. the best dac is the one that complements your other kit.

Ttotally agree - the coments I have read have all been within the same kit as far as I could tell.

I can get J River to resample everything at 96k, but they admit its probably pointless. I have to say I am impressed with the DACmagic - it's better than I cold have hoped for. Even Spotify sounds great.