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DAC questions

olds442111

olds442111

watching the reels
I've read the posts, and viewed them online for sale, but I seem to be completely failing to see the use for a DAC. Seems that it is taking a headphone jack signal and switching it to RCA to feed an amplifier? If thats the case, why not just use a cable? Can anyone shed light on this? Show me what I'm missing!
 
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DAC stands for digital to analog converter. The output of a headphone jack is not digital, it is an analog signal that was created by an internal DAC. Just like a better cartridge can do a better job of interpreting the grooves of a record, a better DAC can do a better job of interpreting the bits of a digital file.
 
Hmmm, I seem to be in the same league here Olds. I have been thinking about adding a DAC. before i can though, I need to know why I need one?
 
As RevMen stated, a DAC converts a digital signal to analog, it can make quite a difference in a system if you use digital sources. This can include playing back digital files from a PC or other digital player (iPod, etc) like mp3 and FLAC, as well as other digital sources like CD and DVDA.

Typically the inputs include S/PDIF (either coaxial or optical) and USB.

As with most things, having a discreet unit with a single purpose tends to yield superior results. A computer will typically have an analog audio output in the form of an 1/8" jack - in this case there is a circuit inside doing the conversion from digital to analog. By offloading that conversion to a discreet component, you typically end up with a much higher quality conversion due to many factors.
 
Got ya. I've been lost with this little piece of equipment. Might have to try one. They're cheap enough.
 
There is an interesting thread on this topic in the Headphone forum. Check it out for some additional information.

cubdog
 
I use my DVD for CD playback. The DVD is for concerts Only. Would a DAC benefit the sound of the DVD concerts as well as the CD?
 
Edriz said:
I use my DVD for CD playback. The DVD is for concerts Only. Would a DAC benefit the sound of the DVD concerts as well as the CD?
Click to expand...

If the DAC is better than the one internal to the player or the one internal to your pre-amp/receiver/etc., then the answer is yes it CAN.

It all depends on whether the improvement is enough for you to hear (some DACs that are built in to the equipment are quite capable).
 
Edriz said:
I use my DVD for CD playback. The DVD is for concerts Only. Would a DAC benefit the sound of the DVD concerts as well as the CD?
Click to expand...

If your CD/DVD player has a digital S/PDIF output, then yes a DAC can be an improvement, if it is better then the one built in to your CD/DVD player.
But you need a digital output on your player in order to hook it up to a DAC.

Edit: oh I was too slow.
 
I was slow on the reply too.

The reason you need one is improved sound quality from your digital sources (CD player and computer). Many low end CDP's don't have good quality DAC chipsets. Same can be said for PC sound cards.

To connect a CDP to a DAC you need a digital out jack on the player.
On a PC, you would use USB to the DAC, which then looks like a sound card to the PC.

The DAC then connects to pre-amp or receiver. Many DACs can be used as a pre-amp.
 
Rockyhill said:
On a PC, you would use USB to the DAC, which then looks like a sound card to the PC.
Click to expand...
Not all USB transports are good, even on nice DACs. In many cases it's preferable to take digital out of a computer directly through an RCA or TOSLINK cable.
 
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