DACs and sample rates?

[Bwanasonic]

I spent some time this evening with my powerbook / Itunes (both w/ apple lossless format files, and playing CDs directly) into a MOTU Traveler> Phillips 7971 receiver> AKG K501s, comparing the sample rate settings of 44.1k and 96k. The 96k setting seemed very subtly more *airy* and detailed, but I wondering if I'm fooling myself? The sound drops out for a second when switching, so it makes a proper A/B tough. How would the higher sample rate effect playback of material ripped at a lower sample rate? Just idly curious about what I seem to be hearing.

Kerry M

[Negotiableterms]

I think you're hearing what everyone else hears. Higher sampling rates sound better, even when used in upsampling of 44.1 data. 24/192 DACs generally sound better than the older models, and as we learned at the AK Fest, 24/768 sounds the best.

On the other hand, the rates are NOT the only indicator of sound quality. An "ancient" 20bit 8x oversampling DAC beat out some much newer upsampling units.

[RichPA]

I think one reason is that higher sampling rates give the designer more options with respect to implementing the digital filters that (almost) all DACs have. Since the Fest, I've played with a Behringer SRC2496 which allows me to easily change the sample rate (though only up to 96k) going to a DAC, and it is very interesting to hear the differences.

[Pilot]

Deleted.

[restorer-john]

deleted mine too

[Pilot]

I stand corrected. I'm guilty of mixing my apples with my oranges. I have deleted the post in order to avoid further confusion. Put it down to old age and other horrible afflictions.

Bryan

[restorer-john]

Hey bryan, deleted mine too- no need for anything that upsets the good karma here...:thmbsp: :thmbsp:

[RichPA]

Here's to self-moderation! Thanks :thmbsp: