DSD can be LP filtered then resampled to convert it to PCM. The thing is that some dacs sound better playing in DSD mode. Its just a quirk of some dacs. For most all other purposes PCM is probably better. That said, Merging Technologies "Pyramix" systems combined with DSD data converters are sometimes used for very high end mixing and mastering. That's also what Mobile Fidelity has been using for some years for duplication of master tapes to vinyl. They reportedly tried various options as compared to making tape copies of masters and settled on Merging "Horus" hardware technology as better sounding than anything else, including making tape copies of masters.
So, guys, DSD is not something to be ignored IMHO. Some dacs definitely sound better in that mode, especially at higher sample rates such as DSD256. Also, sometimes for a particular dac there is a sweet spot at some DSD sample rate. Not uncommon for it to be at DSD256, but its not always that.
So, guys, DSD is not something to be ignored IMHO. Some dacs definitely sound better in that mode, especially at higher sample rates such as DSD256. Also, sometimes for a particular dac there is a sweet spot at some DSD sample rate. Not uncommon for it to be at DSD256, but its not always that.
Last edited:
DSD?
I just figured out how to get bit perfect to 24/96 and 214/196 PCM....
Now you want me to do DSD?
I just figured out how to get bit perfect to 24/96 and 214/196 PCM....
Now you want me to do DSD?
There is a free trial version of HQ Player you can try in order to do the PCM to DSD conversion on a PC. The trial version is full featured, it just times out and closes after a 30 minute interval. You can restart it as often as you want though. There are also some freeware offline software converters. HQ Player is probably the best though. And you can use it to upsample CD to 24/96 or 24/192 as well. You can also use it with external streaming DSP processing before the conversion to DSD, including for multi-channel digital crossovers.
Regarding bit perfect upsampling, not that likely. There has to be a LP filter after the upsampling to prevent aliasing. The LP filter is going to change some bits, the important thing is that the chosen filter is a good sounding one.
Regarding bit perfect upsampling, not that likely. There has to be a LP filter after the upsampling to prevent aliasing. The LP filter is going to change some bits, the important thing is that the chosen filter is a good sounding one.
Last edited:
Using foobar2000 on a Windows 10/11 PC, you can use foo_input_sacd - Super Audio CD Decoder along with foo_out_asio - ASIO Output to play back DSD audio or convert DSD audio to PCM audio files.
You can also use
https://gist.github.com/milnak/c3b4148e574fa7828cc7d24e46d6dbe9
Also, you can use the standard SACD plugin for foobar2000 to convert stored DSF files to PCM on playback:
https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.co...-part-3-new-experimental-sacd-plugin-v-0-9-x/
"Using this configuration, all DSD formats will be sent as PCM to the DAC."
___________________________
I have DSF files made from SACD iso files, using the SACD-to-DSF utility from https://www.videohelp.com/software/sacd-extract. I use it from the command line ('DOS box').
I also have a few DSF albums I purchased from the truly excellent High Definition Tape Transfers site (https://www.highdeftapetransfers.ca/).
I find that some of these albums are the best sounding versions I've heard. For instance, the HDTT release of Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley (DSD256). One nice perk HDTT offers is that if you purchase the highest-resolution version of a particular album, you can also download a PCM version (including 24/192) of the files for free. https://www.highdeftapetransfers.ca...with-the-cannonball-adderley-quintet-pure-dsd
I have no idea if the DSD256 version of this album sounds any different from the 24/192 PCM version.
And... my Topping E30II Lite plays them all just fine.
But the question remains... Does it sound bad compared to the Schiit Modi?
You can also use
https://gist.github.com/milnak/c3b4148e574fa7828cc7d24e46d6dbe9
Also, you can use the standard SACD plugin for foobar2000 to convert stored DSF files to PCM on playback:
https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.co...-part-3-new-experimental-sacd-plugin-v-0-9-x/
"Using this configuration, all DSD formats will be sent as PCM to the DAC."
___________________________
I have DSF files made from SACD iso files, using the SACD-to-DSF utility from https://www.videohelp.com/software/sacd-extract. I use it from the command line ('DOS box').
I also have a few DSF albums I purchased from the truly excellent High Definition Tape Transfers site (https://www.highdeftapetransfers.ca/).
I find that some of these albums are the best sounding versions I've heard. For instance, the HDTT release of Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley (DSD256). One nice perk HDTT offers is that if you purchase the highest-resolution version of a particular album, you can also download a PCM version (including 24/192) of the files for free. https://www.highdeftapetransfers.ca...with-the-cannonball-adderley-quintet-pure-dsd
I have no idea if the DSD256 version of this album sounds any different from the 24/192 PCM version.
And... my Topping E30II Lite plays them all just fine.
But the question remains... Does it sound bad compared to the Schiit Modi?
Last edited:
I can't hear the difference except maybe in the filter, I tried dsd files but can't be bothered anymore, it's only good to capture archive levels recordings, then pcm is the better way to enjoy it
I doubt a tube amp can show the difference with 44khz and 96... slew rate is at ,most 8v, my solid state is good to 800khz ,... that is like 20v it resolves a lot more detail, but can the ear catch it or is the increase clarity worth it,
Its like my ss amp walks around my tube amp, even with less power, it does have amazing power of exposing the most complex multivoices recordings, which a tube amp can't, but for 90% of listening is not required,
I doubt a tube amp can show the difference with 44khz and 96... slew rate is at ,most 8v, my solid state is good to 800khz ,... that is like 20v it resolves a lot more detail, but can the ear catch it or is the increase clarity worth it,
Its like my ss amp walks around my tube amp, even with less power, it does have amazing power of exposing the most complex multivoices recordings, which a tube amp can't, but for 90% of listening is not required,
Last edited:
Depends on the particular dac. If not better for your dac then no reason to use it. However, you might try a no-dac dac. There is a thread on it. Passive filtering and transformer output. Although it will be noisy, you may be quite surprised at the quality of the sound aside from the noise. Some people can never go back after hearing what is possible. The only problem is to get rid of the noise. That's where a dac like Marcel's RTZ DSD FIRDAC comes in. Suitably configured it can sound quite amazing. Cost will be more than $200 though. And SMD soldering would be involved too.
Last edited:
I will pass and let that be treasured by others! Time limits, I didn't received the optical / spdif onetr for my dac yet, and the quality barrel pins arrays , I wanted to try tonight..
I was listening again to mass in C minor Gardiner 1987, it should be in the list of recordings to test audio systems...
I always liked this recording, it is far from perfect. What I particularly like is the Academy of St. Martin acoustics
Everything seems to come from very far in a huge setup, everything sounds airy and intimate at the same time.
I like the organ which blends with the trombones and only the best system can clearly let you hear both distinctively. It is such a great ensemble which procures tremendous joy.
I always liked this recording, it is far from perfect. What I particularly like is the Academy of St. Martin acoustics
Everything seems to come from very far in a huge setup, everything sounds airy and intimate at the same time.
I like the organ which blends with the trombones and only the best system can clearly let you hear both distinctively. It is such a great ensemble which procures tremendous joy.
Which C minor Mass is that? JS Bach? Mozart?
This one?
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7927317--mozart-mass-in-c-minor-k427-great
...
I was just listening to a rip from an old CD of Mravinsky conducting Prokofiev's 6th Symphony. It's not a great recording or anything, but there is a part with a lot of percussion and trombones that comes through very nicely, with nice room reverb and good sense of space, even through my truly awful, nasty, grainy, harsh-sounding Chi-Fi DAC and Class D amp-based system (Topping E30II Lite, Fosi V3 stereo). In my opinion, the secret sauce that makes it sound reasonably good is the Intact Audio autoformer attenuator and the old Snell E speakers, or... Could it be that the Chinese DAC and amp actually sound reasonably good? At any rate, it sounds good to me, but I have declining hearing, being that I'm officially a senior citizen now. So I'm not a reliable judge of sound quality any more (assuming I ever was! 😳 ).
This one?
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7927317--mozart-mass-in-c-minor-k427-great
...
I was just listening to a rip from an old CD of Mravinsky conducting Prokofiev's 6th Symphony. It's not a great recording or anything, but there is a part with a lot of percussion and trombones that comes through very nicely, with nice room reverb and good sense of space, even through my truly awful, nasty, grainy, harsh-sounding Chi-Fi DAC and Class D amp-based system (Topping E30II Lite, Fosi V3 stereo). In my opinion, the secret sauce that makes it sound reasonably good is the Intact Audio autoformer attenuator and the old Snell E speakers, or... Could it be that the Chinese DAC and amp actually sound reasonably good? At any rate, it sounds good to me, but I have declining hearing, being that I'm officially a senior citizen now. So I'm not a reliable judge of sound quality any more (assuming I ever was! 😳 ).
Last edited:
Ah don't worry , I have an otitis in my right ear right now, and I absolutely enjoy listening with my one good ear!
It is that recording, I have the CD. Which part has that lot of noise? in Prokovief's 6th.
It is that recording, I have the CD. Which part has that lot of noise? in Prokovief's 6th.
I actually don't have a recording of that last great Mozart piece, so I guess I should get this one to get to know it better.
I shut down the music for the night (off to bed), so I'll have to go back and find that for you. I don't know that piece well either. I just picked it at random this evening.
I shut down the music for the night (off to bed), so I'll have to go back and find that for you. I don't know that piece well either. I just picked it at random this evening.
get this one also and see how it compares to your Nitsch/Schitt 😉
Attachments
BTW, speaking of inexpensive, I forgot... I got one of these last December to use on my phone and IEMs.
Linsoul Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini Portable IEM DAC It's on sale right now for 22 bucks at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-Kiwi-Ears-Allegro-Mini/dp/B0DDKYSS3T/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2M1RHQL2QH5FU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J5fOdBOgi9r70PjTj7XQtpYKyO4SeH2WrgXKs_zExOmVfFnUTpquYlUTC7RIKTsMvVi5aLlut-yON4FuIqlvIITxnShP6dZiXps-VYPJ0PVkxhasqA1zvMCtUmQdU5-e_ddma3BjRvdCBCoeAplaR-8psnTvoHWOBFfNg19UeHiLkiw4KSMah8-rQ4Cft7tm4laruse5WyA6BWvIMEb-4G-Z3GxwNjreo0wDKhc6tf8GXwWZ8lwLLA2xedu5DF-1JoFYs2UsMQZA3Zsw1CG17NxiN7u9Ng1YyGV4r8_idGk.bR_TLIRxWQlj4lvcgwyDs3NHRuC7Fo7YPPoYQXsEEh8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Linsoul+Kiwi+Ears+Allegro+Mini+Portable+IEM+DAC&qid=1746846802&s=electronics&sprefix=linsoul+kiwi+ears+allegro+mini+portable+iem+dac,electronics,137&sr=1-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
@acko... the SMSL DO100 is $219 on Amazon. I think I'll take out the RME instead. I got it on the shelf. I want to talk to the guy at Nitsch first, see what his plans are. If he makes a balanced output version I might just go for that.
Linsoul Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini Portable IEM DAC It's on sale right now for 22 bucks at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-Kiwi-Ears-Allegro-Mini/dp/B0DDKYSS3T/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2M1RHQL2QH5FU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J5fOdBOgi9r70PjTj7XQtpYKyO4SeH2WrgXKs_zExOmVfFnUTpquYlUTC7RIKTsMvVi5aLlut-yON4FuIqlvIITxnShP6dZiXps-VYPJ0PVkxhasqA1zvMCtUmQdU5-e_ddma3BjRvdCBCoeAplaR-8psnTvoHWOBFfNg19UeHiLkiw4KSMah8-rQ4Cft7tm4laruse5WyA6BWvIMEb-4G-Z3GxwNjreo0wDKhc6tf8GXwWZ8lwLLA2xedu5DF-1JoFYs2UsMQZA3Zsw1CG17NxiN7u9Ng1YyGV4r8_idGk.bR_TLIRxWQlj4lvcgwyDs3NHRuC7Fo7YPPoYQXsEEh8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Linsoul+Kiwi+Ears+Allegro+Mini+Portable+IEM+DAC&qid=1746846802&s=electronics&sprefix=linsoul+kiwi+ears+allegro+mini+portable+iem+dac,electronics,137&sr=1-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
The eBay seller that has a Nuforce uDAC5 for 100 (OBO) bucks (too much), I offered him 50. He counteroffered 85. I turned it down, he still wants too much. 50 is a fair price. I really don't need yet another, so I'm not gonna bother.@acko... the SMSL DO100 is $219 on Amazon. I think I'll take out the RME instead. I got it on the shelf. I want to talk to the guy at Nitsch first, see what his plans are. If he makes a balanced output version I might just go for that.
Last edited:
That Nitsch (the pre-amp only) looked so good to me that I actually gave it some serious thought and looked around for more info. I like the power supply, discrete approach to amplification, the layout in particular, the choice of capacitors, and the placement. It almost seems like care was taken to construct a very fast power supply layout for the gain stage. It seemed like a very good design - like someone knew what they were doing, big time. Single-ended is a no-go, however.
It is an issue, but it sounds really good even SE...
I have it hooked up to a CJ tube preamp which is SE, so it's not an issue.
Get it with the DAC....
I have it hooked up to a CJ tube preamp which is SE, so it's not an issue.
Get it with the DAC....
How about SMSL D300? That's a native DSD DAC. I hear good comments, especially with x256 DSD...
Well it ain't cheap.
I think 200 is the upper shelf. In consumer town, you can buy a lot of electronics for 200 now. When you look how much phone it buys, then at a dumb box with a fraction of the work to be done, that 200 should get you something. I mean, the 200 phone has one, and all that other stuff.
I think 200 is the upper shelf. In consumer town, you can buy a lot of electronics for 200 now. When you look how much phone it buys, then at a dumb box with a fraction of the work to be done, that 200 should get you something. I mean, the 200 phone has one, and all that other stuff.
Yeah they all have screws too 🙂
If the "inexpensive" is not defined clearly it will be hard to find consensus. IMHO 400 is what I want to spend for a very good DAC, 100 max for a cheap one. If that 100 Euro one happens to be one of the better ones on the market I did well. It are unnecessary luxury items as about every decent source already has a DAC. I could do without external stuff big time and I do now. It does not hurt at all and the sun still shines.
The audio branch has managed to lure us into spending 400 for a source and 400 for a DAC 🙂
If the "inexpensive" is not defined clearly it will be hard to find consensus. IMHO 400 is what I want to spend for a very good DAC, 100 max for a cheap one. If that 100 Euro one happens to be one of the better ones on the market I did well. It are unnecessary luxury items as about every decent source already has a DAC. I could do without external stuff big time and I do now. It does not hurt at all and the sun still shines.
The audio branch has managed to lure us into spending 400 for a source and 400 for a DAC 🙂
Last edited: