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.
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. |
@hgeifman I think it depends on the DAC and probably the conversion software glad you liked the album - I got the recommendation from Stereophile magazine it's a great hobby! |
I have been doing comparisons using Roon, Topping d90III Sabre DAC, a Cambridge mxn10 streamer, and several PC-based end points. Still playing but… Best combo so far: PC WASAPI using DSD over PCM over USB to Topping . Lovely! mxn10 DSD over PCM over coax SPDIF to Topping is right behind. In clear 3rd place: mxn10 DSD over PCM (DoP) to internal DAC (no Topping). I also tried PC ASIO using native DSD over USB to Topping. Very constrained compared to others not even close.
Each combo sounds clearly different in a/b tests. YMMV .
|
@jc4659 why does a better DDC not provide galvanic isolation but an inexpensive one does? I was using a Douk Audio DDC and I'm auditioning a Gustard U18 at the moment |
@boulder_bob I didn't mean to imply that better DDC's didn't have galvanic isolation. Optical output is completely galvanically isolated whether it be in an inexpensive device like the Douk or a higher quality one. I was comparing IIS vs optical with the latter having limited bit rate as I understand it. The very inexpensive Douk U2 only has coaxial and optical outputs, no IIS for example.
|
