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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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?
You're not. Well, I take that back, all of us hard core audiophiles are. But yes this synergy concept is huge, and what is perfect to one listener is not quite perfect to another. |
Nice stuff @vicdior ! Yes @hhudo speaking of the Weiss 501, it doesn't matter what signal you feed into it it all gets up (or down) converted to 195/195.3125 khz, (32 bits I believe) because that is what Daniel insists is what the chipset prefers, and who the heck is going to argue with him. Oddly, although I thought because of this the Weiss is a "PCM preferable DAC" and would therefore prefer PCM over DSD, over the holidays I put the 501 in my other system and fed it PGGB DSD 128 files, and there definitely were some sound improvements over "native" 192/24 Qobuz using Roon- worth more experimenting.
That is what I am beginning to believe. |
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. - 23 posts total