Accuphase DC-37

[Harris4crna]

Nvp, that really makes total sense if I am seriously considering buying an external cd transport. I doubt I would hear a difference between the DC-37 or 720. Thank you letting me know about the older Accuphase cd transports. I was looking at a dp77 today. If I am truly interested in listening to cd/sacd than I may consider trading it in for a 720p. I downloaded dsd file and honestly it really did not do much for me. Now this got me thinking, hmmmm

[Harris4crna]

Nvp, i have no doubt you are correct. I realize at this point if i am considering buying a stand alone cd transport i should just go with the dp720. I only use two digital inputs, one usb and one fiber optic from ps4. I have downloaded DSD files, but really its not all that since most files are recorded in pcm and later converted to DSD. Higher sampling and larger bit rates are meaningless since the human ear cannot hear anyway. But, again, i do not listen to cd's enough to justify spending an extra 5000 for a CD/SACD. Question, can SACD be copied to DSD and played? In the end i feel the DC-37 will be a better invest for the future.

[terrycym]

Copying SACD to DSD can be done but only if you have a certain version of PlayStation.
In reality, no.
Best way with SACD is get an Oppo and HDMI embedder and connect to the DC37

[Mattia]

I have downloaded DSD files, but really its not all that since most files are recorded in pcm and later converted to DSD

That is my number one consideration regarding DSD (or SACD), and only in the ultra-rare case that the music I listen to is even available in DSD/SACD (converted or not)
I am mostly limited to PCM 16/44 but I don't intend to listen to music I don't especially like just because it is available in SACD/DSD

In my case the big problem with the DC-37 was that it doesn't have the ext dsp function, and the DAC conversion (*my personal opinion*, after about two weeks of using it in my system) was really similar to the DG-58, so in the end it was only another gear in the chain that I could not even use as digital hub (with no ext dsp, the digital sources need to be connected to the DG-58 to be worked).

It is a bit a bummer that if one needs more than 1x optical and 1x coax digital in AND the ext dsp function, the only gear in Accuphase line-up is the DC-901 (supplied without remote btw ).

I think that at least the DG-58 could have provided more digital ins, and maybe a direct level control from remote... but perhaps it would then be too tempting and cannibalize the sales of other gear.

Ok, I could use the DG-58 directly before the power amp and use the pre as a hub, but since I have all digital sources, the DA (source or DC-37) and AD/DA (DG-58) conversion in that scenario would be a bit of a waste (then again, my use of the pre just as volume control, with only one source, is a bit of a waste too ).

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by Harris4crna

Higher sampling and larger bit rates are meaningless since the human ear cannot hear anyway.

That's a very questionable statement.

Larger bit rates in reality result in a higher dynamic range:
With 24 bits, the theoretical dynamic range is 144dB (6dB per bit).
Taking into account a necessary headroom of 3 bits (18dB) and footroom of 2 bits (12dB) a realistic dynamic range of 114dB (corresponding to 19 bits) can be achieved.
With 16 bits, taking into account the same headroom and footroom, the realistic dynamic range is reduced to only 66dB (corresponding to 11 bits).
That is why in the professional field 24bits have become the production standard.

The main purpose of higher sampling rates is not to record/playback frequencies beyond the audible range (though some people claim that their absence may be audible), but rather to get the necessary (digital) anti-aliasing filters further away from the audible range. The results are less phase shift in the audible range and less ringing in these filters resulting also in a better impulse response.
That is why in the professional field 96kHz have become the production standard and for critical recordings even higher sampling rates are regularly used.

Upsampling to DSD and then reconverting to analog does improve the sound, although not all related mechanisms are yet fully understood.

BTW IMHO and according to listening comparisons with my professional dCS gear, Accuphase seems to upsample CD to 176,4kHz (this explains the frequency response extending to 50kHz -3dB even in CD mode).

Martin

[Harris4crna]

Martin,

I love to make statements as I did so smarter people than I will explain what I do not know. I have read, listened and deciphered to my juvenile understanding the ideal recording sampling and bit rate is the 96/24. So, if this is the case why do these DACs such as the DC-37 have bit and sampling rates much higher than the ideal recording sampling rate? Is it not just a "bit bucket" to place a recording in which has no rate of return for the listener?

Is my only means to listen to SACD with the DC-37 is to buy a compatible Acçuphase device with a HS-Link? Can you please digress on the Oppo solution?

Shawn

Accuphase C3850, A-70, DC-37, Franco Serblin Ktemas, Simaudio 810lp phono preamp, Transparent cables and power conditioner. Vpi Classic 1/SDS TT, Mac Mini

[terrycym]

There's a setting to select either DSD or PCM on the HDMI on the Oppo.
If set to PCM, then the Oppo will convert DSD to PCM internally.
Get a de-embedder and connect the RCA output to the DC-37
This unit will do it.
KanexPro Audio De-Embedder with HDMI Video Output HAECOAX B&H

[Sniper17]

I use the DP 550 DAC input (USB) for my Auralic Streaming Bridge. Sound Fantastic.

I am a NOVICE on DACs. Is there substantial benefit using the DC-37 with my DP 550 using HSLink? Comments Please.

[Harris4crna]

Thank you Terry, i will look into it. I feel the oppo may be the best fit for my system.

Accuphase C3850, A-70, DC-37, Franco Serblin Ktemas, Simaudio 810lp phono preamp, Transparent cables and power conditioner. Vpi Classic 1/SDS TT, Mac Mini

[terrycym]

I found out last night that the remote for my DP-77 can control the source & volume of the DC-37