Native DSD versus DoP


How big of a deal should it be to ensure one has true native DSD capabilities in their digital front end?  Case example: I have a Lumin U2 Mini and a Denafrips Pontus 15th (out to McIntosh C53 and MC312, B&W 702 S3, REL t/7x).  I am thrilled with the SQ and I am really enjoying downloaded DSD playback.  I am just curious - would anyone suggest that I can match or beat this SQ with a non-native-DSD-capable DAC?  I mean, for a comparable price?

I play SACDs on an MCT500 to the DA2 in the C53.  Would anyone suggest I can get better SQ running SPDIF to a separate DAC?

P.S. If you think my speakers are a weak link, that's fine.  Assume I upgrade them, does that change your answer?

mattsca

Showing 1 response by drmuso

I'm not sure how to quantify the differences I have heard streaming 24/192 vs. playing an SACD in DSD.  They are subtle.  One difference I noticed was in playing "The Priest" from Joni Mitchell's Ladies of the Canyon, her guitar was set further back from my speaker when playing the SACD vs. streaming the 24/192 file from Qobuz.  Perhaps this difference would not exist with a streamer that's better than my Node 130 with Teddy Pardo LPS.

Comparing other albums, high-res PCM streaming has been as good or better than my SACDs.  But I should note that I'm using a Cambridge CXU universal disc player, not a dedicated SACD player, so maybe that's comparable in SQ to my Node streamer.