[Harmon]

        This is a question concerinng transports and DAC's.  Let's assume someone wants to configure a stereo system to play CD's, SACD's and DVD-A's using a transport and DAC. I have to assume that the transport must be capable of playing all three formats. Does the DAC also have to be capable of playing all three formats?  Assuming the DAC must be capable of playing all three formats, which DAC would fulfill this criteria. Thanks

[rodge827]

Harmon,
The SACD signal is not passed through any digital output. From what I can recall SACD is licenced for the player only, hence no out board dac is available. CD and DVD-A digital signals can be passed through the output to an external DAC, but the DAC must be able to handle the different bit rates.
Look into the Altmann Attraction DAC, there is a optional bit rate switching feature, that can be used to switch from rate to rate depending on the recording format. Also look into Lavry products, I think they will automatically switch depending on the signal provided.

Hope this helps,

Rodge

[Harmon]

   Thanks Rodge.  So I guess a transport that reads both CD and DVD-A formats and an Altmann DAC with the rate switching option will work nicely for both formats.