Just bought this: Korg MR2000s 1-bit DSD Recorder

[Dj_AmTraX]

After some research, I pulled the trigger on this DSD recorder. Anyone here has experience with it? I plan on trying out how it will sound with a SACD copy from the analog out of my Sony SCD-1 to the Korg recording at 1-bit DSD.

SCD-1 specs:
SACD playback: Frequency range: 2Hz-100kHz. Frequency response: 2Hz-50kHz, -3dB. Dynamic range: >105dB. THD: <0.0012%.

I know it's not a digital copy, but hacking a PS3 to copy SACDs is not a good option for me.

[blacsno]

Mike I'm just thinking out loud.....

Since the unit has digital in's and out's, and use multi-track recording software into a computer? I wouldn't use a laptop but a fullsize copmuter. To access those wonderful XLR digital connections!! Wouldn't that solve the SACD problem? Yes... you would have to listen to each CD in real time.... but!! Once the recording is complete you'd re-render into the format of choice.

Ken

P.S. The fullsize PC would need one of those multi-channel audio cards.
Lynx Audio... 1,500 (USD)
RME Hammerfall 9652 1000 (USD)

[Dj_AmTraX]

The Korg records directly to it's internal 80gb HD in any format desired. No computer needed. It's just like an old fashion tape deck. It will playback the 1-bit DSD files too. I am going to use my Sony SCD-1's analog RCA or XLR to the Korg. It's not pure DSD transfer in digital domain, but I think it wouldn't be too bad.

I read that a HDMI de-embeder will output digital DSD signal on some SACD players with HDMI outputs. I may try that option in the future.

The issue with playing SACD discs on a PC is that there isn't any SACD optical drives on the market.

[blacsno]

I was thinking in bypassing Korg internal drive. I thought the Korg was a decoder? Dumping the data into a computer and creating Hi-Rez files. This way it won't matter if the made SACD for PC.

Ken

[Dj_AmTraX]

From what I've read, the Korg will not output to external hard drive. The USB is to transfer files from internal HD to PC. It will not decode DSD files that are not in the internal HD. It's kind of a bummer.

[Dj_AmTraX]

Installed it last night. I'm transferring The Police Every Breath You Take SACD album at 1-bit 5.6 MHZ DSDIFF to see how it compares to the original SACD 2.8 MHZ. The unit is easy to use. It works just like a tape deck. It also works as a DAC.

BTW, this thing is very well built. It's Made in Japan too. Whoa!

[jdandy]

Mike.......Interesting device. Keep us posted on how your recording come out.

[US Blues]

Mike- I know of folks who record live concerts who use the portable version. They have also used it for transferring analog recordings to digital realm for preservation/archival purposes. I don't recall anyone using it for SACD's though. The people I know of who use these devices love them and see them as the future of digital in terms of resolution and realism.

[Dj_AmTraX]

I really should read the manual before I record. hehehe.... After reading the manual, it looks like SACD players like my Sony SCD-XA5400es will only play 1-bit 2.8 MHZ DSD discs. I recorded the album in 5.6 MHZ. The recorded 5.6 MHZ file sounds, I would say 97% as good as the output from my Sony SCD-1. I have to honestly say that I may not be able to pick out which is playing in a blind test. Next run is recording in 1-bit 2.8 MHZ (same as SACD) and make a DSD disc and compare that to the original played through the Sony XA-5400es.

[Dj_AmTraX]

I have been reading about DSDx64 & DSDx128 recording. Lots of fun. We need more DACs that will support DSD playback.