Looking for great DSD samples, audio advice

[onlyconnect]

Well, based on your demonstrations at Scalford 2 years ago, those who expect to hear a big difference, and then don't, will assume there is some trickery afoot rather than adjusting/correcting their existing opinion/prejudice...

It's obvious that a quick demo in a hotel room is not a rigorous test, but it can be a discussion starter or thought-provoking. I am not into trickery though!

Tim

 

[onlyconnect]

Not really. A good experiment is useful, a poor one less so. That's all really.

If you actually wanted to test the performance of DSD vs PCM, all you need do is run a loop of each (A → D → A) but insert a 40dB attenuator at the input to the test rig and a 40dB amplifier at the output (-40dB → A → D → A → +40dB). Following such a test, not much doubt will remain

I don't have a DSD ADC, plus you would also need to decide what to use as the source. What I'm trying to investigate is the theory that conversion to PCM damages the sound quality achievable by DSD.

Tim

PS and to play some enjoyable music while doing so

 

[Plutox]

What I'm trying to investigate is the theory that conversion to PCM damages the sound quality achievable by DSD

How's about I convert some of your DSD into PCM and back into DSD again. If the 'before' & 'after' DSD files are audibly identical, it's a reasonable assumption that the intervening PCM stage did no harm.

 

[onlyconnect]

How's about I convert some of your DSD into PCM and back into DSD again. If the 'before' & 'after' DSD files are audibly identical, it's a reasonable assumption that the intervening PCM stage did no harm.

Are you coming to Scalford? You are certainly welcome to bring any interesting samples.

Tim

 

[Disbeliever]

Abbado Mahler 6 on DG dual - layer SACD

there u go

xx

Sounds excellent on my Sony XA5400ES SACD player in a mch setup

 

[Plutox]

Are you coming to Scalford? You are certainly welcome to bring any interesting samples.

Sadly not; this will be the first I cannot get to, but another pre-existing commitment must take precedence.

I'll gladly do a few conversions for you if you wish.

Personally, I have yet to come across that shining star that makes me think that DSD is *it*! Likewise, I have yet to find some DSD material that is reliably distinguishable from a derived 24/88 PCM conversion. This may well be down to the fact that few of the records sold in DSD format are actually recorded and edited in this format; DSD is a real dog if you need to edit or adjust anything.

While a few specialist labels claim to produce their records entirely within the DSD domain, none of the majors any longer see DSD as a way forward – which is surprising in view of the fact that DSD was developed for the express purpose of providing a long-term archiving format superior to the 20/48 converters then available (c. 1998). PCM has evolved and been developed immensely since then and I rather doubt that DSD can hold a candle to a decent, modern, 24/96 PCM converter.