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SACD vs. 24/192 stream

I recently acquired a Innuos ZENith Mk3 streamer, replacing my Bluesound Node.  I've come to appreciate what the Mk3 adds--more low-level detail, clearer soundstaging, slightly better bass.

I repeated a comparison I did with the Node--comparing "The Priest" from Joni Mitchell's Ladies of the Canyon via MFSL SACD vs. Qobuz 24/192.  The latter should provide higher resolution sound than an SACD, according to this article: https://www.mojo-audio.com/blog/dsd-vs-pcm-myth-vs-truth/.  I played the SACD on my Cambridge Audio CXU universal disc player, which uses an HDMI cable to feed a Geerfab D.BOB that sends a DSD signal to my Denafrips Venus 15 DAC.

The result this time was similar to my previous comparison.  The SACD revealed greater soundstage depth of Joni's guitar, and her vocal was more realistic (marvelously so) than the hi-res stream.  

Given that I'm using a very good streamer and just a mid-level sort of disc player, I would conclude that I prefer the sound of DSD to PCM. The article I reference above suggested that an R2R DAC (like mine) should sound better with its native PCM than DSD, whereas Delta Sigma DACs sound better with DSD.  I'm not so sure that's true with my system.

So this gives me reason to continue to use SACDs and keep an SACD player in my system.  Generally, I find that high-res streaming is superior to Redbook CDs.  That was evident even with the Node, which I think punches way above its price, especially when upgraded with a good linear power supply.

What have others of you found when comparing hi-res discs with hi-res streaming?

drmuso
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,465 posts
 

I really was not sure from the theorectical point of view so I queried. 

 

Core Technical Differences

Feature SACD (DSD64) 24-bit / 192 kHz PCM
Encoding Method 1-bit Sigma-Delta Modulation Linear PCM (24-bit resolution)
Sample Rate 2.8224 MHz (64× CD) 192 kHz
Bit Depth 1 bit 24 bits
Theoretical Dynamic Range ~120 dB (effective) due to noise shaping 144 dB (full theoretical)
Frequency Range Up to ~50 kHz before noise dominates ~96 kHz (Nyquist)
Noise Floor Rising ultrasonic noise above 20 kHz Flat, low ultrasonic noise
Post-Processing Difficult — DSD must convert to PCM to edit Easily editable
Playback Purity Often less manipulated Often processed during mastering

 

 

So it sounds like the more continuousness of the SACD is theoretically more pleasing. But of course, it will depend on your components and systems. 

Great question. 

iseland's avatar
iseland
254 posts
 

Well you might though differently if you had stepped one up from mk3 to say pulsar. 

Innuos really changed gears there and not to mention zen NG and then again zenith NG. 

If you get the opportunity to try any of the above mentioned to compare do it and you will be surprised how much more streaming have to offer 🙂

drmuso's avatar
drmuso OP
251 posts
 

@iseland   It's nice to know that spending twice as much would reduce this small difference; but at my income level, it wouldn't be worth it--I'm guessing the Law of Diminishing Returns really applies when you get to those price levels.

Overall, I'm very happy with the sound of my system, whether listening to streaming or other sources.  Only careful AB testing revealed the difference I noticed, and it certainly doesn't diminish my enjoyment of the music. However, I would say the greater realism of Joni's voice on the SACD augmented my enjoyment, so if a better streamer does that, maybe it is worth it to those who can pay the price.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,944 posts
 

@drmuso what Interface and cable are you using between InnuOS and Denafrips?

That’s a very important detail and that’s where you can level the playing field. 

drmuso's avatar
drmuso OP
251 posts
 

@audphile1   I'm using a $500 Transparent USB cable between the Mk3 and the Venus 15.  It was included with the used Mk3, so I believe both were already well broken in.  The Venus' hard drive had a lot of the original owner's music on it.

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