Thanks everyone for your responses.
As I said before, I will need to test it out myself and see if there is a big difference between DSD playing from the PC and the SACD counterpart.
Of course everyone's system is different but I'll report back and see what I think with my system.
Thanks |
When you're using DLNA, you're not playing from or through the computer. The files are sent from the server (like a NAS or hard disk) to the DNLA bridge and out to the DAC. The computer is merely the digital media controller. |
Well, playing from a PC is crap, there's that.
If you're not using Fidelizer it is hopeless. |
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The DLNR Bridge, could you tell me what that is?
Useful when necessary but not generally necessary and has potential formatting limitations. |
There are multiple ways to skin the SACD/DSD cat.
The option I use is to rip SACD to .dsf files using a compatible vintage Sony Blu-Ray player as my SACD network server. I use Sonore's ISO2DSD software to perform the ripping chore. Can check out Hifihaven's website for more info, including both instructions and a list of compatible players. Suitable vintage players can be had for $30 or so on ebay. I then use Roon to play my .dsf files via DoP (DSD over PCM) with a suitable DSD DAC (in my case a Chord Qutest), but other software such as JRiver will also do the trick.
Another route I have considered, is the use of a Gearfab d.BOB (digital breakout box ... goes for ~$1000), which sits between a SACD player with HDMI out and a compatible DSD DoP capable DAC connect via spidf.
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Sorry here, a typo: DLNA = Digital Living Network Alliance
It is a device used so that your music files can bypass your computer while still using the computer to control the flow of music, as with JRiver. Bypassing the computer is good since it usually has a lot of noise within.
Over a number of years I had ripped all my digital music (CDs and SACDs) to a NAS (a hard disk) for playing through a desktop directly to a DAC. I was completely bypassing an Oppo 105, still used for video. I was committed to the JRiver filing structure for all disks and some additional purchased files.
The JRiver program actually recognized the Oppo as a DLNA bridge. The music went from the hard disk to the Oppo bypassing the computer, though controlled by it, and straight out to the DAC. IIRC using the Oppo the .dsf files were converted to DoP files and sounded vey good.
Eventually I replaced the Oppo as the DNLA unit with a SOtM device and the .dsf files went straight through by USB with SQ for all files much enhanced. |
@melm , thanks for your response.
The DLNR Bridge, could you tell me what that is?
Thnx |
If you can manage ripping the SACD into .dsf files you can easily play them from a computer into your separate DAC. If the DAC has a USB input that would be the easiest. Otherwise you ca get a USB to spdif converter. Bypassing the Denon and going straight to the DAC is the way to go.
Ultimately you may decide as so many of us have, that ripping all of your disks to a hard drive and playing them from a computer instead of from a disk player is the way to go for convenience and for SQ. Since you have JRiver, you're all set.
Of course going from the computer straight to DAC can be improved upon with many devices in between. I use a DLNR bridge, for ex. |
Thanks for the responses.
@kr4 , I have a Questyle CMA400i DAC which can handle up to DSD256 (They claim True DSD without any PCM Converting).
On the PC side, I use JRiver Software.
I've bought a few DSD albums but the album that really opened up my ears and eyes was, "Temptation" by Chantal Chamberland.
That album is really good on DSD.
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I am not sure what you want to know. What DAC do you have? How does it handle DSD from files? What are you using to play your files on the PC?
In theory, direct conversion of DSD to analog is superior to an intermediate conversion to PCM. In practice, it will depend on the specific routes, rates and devices.
I prefer playing the files from directly as DSD to a DSD-capable DAC. |
Good question. I’m confused about this too. I will say, when you have a truly good system (which I believe I do), what you crave are the best recordings available (few and far between). |
