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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
mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
1,081 posts
 

 

All DACs, well except R2R NOS, are resampling inside - upsampling to higher bitrate

 

My streaming gear is Weiss 501 MK2 with Aqua LinQ transporter

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. 

So doing the same before it gets sent to the DAC can be better if you're using better algorith for that processing.

That is what I am beginning to believe. 

erik_squires
17,544 posts
 

With my Mytek Brooklyn I've experimented a lot and honestly can't hear a difference between DSD and 192k/24 PCM so now I just stick to 192k PCM. 

jc4659
617 posts
 

Not using Roon but instead Audirvana with Qobuz and have found that upsampling to DSD generally yields a smoother sound that I prefer especially when listening to vocals.  With instrumental music I could be satisfied with either DSD or PCM upsampling and sometimes choose to not upsample at all. When I use an inexpensive DDC to convert usb to spdif for purposes of galvanic isolation from my laptop, DSD gets limited to 64 because 128 will occasionally not play. A better DDC providing IIS output would circumvent this issue but not provide galvanic isolation. It's best to try many combinations and is likely to be streamer and DAC dependent as to which sounds the best in your system.

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,665 posts
 

I do not use Roon. I use HQ Player to convert ALL sources to DSD 256. FLAC and DSD files are from local machine through HQ Player library. But sources like Spotify, Youtube, any websites with media all are routed through VB-Cable's HiFi cable into HQ Player which upsample them to DSD 256. I have the T+A DAC 200 and it loved DSD feeds.

hgeifman
2,445 posts
 

@boulder_bob 

Thank you for the album recommendation by jazz pianist Larry Goldngs.  I found this album on QoBuz and like it very much.

I am using Audirvana software running on an Infigo Audio Steamer Model IS-1 connected to my Schiit YGGY+ LIM DAC.  

I previously tested PCM to DSD Audirvana conversion using a BRICASTI M21 DAC and did not like it.  Obviously, it seems, everyone has a different opinion of what sounds good.

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