How does SINAD chain? My DAC has a SINAD of 114 and my amp has a SINAD of 94. Here is the definition of SINAD https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SINAD. So should I upgrade the amp or the DAC? And could factor in cost somehow.
Should I just sum the SINAD and say that I have a net SINAD of the chained components of 114+94=208. If so then it’s cheapest to upgrade the DAC. From an m200 to an e50. From SINAD fo 114 to 121. And total net SINAD from 114+94=208 to 121+94=215.
Now, I've read here that changes in the high end of SINAD may not be audible. But how does this notion of "overall net SINAD of the whole chain of equipment" factor in. Maybe the formula is not to simply sum the SINADs. I suspect most people would advise me to spend $1000 for a new Hypex MC500 amp or Purifi amp, rather than $269 for a new e50 DAC, but does that hold up in terms of some net chain SINAD formula. And by implication, bang for the buck.
Can we extend the chain (and net SINAD formula) out further on either end. Is there a notion of the SINAD of a song that is "Ultra HD" (24 bit. / 96 kHz) on Amazon Music instead of just "HD" (16 bit / 44.1 kHz). Of transmitting that song over Bluetooth (and the different profiles within that) rather than USB. On the other end of the chain, is there a notion of the SINAD of a given speaker.
And how do we quantify Dirac in terms of net system-chain-wide SINAD? One of these months Dirac will release their “virtual sound card” version for Mac. That would be the most bang for the buck at $350 but how do I quantify that? (And technically, the quality of the calibration mic becomes part of the chain too).
Should I just sum the SINAD and say that I have a net SINAD of the chained components of 114+94=208. If so then it’s cheapest to upgrade the DAC. From an m200 to an e50. From SINAD fo 114 to 121. And total net SINAD from 114+94=208 to 121+94=215.
Now, I've read here that changes in the high end of SINAD may not be audible. But how does this notion of "overall net SINAD of the whole chain of equipment" factor in. Maybe the formula is not to simply sum the SINADs. I suspect most people would advise me to spend $1000 for a new Hypex MC500 amp or Purifi amp, rather than $269 for a new e50 DAC, but does that hold up in terms of some net chain SINAD formula. And by implication, bang for the buck.
Can we extend the chain (and net SINAD formula) out further on either end. Is there a notion of the SINAD of a song that is "Ultra HD" (24 bit. / 96 kHz) on Amazon Music instead of just "HD" (16 bit / 44.1 kHz). Of transmitting that song over Bluetooth (and the different profiles within that) rather than USB. On the other end of the chain, is there a notion of the SINAD of a given speaker.
And how do we quantify Dirac in terms of net system-chain-wide SINAD? One of these months Dirac will release their “virtual sound card” version for Mac. That would be the most bang for the buck at $350 but how do I quantify that? (And technically, the quality of the calibration mic becomes part of the chain too).