Dan Frakes wrote:
>
> However, I also pointed out that I did a comparison on my stereo: same
> amp, same preamp, same speakers. The only difference is the D/A
> converter, since the MD and CD both used their own internal D/A. To be
> fair, that's a difference. Unfortunately I don't have a separate D/A
> converter to test with. However, I find it very hard to believe that the
> Sony's D/A converter is *so* much worse that it accounts for 100% of the
> obvious differences in sound quality.
Certainly the DAC makes a difference! If it didn't, audio companies
wouldn't bother selling external DACs. In fact, the price of a good
high-end DAC is often 5-digits! The reason my Sony CDX-C90 car stereo
cost so much was due to its quad 20-bit Burr-Brown DACs and several
different digital filters. It costs $1200, yet it has no fancy color
display or even a built-in amp.
> >I think anyone who states that MD sound quality is subjectively inferior
> >without ruling out the DAC and all analog stages is stating a flawed
> >opinion. I also personally believe that a non-blind test will affect
> >the results, because just the KNOWLEDGE that compression/decompression
> >is taking place and the belief that "it is compressed, therefore the
> >sound MUST be different" has a way of influencing the listener.
>
> You're correct about the testing methodologies. Although sometime last
> fall I read a comparison using a nice double-blind test (with all other
> components held constant). CD was judged superior. Can't remember what
> magazine it was, though.
Yes, but from what I've seen, magazines also do flawed testing. They
test one unit against the other. That's comparing two models, but for a
format comparison, that's not really fair.
You could probably rule out the DAC if you play the CD digitally through
the MD recorder using the audio monitor feature. Do the test blind with
a friend switching the source randomly and you can also rule out
psychological influence.
BTW, it would not surprise me at all if Sony did not use the best DACs
in their portable equipment. In a portable recorder, not only is having
to operate on low voltage a concern, but so is power consumption.
--
Shawn Lin
http://www2.cybercities.com/g/gmwbodycars/
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