Alright, so I have, in my posession, three different types of converters.
I have what many would consider to be a mid-level consumer / prosumer audio interface. I also have a stand-alone a/d converter that many would consider to be a pretty high end / expensive piece. Also in my posession is an el-cheapo stand-alone consumer A/D converter.
For fun, I decided to do what I consider to be a valid comparison of the three units. What I did is take an existing rough mix of one of my clients, and I ran it through each converter. Four times. Each time, I used the exact same D/A. The idea, again, is to test the differences in the A/D.
Levels have been matched pretty well. Signal path, in each case, has been kept as simple as possible. Each one used it's own clock, because I feel that to be an important component of the converter and should be part of the comparison.
Anyway, you can find the files here:
http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=3503&alid=1578
Honestly, guys, I think it's pretty damn interesting. I've always felt that comparing converters was a pretty hair-splitting exercise, and I think this comparison lends credence to that. After 4 generations of A/D, you should be able to start hearing some of the degredation that each converter imparts to the audio, and you should start hearing what each unit brings to the table.
.
I have what many would consider to be a mid-level consumer / prosumer audio interface. I also have a stand-alone a/d converter that many would consider to be a pretty high end / expensive piece. Also in my posession is an el-cheapo stand-alone consumer A/D converter.
For fun, I decided to do what I consider to be a valid comparison of the three units. What I did is take an existing rough mix of one of my clients, and I ran it through each converter. Four times. Each time, I used the exact same D/A. The idea, again, is to test the differences in the A/D.
Levels have been matched pretty well. Signal path, in each case, has been kept as simple as possible. Each one used it's own clock, because I feel that to be an important component of the converter and should be part of the comparison.
Anyway, you can find the files here:
http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=3503&alid=1578
Honestly, guys, I think it's pretty damn interesting. I've always felt that comparing converters was a pretty hair-splitting exercise, and I think this comparison lends credence to that. After 4 generations of A/D, you should be able to start hearing some of the degredation that each converter imparts to the audio, and you should start hearing what each unit brings to the table.
.