C47, C52, C2600, D1100 Native DSD issues.

[leftside]

Originally Posted by krustycat

I would say I prefer DSD native recordings over PCM native recordings from the same mastering.

Same

[1KW]

Just curious why you prefer DSD to PCM ? I don't have any DSD files .

[Dr Tone]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Just curious why you prefer DSD to PCM ? I don't have any DSD files .

Most will describe it as a more relaxed "analog" like presentation to the music.

[substance]

Dsd vs pcm mathematically are the same. Same mastering should sound the same. The differences are due to different processing of the player/dac.

[krustycat]

Whatever happens in the DAC's when they do the transfer from the same master to DSD, sounds better to my ears [emoji101]

[leftside]

There's also a lot of people who swear by upsampling a PCM file to DSD256/512 with HQPlayer. I've never believed you can extract more than the original source, but I'm willing to give it a try sometime for fun.

For a long time, I've been a fan of the SACD/DSD format. My Exile On Main Street SACD (and now file based ripped DSD/ISO) sounds far better than any vinyl pressing. But, they could have indeed put extra effort into the mastering process for that one.

[krustycat]

Tell me about it, I have ripped my entire collection is SACD's, and most of them sound much better than other downloaded music from hdtracks, etc.

[Dr Tone]

Originally Posted by leftside

There's also a lot of people who swear by upsampling a PCM file to DSD256/512 with HQPlayer. I've never believed you can extract more than the original source, but I'm willing to give it a try sometime for fun.

It's not about extracting more information it's about replacing the PCM filtering and upsampling happening in most DACs with subjectively better algorithms. The massive processing power on a PC allows Jussi (HQPlayer developer) to get way more creative with the filters and modulators. It's sending the DAC these computer generated higher sample rates that causes the DAC's internal filters to be bypassed. Choosing DSD as the output format is more about aligning the DAC input format with the native format of the DAC to prevent it from doing any extra converting.

I hope I worded it well enough to make sense?

[leftside]

Originally Posted by Dr Tone

It's not about extracting more information it's about replacing the PCM filtering and upsampling happening in most DACs with subjectively better algorithms. The massive processing power on a PC allows Jussi (HQPlayer developer) to get way more creative with the filters and modulators. It's sending the DAC these computer generated higher sample rates that causes the DAC's internal filters to be bypassed. Choosing DSD as the output format is more about aligning the DAC input format with the native format of the DAC to prevent it from doing any extra converting.

I hope I worded it well enough to make sense?

Good explanation. With my DAC a few people have upgraded to the chipless DSD512 and upsample everything with HQPlayer with reportedly very good results. I don't think my existing computer is quite powerful enough for that, but it could be a nice upgrade option if 1) Roon develops algorithms that are less resource expensive than HQP or 2) I get a beefier computer. I see you post a fair bit on other forums. I'm going to start following along a little more often.

[audio bill]

Originally Posted by Dr Tone

It's not about extracting more information it's about replacing the PCM filtering and upsampling happening in most DACs with subjectively better algorithms. The massive processing power on a PC allows Jussi (HQPlayer developer) to get way more creative with the filters and modulators. It's sending the DAC these computer generated higher sample rates that causes the DAC's internal filters to be bypassed. Choosing DSD as the output format is more about aligning the DAC input format with the native format of the DAC to prevent it from doing any extra converting.

I hope I worded it well enough to make sense?

Excellent post, very clearly explained. Thanks for sharing it!