[Bwanagreg]

Not to take anythng away from the Bolder SB which I have never tried I (although I love Wayne's work), but for the computer DIY'er don't forget a PC or Mac-based music server as an option for jitter-free front-end to the Paradisea. I use APE lossless files, J River, and ASIO USB driver, a HagUSB, and Net Remote to allow PDA remote control of my digital music library. Just another option to get the best from this sweet little DAC. I too have noticed inferior sound when using a few conventional CD transports.

[JLM]

Thanks Scott, but why assume I'm not using the upsampler?  (I am, so if I may ask, how would it then compare?) 

Thanks.

[Scott F.]

Well, its really tough to compare the two since they are so different sounding. I almost have to go back to my (sort of) non-statement about sampling rates. Rather than retyping I've cut and paste some text from the MHDT article (sorry JohnR) where I try to explain the differences in the two different sampling rates.

A Non-Statement About Digital Sampling Rates
In the realm of digital to analog conversion, there are hugely differing opinions as to which method of conversion sounds the best. We have non-oversampling (as is the case with the Mhdt Labs DAC’s), we have oversampling and we have upsampling (notice I left out SACD as I’m only speaking of Redbook).

The camps out there will each defend their chosen sampling procedures to the death (if need be). I’ve found that each of them can sound quite good when done well or quite bad when done poorly. In my case, I’ve got the AH! Njoe Tjoeb which allows me to use the stock output of the Philips TDA 1545 along with the OPA2604 (or the AD 826) opamp or I can drop in the 24/192 upsampling board if I so desire.

As for my preference in sampling rates, I like them both, but I vacillate. I’ll go for a while listening to the stock, NOS chip and then I’ll get a wild hair and install the upsampling board and listen to it for a few months. Then I get bored and yank the board back out for something different. As you can tell, I really don’t have a preference. I sort of sway with the prevailing winds. I just like the breeze.

When it comes to the sonic differences between the two sampling rates, hopefully I can explain them without causing some sort of flame war or getting too many email bombs. The upsampled units that I’ve heard tend to exude a large amount of (apparent) detail. I said ‘apparent’ because of the mathematic interpolation an upsampler does. The upsampler samples the information on a CD and then ‘approximates’ the additional detail through a complicated algorithm. Upsampling (as I understand it) stretches the data points apart (of sorts) and fills in the gaps with approximated data, smoothing the data stream curve. The end result is, the upsampled signal that comes out of your speakers supposedly has higher resolution. You hear more detail, there is a greater breathiness to the sound on your CD. As I stated earlier, done well, upsampling can sound very good. Done poorly, it can sound like cats mating. Upsampling can also bring the soundstage quite a bit more forward into your room. And yes, just ‘average’ upsampling can be quite harsh, fatiguing and can have a definite digital sheen to it.

In a back to back comparison between the two, non-oversampling can sound a bit dull and lacking in detail. But, after your ears become accustomed to the non-oversampled chip, you begin to understand that the presentation becomes far more relaxed and less aggressive. I hate to use this term but it sounds less forced. In essence, less digital sounding. Even though it isn’t vinyl, it contains a few more of its qualities (IMO) than its higher resolution cousin, upsampling.

I guess what I’m getting at is the differing sampling rates are ultimately a personal preference. Each can sound quite good when done properly. If you want some seriously technical information regarding sampling rates, do a Google search using “upsampling vs. oversampling” as the search parameter. You’ll get enough reading material to keep you going for weeks on end.

Ultimately I think my preference in sampling rates depends on the system that I am listening to. If the system is very resolving, I think I prefer a non-oversampled DAC. If the system is a bit 'laid back', the upsampler helps bring it some more detail.

I could be all wet so take everything I said with a big grain of salt.

[denjo]

Hi Scott
Thanks for your invaluable post-article inputs. Wish more reviewers were like you and are so open about discussions. I'm sure many AC-ers like myself appreciate!
I have read your wonderful article about the Paradisea and the discussions that followed in this thread. I have a question that I hope you will be able to share your views. I already have a great DAC (Altmann Attraction) and the Paradisea is on the way! Given that my DACs are already very good to begin with, I was hoping to join the wireless bandwagon via a SB3. Since I will not be using the analog section of the SB, would modding the SB3 digital with Wayne's well received mods (plus the Ultimate PS) be too much of an overkill? Would the stock SB3 digital out to an excellent DAC be good enough to take me on the road to audio nirvana? Charles Altmann's JISCO is supposed to iron out any jitter irregularities and himself suggest that even a cheap CD/DVD transport with his JISCO will be all that we need. By analogy (corect I hope?), would it not be equally the case with a stock SB3 digital out into the Altmann DAC? Paradisea?


Best Regards
Dennis

[Loftprojection]

I already have a great DAC (Altmann Attraction) and the Paradisea is on the way!

Dennis, if you already have a Altmann Attraction, why get the Paradisea?  I hesitated quite a bit before getting my Paradisea because the Altmann was "attracting" me quite a bit.  Money was the biggest factor that convinced me on the Paradisea but I always wonder how much better the Altmann could be.  When you get your Paradisea, I would be ever grateful for your comments about it.

[denjo]

Hi Loftprojection
Good question! I actually need a DAC for my second system (tube system) which was less expensive and was simpler to use, that is AC powered rather than battery powered. I guess the other reason was the niggling feeling (like your feeling in reverse order) of how far better the Altmann was compared with the Paradisea. I am still very happy with my Altmann which I have no intention of selling off.
I will be happy to share my thoughts once it arrives and I have had an opportunity to have a good listen. It may be a while cos I will be stationed overseas for two months.

Best Regards
Dennis

[Scott F.]

I have read your wonderful article about the Paradisea and the discussions that followed in this thread. I have a question that I hope you will be able to share your views. I already have a great DAC (Altmann Attraction) and the Paradisea is on the way! Given that my DACs are already very good to begin with, I was hoping to join the wireless bandwagon via a SB3. Since I will not be using the analog section of the SB, would modding the SB3 digital with Wayne's well received mods (plus the Ultimate PS) be too much of an overkill? Would the stock SB3 digital out to an excellent DAC be good enough to take me on the road to audio nirvana? Charles Altmann's JISCO is supposed to iron out any jitter irregularities and himself suggest that even a cheap CD/DVD transport with his JISCO will be all that we need. By analogy (corect I hope?), would it not be equally the case with a stock SB3 digital out into the Altmann DAC? Paradisea?

Hi Dennis,

Unfortunately I haven't heard the Altmann so I can't hazard a guess on its sound though I enjoyed reading Dicks article too.

When it comes to using the stock digital output of the SB3, it's not too bad but the digital mods that Wayne did for me really improved the sound quite a bit. Going back to the Daryl Scale I mentioned earlier, I'd give it a solid 7 leaning towards an 8. Add in a good power supply and it makes it even better. I have to admit, I'm still using my el-cheapo Lexmark printer power supply. Its pretty darned good sounding. Defiantely not as good sounding as Waynes Ultimate PS but its doing pretty well for me until I scrape up the cash for a 'good' one (I'm on a strict audio budget just like everybody else ).

When it comes to audio nirvana, at least in the digital realm, I'm not sure you can get too much closer than the modded SB and a good DAC. When you hit this level of quality, the changes in the sound become really subjective since they all do most everything 'right'. There really aren't any clear winners or loosers, just preferences in presentation based on how you prefer your system to be voiced.  I know thats sort of a weasle statement but it really comes down to what sounds best to you in your system. Thankfully the Paradisea is pretty darned affordable.

[denjo]

Scott
Thanks very much for your reply! Really appreciate your time and effort. Looks like Wayne's digital mod on a SB3 is next on my shopping cart!

Best regards
Dennis