dieya! wrote:Sir's what's an AD/DA converter?
it's ANALOG-to-DIGITAL/DIGITAL-to-ANALOG converter.
the device that is easily recognizable by most music-lover is the DAC because that is mostly available as an "upgrade" path for digital players (i.e. used to be for CDPs only, now most digital players can benefit from an outboard DAC). there was a time when only a few audiophiles would go for a DAC (or separates: Transport + DAC combo) but this is now very common. in fact one can buy matchbox-sized DACs and have an 'upgrade' for cheeps.
the AD is not well-known to ordinary listeners because one does not really need this "on a standard setup" where you just plug-and-play. also, most sellers, even audiophile shops DO NOT readily carry this device because only those who have specific needs for this (and knows what it is) are looking for them. so, it is not as common as a DAC.
but this is changing now when everything is being digitized; even your beloved TT can now be digitized DIRECTLY from the output of your cartridge so that outboard phono stages will soon disappear and replaced by a DAC
... I have done this in the 90s and i will do it again once i get a credible AD (well, credible according to me).
long.
but i hope this helps you.
best,
.e.