Ripping SACDs the right way

[Bruce B]

Are you implying that the ripped/converted file has some advantage?
Jeff

It's always going to have the advantage because it's the raw file where you can add filters (or not) to taste!

[pepar]

As I understand it, those filters are on SACD because they are needed to filter the HF noise. Are filters not needed after conversion?

[Bruce B]

As I understand it, those filters are on SACD because they are needed to filter the HF noise. Are filters not needed after conversion?

I never use them... but, as I understand it, "some" equipment/speakers do bad things. Scarlet book has standards/limits for 20-50k and 50-100k noise. Not all SACD's adhere to the Scarlet book standard.

[billh]

I just converted all my ripped 2 channel DSD files to FLAC using Audiogate and I have to say it is one marvelous piece of software for this purpose. The files sound great, the process is straightforward and very fast. You can even add all your metadata from within the program, including album art. Too bad Audiogate won't do multichannel.

[pepar]

Too bad Audiogate won't do multichannel.

Amen. But we have alterntives that aren't as elegant but work.

[Ivory]

Hi Bruce,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
I have almost finished ripping my SACD (over 400) with my PS3. I'm preparing to the PCM conversion since my sistem is a multichannel PCM based.
I was ready to purchase Saracon, but I don't like the idea of a step filter. I already have Audiogate with my MR 1000, and I may try batch conversion in multichannel as you said.
You also mention DiscWelder as another option. But soundwise, what do you suggest to use as a two/multichannel converter? Are there other options?

Thank you.

Luigi

P.S. Sorry for my english

[pepar]

You could use Philips ProTECH Audio Format Converter to get from DFF to AIF, and then foobar2000 to convert that into FLAC.

[Bruce B]

Hi Bruce, You also mention DiscWelder as another option. But soundwise, what do you suggest to use as a two/multichannel converter? Are there other options?
Thank you.
Luigi
P.S. Sorry for my english

Your English is fine....

The only decent MCH converters I know of that's now available are Saracon and DiscWelder. For 2-channel, we use custom filters that were written for us and also the Pyramix filters.

[billh]

I just finished a pretty thorough tryout of Audiogate, Pyramix, Saracon and the Philips (now Sonic Studios) converter software. IMHO, here are the +/- of each for converting DSD to playable format via streaming (Flac, Wav, etc.)

1. Audiogate - Great for 2 channel and will convert directly to Flac and you can do your metatags right in the software. Will not do MCH. Has filter and dithering options as well as gain adjustment. Very easy to install and use and it is FREE! Just have to register a Twitter account as you will have to send a tweet for each conversion. Recommend for 2 channel.

2. Saracon - Works for 2 channel and MCH and will convert directly to Flac. Has options for gain and dithering - no filter options: Experts have reservations about its usefulness at sampling rates above 96k due to lack of filter options. No metatagging options so you'll need to use mp3tag or the like for that. Also very expensive - trial downloads are available to play with. Note: I did not like the way my converted files sounded using this one.

3. Philips ProTech AFC - works for 2 channel and MCH; However, cannot do batch conversions. Limited to one track at a time (unless you want to open mulitple windows which is very time consuming). Has good filter, dithering and gain options. Will not save to Flac so you must save to AIFF or WAVE and then use foobar or the like to get to flac. Then mp3tag for metatags. Old versions (2004) can be found on the web but Sonic Studios now owns this and the software is fairly pricey. They call it nexStage AFC.

4. Pyramix - Heavy duty professional mixing and editing console. Works for 2 channel and MCH converts to AIFF format. Good filtering and dithering options and gain is adjustable through the console. Very complex software to install and setup and very expensive. EDIT: Will save to FLAC for 2 channel in a roundabout way but MCH conversions to flac I don't think are possible (At least with the version I had it wasn't possible). MCH are converted to AIFF files and then you convert them to flac using foobar or the like. Not metagagging - much then use something like mp3tag. Pretty big learning curve on this software. Trial versions are available.

AFAIK, discWelder only works with sample rates at or below 96K and I don't know if it will do MCH conversions.

Thought I would post to save others some time - I spent a great deal of time sorting through these packages. I have all my 2 channel SACD's done and I'm still working on the MCH's (gonna be a lot slower process).

[amirm]

That's a nice summary Bill .