Hello Nick,
Thank you for kind word!
>Right now, I have 2 dacs that are only 16/44 capable and I don't know if I'll be buying new dacs that are capable of more. I have some 16/44 cd's that have lots of noise and will also be doing a/d conversion of my many albums including 78's.
Sample rate as itself don't provide sound quality.
As example, pro 44/16 DAC with better components and better tuned can sound better more cheap 192/24 DAC.
Exists several measured criterias that can used as hi-end features of hardware.
But without measurement tools impossibly check it home.
And I always recommend check sound on hear before buying.
Also measurement don't cancel hearing control.
>Can I simply use your software for reducing noise only in the 16/44 domain without doing any up sampling?
I suppose the noise distributed in range 0 … 22 kHz.
AuI in optimized mode do deep filtration with transient band 20 … 22 kHz.
However I don’t sure that it reduse noise in your case.
Anyway you can try use free demo. There quality is not limited.
I special do it for possibility full sound check of my software before buying.
> Also, regarding tagging, what databases do you use? I have lots of obscure cd's that are difficult to tag.
As CD database as default used freedb.org. Possibly musicbrainz.org will work too.
Able set database at CD ripper settings:
Settings window / CD ripper/ISO tab / CDDB reading parameters
I consider possibility add gracenote support.
But while don’t know how provide for AuI's users suitable work due don’t know, how fit gracenote’s payment model.
Best regards,
Yuri