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 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.
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As can be seen from comments already posted, Roon native vs upsampling sound quality probably depends on multiple other variables, most important among them is the DAC conversion strategy. I think Roon upsampled DSD sounds better (to my ears) with my Bricasti M3. With the M3 DAC, there are two completely different conversion paths for PCM (ADI 1955 chip) vs DSD (true 1-bit analog conversion). I believe the T+A 200 DAC has a similar approach. With many DACs, ESS chips are handling both types of data. That might explain the differences in Roon conversion results for many people. |
Nice to see a topic I have some familiarity with…. Some friends of mine and I have spent a great deal of time experimenting with this. Our systems range in cost from $15,000 to $1,000,000 and the result has been… inconsistent. We all hear differences. In my system, I have done the conversion in Nucleus and in Innuos and results were different. Conversion in nucleus then sent to innuos as bridge and USB to Mola Mola DAC is best. Conversion in Innuos results in poorer sound than no conversion. We have come to the conclusion that the answer is “it depends”. One of our systems converts all PCM to 1 bit then A to D (Soulution 760 DAC) and doing the conversion earlier in his system (first with NG Statement and later with Taiko extreme) resulted in a softening and overly warm presentation. Our conclusion is that depending on streamers, processing capabilities, ethernet switches, cabling, isolation etc. the results vary. Best suggestion is to try it yourself and see what you like best in your system. There is no single “right answer” for everyone. Have fun! |
