Is the processor input for that only HDMI?
DSD playback options
- Thread starter MikeyFresh
- Start date
Correct, only HDMI can be used for DSD direct playback.
I'm mostly happy with my 88.2/24 FLAC files. The only issue I have is the occasional tick between tracks, which isn't uncommon. However, my Oppo can play the FLAC files gaplessly, which it can't do with DSD files, so it's a tradeoff I'm willing to make.
I have to admit lately I've only been playing my stereo DSD files via roon which is gapless and tick free.
I have to admit lately I've only been playing my stereo DSD files via roon which is gapless and tick free.
I'm pretty sure one or more Sony Blu-ray player models would output 6 channel .DSF files over HDMI, maybe the UBP-X800, or the X800M2 if memory serves.
I too use a Mac and DSD Master. I'd say go with dBpower amp, my past dealings with it on Windows were all very positive, though I never used it to convert DSF to FLAC, but I'm sure it will be capable for that task.
Thats a good question, especially since the last time I sent Richard a message he did not reply, so I'm not sure he is still developing it anymore.
It definitely still works as of 11.7.1 Big Sur, but thats as far as I can get ya' and I'll be facing the same issue that you are describing because my MacBook is at EOL with Big Sur, so I'll need a new machine at some point.
Also worth noting my machine has an Intel CPU, not sure if using a newer M1 or M2-based Mac might complicate things, probably not.
Sorry for this “thick” question but is DSD the same/similar to SACD? My Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital plays back DSD and I’ve got a few DSD files but just wondering for reference. I’ve always been curious about SACD but in most cases a dedicated player seems to be to rich for my blood.
DSD is what is found on SACD, DSD64 to be precise, the 64 refers to SACD's 2.82mHz sample rate being 64 times that of CD's 44.1kHz.
Unless you really just like spinning discs, these days the only player you'd need is a Blu-ray player that is compatible with ripping SACDs, so that you can play the ripped files instead of the discs themselves.
A big thanks to @MikeyFresh for your answer. My DAC will play DSD files. I’m thinking I’ll give a few downloads a try since getting more hardware doesn’t make sense right now.
Some download sites offer DSD128, and DSD256 files in the instances the original recording or analog transfer to digital was done at that resolution.
Your playback software and/or DAC may or may not be compatible with DSD128/256 however, and an additional consideration is those are very large files to store, or transmit over WiFi on a home network.
Hello,
finally I was able to rip my SACDs, thanks again.
The *.dsf are nicely stored in order on my W10 machine. I now want to copy them to my NAS, but first convert them to PCM files, to FLAC format.
I have also read that 88.2 kHz/24bit or 176.4 kHz/24bit are recommended for conversion. Because the frequencies are integer multiples of 44.1 kHz, this is certainly a very good choice for the target frequency. 24 bit is self-evident!
Of the conversion programs I have found as freeware once the Tascam Hires Editor, it produces only WAV, no FLAC. There I would have to convert further. Foobar, also freeware, I take only if there is no other option, I often argue very violently with foobar and that usually takes several hours.💪
The programs which cost (a little) money, I became attentive with dbpoweramp Music Converter and with EZ CD Audio Converter. Both programs allow a sufficient test period, I am very happy about that.
Now I need some tips. Here some people say the ripped SACD track is quieter than the CD track on the Hybrid SACD. -they also say it doesn't sound as dynamic, but I know that's not true-😕
Is it so that on the SACD the DSD track is burned around - 6dB under the full level? In the programs you can constantly read something about a possible 6 dB increase in volume. The default setting is usually + 4 dB.
As an example a screenshot of the DSP processor (EZ CD Audio Converter), the default setting.
Should I change something there? The three values right off the blue slider?
finally I was able to rip my SACDs, thanks again.
The *.dsf are nicely stored in order on my W10 machine. I now want to copy them to my NAS, but first convert them to PCM files, to FLAC format.
I have also read that 88.2 kHz/24bit or 176.4 kHz/24bit are recommended for conversion. Because the frequencies are integer multiples of 44.1 kHz, this is certainly a very good choice for the target frequency. 24 bit is self-evident!
Of the conversion programs I have found as freeware once the Tascam Hires Editor, it produces only WAV, no FLAC. There I would have to convert further. Foobar, also freeware, I take only if there is no other option, I often argue very violently with foobar and that usually takes several hours.💪
The programs which cost (a little) money, I became attentive with dbpoweramp Music Converter and with EZ CD Audio Converter. Both programs allow a sufficient test period, I am very happy about that.
Now I need some tips. Here some people say the ripped SACD track is quieter than the CD track on the Hybrid SACD. -they also say it doesn't sound as dynamic, but I know that's not true-😕
Is it so that on the SACD the DSD track is burned around - 6dB under the full level? In the programs you can constantly read something about a possible 6 dB increase in volume. The default setting is usually + 4 dB.
As an example a screenshot of the DSP processor (EZ CD Audio Converter), the default setting.
Should I change something there? The three values right off the blue slider?
Yes and with 88.2kHz considered optimal, though I don't remember the exact reasoning behind that, but it is discussed in this very thread if you go backwards.
Yup a pain in the neck extra step is required there, using some other application... for example Foobar!
Nice to know it's not just me then, I quarreled endlessly with Foobar back on Windows 7, and that ended in a divorce.
JRiver will do this job quite nicely but is not free, however it is a very useful program beyond just this one task and so could offer greater overall value as a media server/library program, it's what I chose when I kicked Foobar to the curb. JRiver also has a learning curve however, just not as steep and annoying as that of Foobar.
Unfortunately there is no easy one size fits all answer on this one, it varies by disc, no one setting will apply to each and every conversion. Since I don't convert to PCM I'll leave the rest of that conversation to others, or this too can probably be further read about in this very thread if you go backwards.
If you have any older semi-crippled Windows machines kicking around begging to be put out of their misery, you could wipe one clean and install Linux, i.e. Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora... and then use Sonore's DSD2FLAC for free, and without major aggravation.
The theory is 88.2kHz will cut off any excess ultrasonic noise above 44.1kHz. This is noise inherent to DSD because of the 1-bit nature of the format. If you use 176.4kHz that noise will be included in your file up to 88.2kHz.
As an aside, when I play DSD files in Roon it converts to PCM at 352.8 then to 176.4 to maintain compatibility with my DACs, however there is a 30kHz filter in place to cut out the ultrasonic noise.
