NuForce icon uDAC-2 - DAC and Headphone Amp Guide; Computer Audio Quality Issues

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Introduction
CD-ripping software is capable of reproducing “bit perfect” digital music data
(16 bit/44.1kHz) from audio CD files stored on the computer’s hard drive. In
addition to CD-quality music, some online sites are now offering 24 bit/96kHz
music files. Thanks to larger and increasingly economical hard-disk capacity,
consumers can store the highest quality music files on their computers. However,
extracting good sound from the computer poses problems.
Poor Sound Quality
As a rule, your computer’s audio doesn’t sound quite right because computer
manufacturers often treat their products’ audio output stage as little more than a
necessary evil. So long as the music signal remains in a digital format, all is well. The
pitfalls appear when the computer converts signals to analog, which is how we
listen to music. Typically, the onboard converter (a.k.a. sound card) is a low-cost
item. Digital circuitry generates noise that often bleeds into the audio stage.
Further, these compromised stages are seldom designed for the low-impedance
power high-quality headphones require. Finally, should you use the computer’s
software to reduce volume, you may actually be listening to eight-bit resolution —
in real-world terms, not at all good.
In sum, these deficits conspire to produce inferior sound. Far better to send the
digital signal to an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC). NuForce Desktop
products employ quality DACs.