@Elk - pop, really… catholic, really… you crack me up… LMFAO…
Here’s the reason from — Allan Hsu
Roon Labs
1
Jul 7
Once audio has undergone lossy encoding, it no longer has an inherent bit depth. The encoded bits can be thought of as a mathematical description of how to reconstruct an approximation of the waveform that went into the encoder. The decoder usually calculates the reconstruction using floating point or integer math with at least 24 bits of precision. We chose to output 24-bit PCM in order to avoid introducing unnecessary dither to the decoded audio. Dither is basically a necessity when dropping audio down to 16 bits per sample from a higher bit depth, but it’s problematic when talking about lossy decoders:
If a lossy file was created from a 16/44 source like a CD, the audio already had dither applied to it as part of the mastering process. Decoding to 16 bits per sample would add additional dither.
If a lossy file is the product of a more modern mastering process like Mastered for iTunes 2, it’s likely that the original source for the encoding was undithered 24+ bit audio. In that case, decoding that file to 16 bits per sample would introduce dither where there was none before.
In addition to improving sound quality for lossy files, this change also simplifies some of the associated code, making everything a little more efficient (and less work to maintain).
Not that I listen to MP3 files, but they do sound great on the DirectStream.
Just giving info.
Roon is simply a fantastic interface. It integrates with Tidal currently but hopefully it will add others. Roon is agnostic but music reviews are more widely available for what is popular - Roon only shows what is available.
I hope Tidal remains a market leading streaming service for lossless music. It is tough market.
I would hope we don’t see the lossless streaming market splinter in five or ten directions - like streaming movies has done. Disney with their own streaming service etc. Netflix now making their own content as they are squeezed out of good content from competitors.
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It would be best if there are streaming competitors, but each with broad offerings.
I am certain your moving streaming analogy is apropos, but I do not watch movies much less stream them. Thus, I am unable to relate other than to understand each movie streaming service apparently has its own unique content.
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Duct tape. Is there anything it can’t solve?
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Only when a zip-tie is necessary.
Just for the record, elyric (PS Audio’s long ago abandoned streaming software) had a transcode to WAV on/off software switch.
You have an excellent memory.
Something new from Roon — The “WAV” display is the fault of the DAC, not of Roon.
What the DAC gets is not a WAV file, it’s a PCM stream.
A pure error in the display.
Roon does this centralized decoding because not all DACs can handle all file formats, sample rates, bit depths, compression levels, or types PCM, DSD…). This way, it never happens that a file or stream is incompatible with a streamer or DAC. The fact that other software works a different way is not a reason for a Roon to abandon a valuable feature.
So, what say you?
Ron
What says the Roon people won’t tell you whatever they think you want to hear to get you to quit e-mailing them.
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A WAV file is PCM, just with a header. The DAC’s display is correct; it is not receiving Flacc.
@bootzilla - we need the master voter to set up a vote as to Ron not letting this go… busted, you know how I’m voting…
POLL: Which Product is the Cause of the “Wav” indicator on the DS Display when a FLAC File Plays via Roon?
- Roon
- PS Audio DS Sr.
- Both
- Neither
- All is Well; Nothing to See Here
0 voters
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@bootzilla - thanks, was looking for that hrs ago… bonus - Elk loves voting…
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The only solution is code to shut off that stupid “Wav” indicator with Roon. 
Or, see post #108, above.
I saw it