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anyone using Roon to convert PCM to DSD? it sounds a lot different and maybe better

I always felt leaving files in their Native format was best.  I also did not think using  Roon sounded better than not using Roon,  Roon offers a lot of cool features such as integrating your stored files and researching artists, looking for different versions of songs, etc. but I didn’t think it was worth the money.

I learned about a DIY streaming setup using Raspberry Pi computers.  I’m NOT a computer geek, and it was not difficult to implement. I don’t think it’s been discussed in this forum - https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/71280-diy-a-three-tier-roon-endpoint-with-diretta-on-raspberry-pi/#comments

I feel like the sound quality of this setup provides an incredible value for the money, but the way it’s implemented does require Roon.

So anyway - back to the topic.  Roon offers what I call "tone controls" in addition to their Parametric EQ function (which in itself can be useful) .  These are in the "Sample rate conversion" functions.

I started experimenting with the PCM to DSD conversion and I’m quite surprised with what I’m hearing.  This effect may be DAC dependent (I’m using a Gustard x26Pro).  I’m playing a track called "Roach" by jazz pianist Larry Goldngs which is a 96kHZ, 24 bit file and switching from Native to "Roon converted" DSD512 and the difference in depth and soundstage in my room is startling. 

Now I find I’m pretty much always leaving the conversion on all the time.

I haven’t gone over the Roon forum on this - I’m not sure it’s a very welcoming place but I like the vibe here.

Curious to know if anyone here has tried this.

boulder_bob
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,935 posts
 

@mclinnguy thx! Let me read up on this. 

benstelz
50 posts
 

For the past few years I've experimented with Roon DSD upsampling, HQ Player, Remastero PGGB, and Audirvana. They all have different strengths and weaknesses. I wouldn't say one is better than the others, it really depends on your preferences. People say Roon is the weakest, that isn't my experience.

Also it depends on your DAC. I had some DACs that prefer PCM, others respond well to DSD conversion. I've even noticed that I like one DAC with HQ Player, and another DAC with Roon, and another DAC with PGGB. Maybe I'm crazy but it feels like another system and listener dependent situation. 

hhudo's avatar
hhudo
19 posts
 

All DACs, well except R2R NOS, are resampling inside - upsampling to higher bitrate (to move noise into higher range and to make 22khz brickwall filter more steeper), and also converting to 1 bit if its DSD based DAC (AKM, ESS, Chord, PS Audio ... all except R2R wich are PCM native). 
So doing the same before it gets sent to the DAC can be better if you're using better algorith for that processing.

vicdior
66 posts
 

Hi, I use Audirvana with Qobuz and found that gave me the best SQ better than Roon. What I liked about Roon, better platform and interface but for SQ, Audirvana did it for me. My streaming gear is Weiss 501 MK2 with Aqua LinQ transporter.Laptop going in Eero7 -Synergistic Research switch-Muon pro - Aqua LinQ-Weiss 501.

 

mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
1,081 posts
 

@benstelz 

Also it depends on your DAC. I had some DACs that prefer PCM, others respond well to DSD conversion. I've even noticed that I like one DAC with HQ Player, and another DAC with Roon, and another DAC with PGGB.

Absolutely, sounds like you have more experience with different options and DAC's than I, I have been using PGGB for just a few months. I will add it is dependent on the streaming setup as well.

People say Roon is the weakest, that isn't my experience.

I have read Roon sounds just fantastic through a Taiko, but thousands of hours were spent optimizing that streamer to sound best using that software. Grimm is another streamer that was voiced for Roon, they have recently opened up the option for other softwares but my guess is the leaner sounding Grimm may sound a little too lean with something other than Roon?

 

Maybe I'm crazy but it feels like another system and listener dependent situation. 

You're not. Well, I take that back, all of us hard core audiophiles are. cheeky Part of the hobby. And I enjoy the sh!+ out of it. The chase is just as enjoyable as the catch. Point is you have tried stuff, and have the experiences to reflect upon, and hopefully are getting closer and closer to a sound that you could live with for an indefinite amount of time. 

But yes this synergy concept is huge, and what is perfect to one listener is not quite perfect to another. 

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