So I'm in the process of piecing together my first rig. I've scored some used AKG 460's, a Denecke PS-2 and AD-20, and my t-bar, stand and shockmounts are on order from B&H. I bought the AD-20 more to use as an inexpensive preamp than for its ADC, but I can't have one without the other in that unit. The deck that I was looking at most closely is the Marantz PDM-661. I've also looked at some of the lower price-point models like the R09 and the iRiver, among others.
I realize that if I get the Oade-mod 661, I probably won't need the PS-2 or AD-20. The 661 provides phantom power, and it's my understanding that Doug's modification beefs up the internal preamps enough to be able to run mic-in w/ the AKG's. Am I correct so far?
So lets say my setup is Mics>PS-2>AD-20>Deck, and we'll assume the deck (any of the models listed above, and then some) is capable of 24/96 recording. The AD-20 is technically capable of producing a 20-bit output, but from what I hear it's actual capability is only 16. If I've got the 16-bit/44.1 output from the Denecke going into a deck than can do 24/96, will I run into problems if I try to set the deck to record at say 24/48 (or above)? I'd like to be able to archive and seed everything I tape (assuming I'm satisfied enough with the end product), so I'd prefer to be able to record FLAC quality shows. Will the change in sampling rate cause any issues? Would I be better off to run mic-in if I'm using the modded 661? I'm thinking (and I know absolutely nothing on these topics, that's why I'm here) that whatever the output of the Denecke is won't matter, since the deck is still gonna process the sound at whatever levels I set it at, and the internal ADC will resample everything anways. Does it make a difference if I run digi in to the recorder, or if I go analog in and let the internal ADC do the work? Is that even possible, to go from a digi out to an analog in, w/ no conversion in between?
Sorry for all the questions, I did some searches first, and didn't see what I was looking for. Any input is much appreciated!
Thanks.