Audio Application Notes
The PLL in your D/A Can Taint A/B Listening Tests!
A/B and A/B/X listening tests are important methods of comparing two audio sources or two audio components. In the studio an engineer may want to switch an effect or EQ setting on and off to decide if it contributes positively to a mix. Hi-Fi enthusiasts may wish to compare audio components, signal sources and interconnects. The DAC1 and DAC2 converters have input selector switches that allow fast and easy switching between signal sources. Before attempting to conduct these tests, it is important to understand how these converters and their switches work. A/B tests using the DAC1 input selector can be very misleading. In contrast, A/B testing using the input selector on the DAC2 will produce reliable results. This application note provides guidance for conducting reliable A/B or A/B/X listening tests with your D/A converter.
- John Siau
Box-to-Box Phase Accuracy of Benchmark DAC1 and DAC2 Converters
Phase Accurate Multi-Channel D/A Conversion
- Using Multiple DAC1 or DAC2 Converters
Two or more Benchmark DAC1 or DAC2 converters can be used together in phase-coherent multichannel audio systems even though their internal clocks are not synchronized. This seems to defy logic, but an examination of the system details reveals why this is possible.
- John Siau