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DSD Remastering Software Experience

My Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC has a feature called DSD Remastering that works with any type of file you send it. The effect is it noticeably smooths out the music making it sound closer to analog. Last night I did a comparison with an actual SACD (Bob James-Feel Like Making Live) with DSD Remastering turned off and a streamed version of the same tracks from Tidal with DSD Remastering turned on. The differences were so minute I had to listen very carefully to tell the difference. The SACD was about 10% closer to sounding like a live performance in that you could notice the acoustics of the studio they used and the decay of piano notes, bass strings, cymbal brushes hung in the air just a tiny bit longer. I was using a Paradigm Link as a streamer in this comparison. With a different streamer the differences might even be closer to the actual SACD.
DSD sounds better than any other digital format I have listened to. Has anyone else used a DSD Remastering/upmixer and care to share their experience? I know both Marantz and Onkyo have their own proprietary products that do something similar.

I was not expecting the comparison to be this close and am a bit surprised that streaming can sound almost as good as an actual SACD (which are limited in availability and expensive).

 

kota1

Showing 8 responses by kota1

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

I would love to buy a used web server with SACD rips already on it. I am looking at buying ipods with CD rips on them more for the files than the hardware. Ripping is such a PIA but I love having the files on my server.

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

@lalitk 

As for leaving mastering to the pro studios, Sony Music IS a pro studio and they have tons of masters to base their studies and algorithms on. At the end of the day it is still a preference and you can always leave the remastering of if you don't like it. 

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

One streaming service the DSD Remastering didn't have as much impact was Spotify. Seems to work better with Tidal and ripped files.

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

@gakerty

I also experienced a "smoothing" of the sound. Interesting how that description of DSD remastering or upsampling is consistent.

The DAC in the Sony is a custom FPGA so the remastering implementation might be different.

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

@lalitk 

+1, I agree. I am looking at the Sony Signature DAP's that are designed with a docking station to partner with this amp and am also looking at aurnder, Thnaks!

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

@lalitk

I already have a software I like, DTS Play-Fi. It has been upgraded where it is now pretty good. I have whole house audio linked to various brands (Klipsch in my office, Onkyo in the mancave, DefTech in the dining room, paradigm in the kitchen and home theater, etc). What I really like about the software is when you have it installed on a PC or windows tablet it will stream whatever you are playing on your computer to any system (s) you choose. No USB cables, no hassle it just works.

The highest quality streamer in the Play-Fi ecosystem is the McIntosh MB50. Alternatively I can go with the Sony Signature player designed for this amp, the WM1AM2 with a docking station. The McIntosh matches the software ecosystem I already like and use, the Sony  Signature DAP is designed to match my amp. They are both around the same price. Thoughts?

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

@lalitk 

I appreciate your help here. The McIntosh does not do DSD, I think I have to consider that too. I will look into this with a dealer that sells both units and see what they have to say. Thanks

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

@lalitk

I think I will continue to use the Paradigm for play-fi via toslink and get the Sony which has a dedicated port for it on the DAC, I may as well use both right? The DAC has multiple ports. Thanks!

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