If one has a DS Transport and DS DAC Mk II, which will provide superior sonic quality?
A. SACD played in the DS Transport through the DS DAC Mk II; or
B. 256 (or 512 when those become available) DSD download played via server to the DS DAC Mk II
I’d like to stop buying multiple versions of the same music. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
It depends on the server/streamer you are using, and what kind of noise isolation you have placed in the streaming chain. In order for DSD256 to beat SACD level one typically needs to spend quite a bit more than PST itself, unfortunately, from my own experience.
Paul has a video about this topic/question. I don’t recall how long ago it was published.
I have both the PST and the Mk II and admire both components. I recently auditioned a DCS Rossini and it was not noticeable to my ears the difference in musicality compared to the DS MkII DAC.
In my experience a DSD64 file streamed off the computer via Roon will not sound as musical as the equivalent file pulled off the SACD probably due to the additional variables introduced moving the data from a computer, over the home LAN, into a streamer (Rose150B) then finally into the Mk II for conversion. Now, since DSD128 or higher is not typically available on CD, and if DSD128 or better is available, I choose to purchase and download in that format. I suppose a case could be made that DSD64 layer off an SACD will sound equal or better than I higher format played as a file off the computer given what I previously said about the file’s journey to the DAC. All said, if I am a fan of a band or album, I don’t tend to think in terms of which format to choose. I may buy all versions available, lol. God (and Discogs) only knows how many versions of Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon, or Steely Dan’s Aja and many other favorites I have in all formats, vinyl, CD, MP3, AAC, downloaded DSD, etc that I have.
I understand from your response the DSD may not always best an SACD played on the PST. My takeaway, is that as a general rule a DSD 128 or higher will be preferable to an SACD via PST but on pieces that are especially important, it’s worthwhile to try both.
Very kind of you to point out that Paul posted a video on this topic. I will see if I can locate it. Thank you for your reply and your insights. Kind regards.
Thanks for your reply. I will have to research the noise isolation alternatives as well as the appropriate server systems. I’m an analog guy and digital is new frontier. Obviously, I have lots of research ahead of me. Many thanks.
For what its worth, my experience is the the quality of the recording (not its resolution or its playback source) generally has more of an impact on the sound quality. After recording quality, the “musicality” of the recorded work is the next most important factor.
That said, I tend to think digital files streamed locally (downloaded files and file ripped from CDs or extracted from hi-rez data discs that are stored on a computer, hard drive or NAS) sound better than those culled from the internet (when comparing what are otherwise supposed to be the same recorded release and resolution).
As we say, your mileage may vary.
Regards.