PCM settings for R/2R

[andybob (Andrew Cox)]

While it is correct that R/2R architecture is intrinsically PCM there are DACs which use separate boards for DSD and do not convert to PCM (unless set that way). Examples are the Holo Audio Spring/May and the T+A DACs.

This thread sets out Jussi’s recommendations for bit depth with R/2R DACs:

DAC Bits for R/2R DACs

No, but it removes non-linearity distortion from the output when combined with a suitable noise-shaper like LNS15 and high enough output rate (352.8k or higher), on Holo Audio R2R DACs. It is technically impossible to make R2R ladder that is accurate to 24-bits, not to even mention 32 (which exceeds what analog world can represent by several orders of magnitude)… Correct setting depends on the DAC in question and requires some measurements to figure it out. Most other R2R DACs need lower value…

I like the LNS15 Dither for upsampling PCM but try them out on your system and see what suits you.