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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
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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.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,944 posts
 

And when you’re doing the comparison are you using the same digital cable? 
In my experience with multiple DACs and streamers using DSD files the results are not always a clear cut. It would heavily depend on the source material (album, mastering, remaster, etc.). 
Try running a comparison with the same digital cable even if it means disconnecting from d.bab and connecting it to innuos. 
 

As a side note, I’m not familiar with Transparent USB cable. The $500 price doesn’t mean it’s any good. Best USB cables I ever used are AQ Diamond and Audience Studio One. They make a huge difference. 
Also, if you have any Ethernet filters on your innuos, remove them for the purpose of the comparison. I’ve had filters mess up the sound of streamers like you wouldn’t believe. 

drmuso's avatar
drmuso OP
251 posts
 

@audphile1  I was not using the same cable. I was using an HDMI cable from my disc player to the D.BOB and a DH Labs coax cable from the D.BOB to the DAC.  So I would think the USB cable added an advantage for the streaming over the disc playback. 

My DAC only takes one coax cable and one USB cable, so there would not be much practical value to connecting both sources with the same type of cable.  Currently, my Hermes DDC is malfunctioning, so that wasn't even advantaging the SACD playback (I used to have the DDC connected via I2S cable to my DAC, just for the disc player.).

Your remark about the ethernet filter is interesting.  I did disconnect a MUON ethernet filter when I was having trouble with the Mk3, and haven't returned it back to the system.  I also have an inexpensive medical-grade ethernet surge filter I disconnected.  Do you think that would have a negative effect on sound quality?  We don't have electrical storms often where I live, just the occasional power outage due to wind, so I'm not greatly concerned about the surge protection. I could just turn off the streamer during periods of extra high wind speeds.

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