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There is a lot of talk around the traps about DSD filtering, and how DSD to PCM conversions can sound better if the filtering is turned off. While I dont dispute the sounding better part, what I do not agree with is the concept that HF filtering is not required on DSD conversions, or that we will always be better off without it. Maybe in some cases, but not all. So, what's the deal. Why would we need to filter the HF's?? It's common knowledge that DSD has an obscene amount of high frequency noise present, and it keeps increasing the higher we go up the frequency range. As I understand, this is a limitation of the 1 bit format (a limitation PCM does not have). SACD players/DSD chips have HF filters built into the dac chip for this reason. If a DSD->PCM conversion sounds better without any HF filtering (or no different), it is either because; * the PCM sample rate is so low the high frequencies are lost anyway (eg: 16/44.1) * the system has other bottlenecks, limiting the HF's (eg: some speakers cant go that high without the support of super tweeters) * an inferior filter/converter is being used. * OR, a combination of the above?? Yes, different converters sound different, and on-the-fly converters are freaking sh!thouse, they often dont filter at all, because good filtering demands extra cpu power that cant easily be done (on the fly) without impacting playback. What does the noise look like? I've been meaning to make this post for a long time, but I havent found the time to do the graphical analysis that supports the theory. This morning I read another unrelated article, that has done the graphical work for me. So an open disclaimer, I did not create these graphs, and do not claim them as my own. I've just overlayed some comments to make things obvious. Here we go. The noise, PCM compared to DSD (**): ** note, the graph shows a continuous track, where the source data has been converted to 24/96 and combined. First 48secs is pure 24/96 PCM, then 49secs onwards is DSD converted to 24/96 PCM without filters (same recording/track, more info in the link below). Frequency plot of the same data: I'm happy to have a healthy discussion on the above, if anyone feels this post is in anyway inaccurate, or not factual. No problem at all. If "on-the-fly" converters sound the same as a purpose written converter with superior filters, then 30k and above material isnt being heard on the given system. That's not unusual, BTW. But many systems can reproduce it, and people can often hear the difference in the music when HF's are present. In recent times the Weiss Saracon program has been criticised for filtering frequencies out above 30k. We can see why they do that, and it shows me they know what they're doing. [shrugs] It's likely that work on better/smarter filters continues, and that old versions of Saracon will be inferior to later versions (if not already, then in due course, just a friendly warning to those Saracon users (be prepared to keep loading the latest available version) ). Graph Source: http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=629 , Interesting article, worth reading, IMO.

FYI it's now possible to natively play back DSD files from Logitechmediaserver using a Squeezebox Touch or Wandboard. To enable this you need to have a DSD capable DAC and encapsulate the DSD stream in a FLAC file. LMS believes it's putting out 176.4 PCM, but in fact it's passing through the untouched DSD stream - as will be confirmed by your DAC. Encapsulating the DSD files in FLAC format has the added advantage of being able to add album metadata to the files (something the DSD format does not natively support). To encapsulate your DSD files in a FLAC wrapper you need to use a Foobar2000 plugin to "convert" the DSD files to FLAC. Thereafter you can tag them like you would any FLAC file, add them to your LMS library and play them just as you would any other audio track (you will not get any sound if trying to play back through a non DSD capable DAC). Instructions (works under Linux as well): 1. download the "foo_input_packeddsd.dll" file and place it in the Foobar Component folder 2. Install the FLAC plugin 3. After restarting Foobar you should see "SACD" under "File->preferences ->Tools" within Foobar Set up as follows: Restart Foobar, open the folder containing your DSD files or drag the files into Foobar, edit tags if you wish, right click, select "Convert" and choose FLAC. Try playing the resultant files through USB to your DSD capable DAC, check to make sure it is playing DSD not PCM. If you're not getting DSD playback, recheck your Foobar config.

Are there any difference between a DSD DSF or DFF file in terms of playback or SQ? If there are, what are the differences and does one file format have more advantages than the other? Regards John

Hi, AudioMate is a desktop audio tool which is capable of SACD-ISO extraction, DSD/PCM transcoding and lossless encoding, etc. Unlike standard program, AudioMate is integrated on desktop as a windows extension. It's easy to use, just right click on a audio file and select popup menu item, then all things can be done. The latest version is AudioMate V9.0R1 (sacd_extract 0.3.7 embedded). Project page: http://audiomate.blog.163.com If you find any bugs, please click Submit to deliver your suggestions by email (Don't change the title of email). Thanks.

Worth the effort? Not sure if my DAC can handle DSD so would require some messing about.

I just won this on Grays last night... http://www.whathifi.com/sony/uda-1/review Has anyone had a chance to play with one? Was the experience good or bad? Thanks in advance

Hi i am Looking at upgrading my HK AVR460 and getting the AVR370. The reason for this Choice is that i always had HK Amps loved the sound and they never let me down. As i love my Movies as well as i like my Music i play a lot of SACD's, What i have been trying to find out for the last Couple of weeks is if the AVR 370 is Compatible with DSD??????? If some one could tell me this i would be very Happy and perhaps a step Closer in Purchasing this Amp, If there is a reason why i should go for another Amp i would also love to hear it. Cheers Henk

https://theaudiophilesociety.com/ David Chesky venture into producing more immersive music playback. There is a free sampler download with separate files for Headphone playback and stereo speaker playback. If you like what you hear and purchase an album (there are currently only 3) then you have a choice of PCM or DSD. I found the 1st two speaker track/presentations to be off centre, the remaining 5 tracks seemed better balanced, but I'm going to check my speaker-to-listening position as he said ideally the layout should be in an equilateral triangle setup to minimise delayed reflections (sidewall) messing with the direct sound. I thought I was pretty close but will check. I couldn't get the headphone tracks to play, have sent a message but interested if others have an issue or not.

Item: 10 x High res audio discs (Plus free Blu ray discs) Location: Bolwarra, NSW Price: $200 Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: No longer have screen in my listening room Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: These will play on any DVD player. Bought them at CES at the HiFi show, but require a screen to access the play menu. These are not DVD's, but High resolution audio discs, similar to SACD. Pictures: