So back to the question. In my mind the limiting factor for most recordings is not the 16/24 bit digital part. Instead it is the analog circuits - low-priced or badly designed analog circuits tend to be noisy and not sound so good regardless of the converter. High-quality well-designed circuits will sound good in front of a 16 bit converter, and the only drawback is the need for the user to be a bit more careful in setting levels. But a really good user will get really good results from a 16bit machine. So if we all stay tuned and hone our skills we will get lots of good use out of 16 bit equipment for a long time to come.
Gunnar
as I said earlier in this thread, I'll take good quality 16bit over "eh" 24 any day.
and that all depends on the analog section of the gear. A quality preamp will just smoke no matter what is behind it for A/D.
but also, it is very easy for me to hear an improvment in resolution when using a quality preamp AND 24bit A/D behind it. I think your playback method is the big deciding factor here. You certainly cant hear it in a car, due the noise as you pointed out. But you can certainly hear it over headphones and a quality headphone amp.
for example..
use a benchmark or Grace headphone amp/DAC combo and tell me you cant hear a difference. I'll say "go clean your ears".
Even on "mid fi" home system w/loudspeakers, you can hear the difference. Of course, you can REALLY hear it once you start getting deeper into the HiFi game. A great DAC, awesome amplifications and most importantly a quality set of speakers can show you the niceities of high-rez recording.
but, thats just my opinion.
Topic: Are 16bit A/D days numbered? (Read 12815 times)