Becoming a DSD addict

[PHC1]

Downloaded DSD music playback is a new phase of this hobby for me. I have to say, I can see myself becoming a DSD addict in a hurry.

Having virtually nothing to feed my Luxman D-06u SACD/DAC in terms of DSD (other than some SACD), of course it was time to purchase some DSD music and give it a whirl.

What can I say? Seems we have been denied access to some truly great recorded and mastered music until DSD. It is not so much the increase in resolution itself but the often outstanding mastering and source of files where the difference lies. Just a few examples so far.

1. Norah Jones. Come away with me. The DSD 2.8MHz downloaded from acoustic sounds simply smokes any of the CD, SACD, vinyl that I have heard of this album and I am not the only one who says it. Mastered by Kevin Gray at Coherent Audio from master analog tapes, the DSD version sounds superb and the CD by comparison sounds mechanical, sterile and shrill. Buy this DSD album and compare for yourself. No comparison. http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/13...z64fs_Download






2. Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Ok, I don't have the SACD version to compare but the CD I have does not come even close to this DSD version which was sourced from the DSD audio which was used to create the SACD. Besides the obvious better sound, the Acoustic mix version of the "Candle in the Wind" almost makes it worth it to buy this DSD album for that alone.





3. Vanessa Fernandez. When the Leave Breaks. Ok, this is what Led Zeppelin should sound like... Except we will never hear Led Zeppelin sound this great and of course this is a different performer, a female vocalist in this case but holy smokes, you have to hear this DSD album! Mastered by Bernie Grundman from the analog tape mixed by Michael C. Ross
DSD files authored by David Glasser.






I've download some other DSD albums and I am equally impressed with the other High Resolution music. I can see myself adding to the DSD collection to build up a DSD library to feed the Luxman player. Here is the great part, the Schiit Yggdrasil sounds virtually identical even when these files have to be downsampled for the non DSD Yggdrasil DAC! It is NOT so much the resolution but the mastering and the care that goes into these albums.

[FDPDK]

Serge , that sounds interesting , i think have you compared Vanessa Fernandez. When the Leave Breaks streamed from Tidal HiFi with your download ?

I might be tempted to try such a DSD download

[godwinaj]

Downloaded Santana Abraxas as it was the first 2.8MHz DSD Album I knew. (Own it on SACD/CD/Vinyl) I think the DSD files though the Moon 280D sound simply magical. You can literally hear the room Oye Como Va was recorded in, like dang you can hear the freaking room!!!

[JBT]

I've been been buying lots os SACDs recently online which has been a learning experience. Some of the SACDs I've gotten come from Japan and they don't sound as good as the digitally remastered versions they're replacing.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by FDPDK

Serge , that sounds interesting , i think have you compared Vanessa Fernandez. When the Leave Breaks streamed from Tidal HiFi with your download ?

I might be tempted to try such a DSD download

Here is the interesting part. That Vanessa Fernandez When the leave breaks album was not available on Tidal, at least I could not find it until I purchased the DSD and of course my Roon library updates itself with downloaded music. So now it is there... I wonder if Roon/Tidal adds albums to their own database that members add to their Roon libraries externally? I’m inclined to think that’s the case. In any case the full 2.8Mhz DSD does sound noticeably better than the FLAC 44.1 that is on Roon/Tidal now.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by JBT

I've been been buying lots os SACDs recently online which has been a learning experience. Some of the SACDs I've gotten come from Japan and they don't sound as good as the digitally remastered versions they're replacing.

I was referring to the DSD downloads, not SACD and I really like Acoustic Sounds for DSD downloads as a source of purchase. In any case, it is always a crapshoot with any music purchase. At least Acoustic Sounds typically have the samples you can judge the musical content if not quality of an unfamiliar album.

[Antonmb]

Some nice selections Serge. Since you’re a jazz fan, you might also try Miles Davis “Seven Steps to Heaven” and “Someday My Prince Will Come.” Both sound great in their DSD release. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll listen now....

[FDPDK]

Serge thats interesting as here in Denmark i have the Vanessa Fernandez from Tidal HiFi and played on my Lumin T1 its okay, then i tried NordOst Valhalla 2 power cord and that " CD " took a hit to another level where things are like falling into place....sorry for the slight detour.
Think i will just try to buy the DSD and try for myself.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

Some nice selections Serge. Since you’re a jazz fan, you might also try Miles Davis “Seven Steps to Heaven” and “Someday My Prince Will Come.” Both sound great in their DSD release. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll listen now....

Will definitely add those to the collection Tony. We should form a DSD swap club.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by godwinaj

Downloaded Santana Abraxas as it was the first 2.8MHz DSD Album I knew. (Own it on SACD/CD/Vinyl) I think the DSD files though the Moon 280D sound simply magical. You can literally hear the room Oye Como Va was recorded in, like dang you can hear the freaking room!!!

Have not added Santana to the collection yet but definitely will.