Sandstone. While I respect Charlie Hanson he is not the end all when it comes to DSD. He DOES NOT believe in any benefits of DSD and has stated such. Because of market demands he decided to at least offer DSD playback.
As far as Andreas Koch, who I hold in a much higher regard then most, you are taking his statement out out of context.
Yes, for Mastering there is a benefit for 2xDSD and then using that master as a 1xDSD for user playback. But He was also talking about "optimal combination of sound quality, bandwidth and storage space". See the part about storage space and optimal combination. I have read and seen video of Andreas and several other highly respected authorities on DSD and all have mentioned the audible benefits of 2xDSD over 1xDSD.
Single DSD is more plentiful then 2xDSD for several reasons. All SACD is single rate. Most Studios only are single rate capable.
But some are double rate and are starting to release 2xDSD and are planing to release only 2xDSD soon.
Look, there is nothing wrong with your Ayre. I like the house sound of Ayre.
But IMHO, I would also recommend that a 2xDSD DAC is the wisest choice.
That said:Hififreakk, I second the e20 MK III by exaSound. Though I would also get the .082 Clock upgrade. One of the things I like about it is that it uses an outboard power supply.
I am getting a Paul Hynes Power Supply that should be here in a few days. Once it has enough hours on it I will post my impressions.
But just with the wall wort style that it comes with the e20 MK III sounds great.
I would also add the Lynx Hilo, Playback Designs and the Antelope Zodiac Platinum to your list.
As far as Andreas Koch, who I hold in a much higher regard then most, you are taking his statement out out of context.
Yes, for Mastering there is a benefit for 2xDSD and then using that master as a 1xDSD for user playback. But He was also talking about "optimal combination of sound quality, bandwidth and storage space". See the part about storage space and optimal combination. I have read and seen video of Andreas and several other highly respected authorities on DSD and all have mentioned the audible benefits of 2xDSD over 1xDSD.
Single DSD is more plentiful then 2xDSD for several reasons. All SACD is single rate. Most Studios only are single rate capable.
But some are double rate and are starting to release 2xDSD and are planing to release only 2xDSD soon.
Look, there is nothing wrong with your Ayre. I like the house sound of Ayre.
But IMHO, I would also recommend that a 2xDSD DAC is the wisest choice.
That said:Hififreakk, I second the e20 MK III by exaSound. Though I would also get the .082 Clock upgrade. One of the things I like about it is that it uses an outboard power supply.
I am getting a Paul Hynes Power Supply that should be here in a few days. Once it has enough hours on it I will post my impressions.
But just with the wall wort style that it comes with the e20 MK III sounds great.
I would also add the Lynx Hilo, Playback Designs and the Antelope Zodiac Platinum to your list.