re:The C52 features a 24-bit/192kHz, DSD (DAC)

[ericleehall]

my new McIntosh C52 features:

The C52 is also capable of decoding and playing back DSD files. The USB input accepts PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 plus DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz. The C52 features a 24-bit/192kHz, DSD digital-to-analog-converter (DAC)

So I'm confused.....

Does this mean this unit down-samples all the higher resolution formats that it accepts to 24-bit/192kHz?

 

[kevzep]

my new McIntosh C52 features:

The C52 is also capable of decoding and playing back DSD files. The USB input accepts PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 plus DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz. The C52 features a 24-bit/192kHz, DSD digital-to-analog-converter (DAC)

So I'm confused.....

Does this mean this unit down-samples all the higher resolution formats that it accepts to 24-bit/192kHz?

That doesn't make any sense for the USB input, as the C48 does 32bit/192khz. Are you sure thats not referring to the coax/optical input?

 

[ericleehall]

Well that came from the McIntosh Website.

Here is what the C2600 says:

The C2600 features a 32-bit/384kHz, DSD digital-to-analog-converter (DAC).

 

[kevzep]

Well that came from the McIntosh Website.

Here is what the C2600 says:

The C2600 features a 32-bit/384kHz, DSD digital-to-analog-converter (DAC).

Could be an error on the site? Hmm further investigation required...

 

[kevzep]

Straight from the site, here....
The C52 is also capable of decoding and playing back DSD files for the latest in high fidelity performance; the USB input accepts PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 plus DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz.

 

[ericleehall]

Straight from the site, here....
The C52 is also capable of decoding and playing back DSD files for the latest in high fidelity performance; the USB input accepts PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 plus DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz.

Yes, that what it accepts, not what it says it outputs.....

The C2600 features a 32-bit/384kHz, DSD digital-to-analog-converter (DAC).

whereas:

The C52 features a 24-bit/192kHz, DSD digital-to-analog-converter (DAC)

That tells me the C52 can only output (and must downsample) the higher resolution input formats, and the C2600 can output anything up to DXD 384kHz without a downsample.

Are the DAC chips different in these two units?

 

[kevzep]

Yes, that what it accepts, not what it says it outputs.....

The C2600 features a 32-bit/384kHz, DSD digital-to-analog-converter (DAC).

whereas:

The C52 features a 24-bit/192kHz, DSD digital-to-analog-converter (DAC)

That tells me the C52 can only output (and must downsample) the higher resolution input formats, and the C2600 can output anything up to DXD 384kHz without a downsample.

Are the DAC chips different in these two units?

I don't believe that, this would mean its down-spec'd from the C48, I feel there is a mistake there....

 

[Pappas3278]

There isn't any down-sampling. Download the 24/352.8kHz files to see for yourself.
http://www.2l.no/hires/

 

[kevzep]

That tells me the C52 can only output (and must downsample) the higher resolution input formats, and the C2600 can output anything up to DXD 384kHz without a downsample.

What exactly do you mean "output", the output is analogue, the display on the screen tells you what rate the file is and this is the rate it's being converted to analogue.....Simple right?
I do not know for certain, but it would be a fair assumption to say in that line C47/52/2600 that all the DAC's are the same. Why would they put a different one "just" in the C52? Doesn't make any sense...

 

[ericleehall]

What exactly do you mean "output", the output is analogue, the display on the screen tells you what rate the file is and this is the rate it's being converted to analogue.....Simple right?
I do not know for certain, but it would be a fair assumption to say in that line C47/52/2600 that all the DAC's are the same. Why would they put a different one "just" in the C52? Doesn't make any sense...

I totally agree, it does not make sense, but the outputs of the 2 DAC's (C52 & C2600) are nonetheless listed differently on the McIntosh Labs Website:

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/preamplifiers/C52

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/preamplifiers/C2600

 

[ericleehall]

OK, here is the official answer from Chuck @ McIntoshLabs.


Hi Eric,

Sorry for the confusing literature,

The C2600 and C52 have the same DAC and can accept DSD native. The do not down-res anything, in fact, all digital signals coming in are up-converted to 32 Bit, 384kHz before conversion to analog.

I assume that when you say OUTPUT below, you mean the analog output after conversion, not a digital output. AS the units do not have digital OUTPUTS, only INPUTS.