DSD vs PCM vs FLAC; great free same source comparison files files

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A.S.

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DSD vs PCM
The iFi idac2 sampler has 3 files recorded by the Sound Liaison team in absolutely stunning quality.
To my ears the DSD sounds a bit warmer but the PCM is maybe clearer with a bit more depth.
attachment.php
http://www.soundliaison.com/ (the coupon code is ifimicroidac2 )

iFi is very proud to announce that to celebrate the launch of the iDAC2, Sound Liaison has prepared a special sample album titled ‘iFi micro-iDAC2 Music Sampler’ for all music lovers alike. You can find three specially selected tracks in three formats; PCM, FLAC and DSD. (http://soundliaison.com/all-categories/185-ifi-micro-idac2-music-sampler)‘Impromptu’ was recorded live directly to DSD using the Tascam DA-3000 DSD recorder and simultaneously to PCM with the RME UFX.
Some of the equipment used:
Microphones: Piano: Neumann TLM 170 (2x)
Bass: JZ V67, Room: Sonodore RCM-402 (2x)
Mic Pres: Neve 4081 Quad pre-amp
“When the audience is so close to the musicians, a synergy occurs. The audience becomes part of the music making and help spur the musicians on to great heights…Tony Overwater and Bert van den Brink had not performed together as a duo before, and no rehearsal had taken place prior to the Rhapsody concert, but the music these two masters of improvisation created that sunny afternoon in Rhapsody, is simply breathtaking.”
Tony Overwater & Bert van den Brink – Impromptu
‘Oblivion’ and ‘Thousand Shades of Blue’ were performed live in the studio, recorded in multi-track PCM 96kHz. The DSD conversion was done via an analog signal chain, using state of the art professional equipment to the Tascam DA-3000 DSD recorder.
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If using the files for comparing DSD vs Flac, watch out there is a slight level difference.
 
and see here what audio guru Bob Katz says about even 0.02 db of level difference;
 
No, but because there is a slight level difference between the ifi sampler files, I found the video interesting.
 
I like the fact that he admits that, even with his superior ears, just a little bit of difference in level can fool him.
 
Talking about level metering: how can you be completely sure that you are playing back files at the same level?
Is there a reliable program or leveler that I can use?
 
Mas said:
Talking about level metering: how can you be completely sure that you are playing back files at the same level?
Is there a reliable program or leveler that I can use?
Click to expand...

When played in a high end system DSD files are typically a bit lower in output volume vs. PCM.


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Some DSD that I have gotten recently seem to be a tad higher in output. I think there really is no rhyme or reason to it. My conclusion is that both PCM and DSD files vary in output level.
 
Hi Randy, that is indeed interesting. Are both files played back from the same storage and with the same DAC?


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I find it difficult to discount the iFI iDSD Micro as THE DAC to offer it all for the best bang for buck.

I have the matching iUSB and will be interchanging and possibly combining a Regen into the mix when I get around to it. The latest Regen revision is here looking at me and waiting to be plugged into a DAC.
 
Kuoppis said:
Hi Randy, that is indeed interesting. Are both files played back from the same storage and with the same DAC?


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Click to expand...

Absolutely, and in actuality these have all been played back through all three of my DACs displaying the same characteristics. The Teac UD-501, the Ayres Pono Portable Player, and the Wyred 4 Sound DAC-1 LE.
 
Thanks for specifying. So it appears the rule is there are no rules.


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