Thread: Audirvana DSD Conversion on A+ DSD512

So I have an A+ with DSD512, which is cool because it is like having two dacs. With the front buttom depressed I am DSD only from an FPGA convertor. With the front buttom undepressed I am using R-2R conversion. Sound is very different, though both are very compelling.

Using Audirvana to convert Tidal PCM to DSD on the fly I get more air around instruments, bigger soundstage and sometimes a more authentic timbre'. Frequently it is much better than the R-2R engine. (Sometimes the R-2R exhibits a faster and more detailed - if harder - image; maybe a wider colour gamut.

Anyway I have had the DAC for 3 years now and I've never wanted to change that component of my system.

But I do continue to wonder why converting PCM to DSD on the fly makes for a slightly more analogue sound. I guess the key is the filter. Simple low-pass. Maybe less phase distortion? That it is an improvement in most cases I have no doubt. Wish I knew why! Meanwhile, I think DACs like the Lampi family or, say PS Audio's Directstream line, have a future. They'll sound better than the competition unless or until the competition adopts the practice of converting to DSD before converting to analogue and feeding a good output stage.

Happy listening!

i have the t+a dac8 dsd - which also has completely separate DSD and PCM conversion engines -- although the PCM conversion is not R-2R.

similarly, i use roon to convert qobuz PCM to DSD512 on the fly and i also notice more air / clarity from the DSD signal. also, on the t+a there is a very significant, positive difference between DSD128 and DSD512.

glad you are enjoying the A+ !!