Is there anyone here on this forum who owns PCM files of any stripe (and by that I mean 16/44.1 up to 24/192) and also owns DSD files and the software and D/A converter to play them back who prefers PCM to DSD?
Yep, I prefer PCM over DSD.
A few months ago I embarked on a project to digitize some of the rarer and more expensive vinyl that I have. I set up a small 'studio' with both DSD and PCM recording capability. (Incidentally, the 'studio' has been built around a Faraday cage, has two 5KVA balanced transformers and an isolated 5-Ohm earthing system. Where possible, all equipment power supplies sit outside the 'studio' to minimise RFI.)
I really didn't want to record everything twice, so first went about figuring out whether I'd go for DSD or PCM. I tried DSD64 on the Tascam DV-RA1000HD [multi-bit S-D ADC], DSD128 on the KORG MR1000 [true 1-bit S-D ADC] (with Paul Hynes linear PS) and PCM24/192 on the Pacific Microsonics Model Two [true multi-bit non-oversampling ADC @4fs rates].
Played back on the Mytek DAC [multi-bit S-D DAC] (using HQPlayer set to DirectSDM), the DSD files sounded better than the PCM files. However, played back on a Phasure NOS1 DAC [true multi-bit non-oversampling DAC] (using XXHighEnd) the PCM files
trounced the DSD files (obviously still being played back on the Mytek).
To my ears, there is something fundamentally wrong with DSD's top end. The massive noise-shaping sure helps low down, but at a massive, massive expense up top... IMHO.
The Mytek DAC is already sold (UPS coming to collect tomorrow). The Tascam will be for sale soon. The little KORG I'll keep because it might come in handy for portable recording in the future. And it's incredibly cute.
Mani.
Edit: Pic of 'studio' attached.