I've been rolling this around for a while in my head, and figured I'd ask the assembly.....
I was looking at possibly getting an A/D (probably an SBM 1) to round out my setup, but am torn. The tapes I've made with my SKM>V2>JB3/DA P1(depending on the situation) have been pretty good thusfar. And my playback system is modest but passable (Yamaha RX-V670 receiver>Monster Cables>Klipsch RB5 II). So, would a step-up to 24 bit really make a difference? At this point? Just want to know wether I should head down the A/D path or start circling a pair of TL's......methinks I'm getting a gearslut virus.....
you don't NEED an adc since your jb3/da-p1 performs it. but, a good quality outboard adc would make your recordings better. i'm sure we'd all agree "better" would be subject to a wide interpretation. would you notice a large difference? only your ears can decide that.
as far as 24 bit and other high resolution recordings goes, i've noticed substantial improvements in musical nuances, soundstage, details, etc.
you mention that your playback system is modest. one affordable way to playback high res recordings is through a good pair of headphones paired with a heaphone amp. you'd probably hear things you've not noticed in the past.
i've been recommending to friends to get a sacd/dvd-audio/dvd-video player. they are super cheap ($150 ish) these days. then test listen a dvd-audio disc of something you already have in your cd collection. play a track back to back as a comparison. i think your ears would do a double take.
marc