Computer Audio Asylum

Music servers and other computer based digital audio technologies.

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RE: Auraliti & Berkeley Audio Alpha-1 DAC

Posted by Tony Lauck on October 13, 2009 at 08:20:40:
Are you saying that some DACs output a glitch when the SR changes, even if the digital input is silent at this point? Which DACs? What is the amplitude of this glitch (e.g. compared to a 0 dBFS digital signal)? Is it greater? If so, then such a DAC is dangerous, IMO.

I can see damage to speakers if the analog gain is too high. I wouldn't think this would happen if the analog gain has been adjusted so that 0 dBFS is within the limits of the amplifier and speaker. But perhaps not with real high power stuff. I can see blowing drivers if there is sustained DC or high power ultrasonic signals, both of which can persist for some time with no audible sign, but for a short transient it seems to me that something is seriously wrong with a system if a brief glitch can do permanent damage. I know there are people who like to run this way, drive cars at 180 MPH on the highway, etc., and I've blown my share of LS drivers over the years, melted KT88 and EL34 plates, etc...

Apart from the more youthful enthusiasts, I should think most of us value a system that operates consistently and dependably more than one that puts out the best possible sound on a few occasions in between repairs. I prefer my audio system to be more like a Mercedes than a Ferrari, or a Lotus Elan (the latter causing me to have to take the bus to work for an entire winter in my more youthful days after I blew the engine on a track).

But yes, a warning is definitely in order. (Worse would be if headphones are used, as damage to hearing is more serious than to equipment.)