hans030390
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2008
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Ah, well, I've only just started learning some of this stuff myself, so my understanding of it all is somewhat basic. Guys like purrin can do a much better job explaining these topics like INL/DNL errors in terms of LSB, ENOB, etc.
I do believe ENOB is indeed tied to dynamic range, but I think it can also be related to a general level of low-level detail extraction that might not necessarily be considered entirely related to dynamic range. But, in a nutshell, ENOB means what it sounds like. A DAC might be listed as, say, a 16-bit DAC, but it's accuracy and performance in terms of distortion, noise, crosstalk, INL/DNL errors, and so on, might mean that it really only portrays 14 of those 16 bits. And, on the other hand, I've seen DACs that might only be 14 ENOB but show excellent dynamic range in subjective and static objective tests. Like I said, my understanding of this all is rather basic, and I'm still learning. Someone else would need to step in to better explain or correct me where I'm wrong.
So far, I have not had any components that had issues with my non-oversampling DAC, though I do believe some various amplifiers and drivers can have issues with it due to all the ultrasonic "garbage" too close to the audible spectrum caused by the lack of a digital filter. No issues on my end yet, though, subjectively and mechanically, from headphones, speakers, all sorts of amps (including a vintage stereo receiver), and so on.
What I mean by having a "requirement" for non-oversampling more comes down to my hearing sensitivities and personal tastes. I am rather treble sensitive, sometimes in weird ways, but it's not that DACs usually bother me in this way outright. I've just noticed that, in general, I get listening fatigue very, very easily and quickly, often for reasons I cannot explain or fully understand. It's much worse on headphones, even at low-level listening, though does happen on speakers to a small extent. As it so happens, non-oversampling has been the best thing for me so far to help with this fatigue. Oversampling DACs have some immediate benefits and differences sonically, sure (though I think non-oversampling has its unique benefits too), but something about oversampling tends to bother me over time, where as NOS does not.
There's also something about NOS aside from that aspect that resonates with me. Something about the sense of presence and body it gives instruments and vocals, and not in a warm, thick sort of way. Things tend to sound more flat and 2D to me with oversampling despite oversampling generally having a wider, airier soundstage and presentation. Tone and timbre sounds more "real" to me on some aspects of music, especially vocals, with NOS. Stuff like someone finger picking a nylon guitar on most oversampling DACs make it sound like, instead, someone is using a pick on a guitar with a weird metal + nylon hybrid string. Like a sort of slightly oversharpened timbre. Maybe I'm too young.
On non-oversampling, it sounds like what it should to me...someone finger picking a nylon guitar. On the other hand, cymbals often sound a bit softer than they do in reality on NOS DACs, where as they sound more real on oversampled DACs. Neither is perfect to me...tradeoffs either way...so I just go with what moves me most.
