DSD128fs vs. DSD64fs

[Bruce B]

I've been wondering this for a while. We receive a large amount of tapes to master and archive. As of now, the only way to record DSD128fs is through a Korg MR unit. There are several converters/workstations that will record DSD64fs.

We blindly put up files from both formats at 24/176.4 and no matter what sample rate converter we use, our clients ALWAYS choose the DSD64fs file to use as their format of choice. This got me to thinking. When DSD128fs becomes available, will this replace DSD64fs as the "go to" format? Merging has a converter that will record at DSD256fs.

So, what I will do in the next week (when I get time), is to put up DSD128fs files and compare them to the very best that DSD64fs has to offer. I will use the Grimm AD1 into the Sonoma against the new modified Korg MR2000s.

 

[valenroy]

Hi Bruce,

Will there be any chance that can post the sample up for listening comparisons? Currently, I have both the Mytek and TEAC UD-501 that are both capable of DSD64 & DSD128 playback and it will be really educational to be able to differentiate the sound quality between the two sampling rates. Hope to hear good news from your end! Thanks!

Ivan
Singapore

 

[Bruce B]

Yes, I will be posting the files for download. I have some great tapes that I will be doing transfers from a great A80RC into DSD128fs and DSD64fs.

 

[c1ferrari]

I have some great tapes that I will be doing transfers from a great A80RC into DSD128fs and DSD64fs.

That sounds like fun :b

 

[Nevillekapadia]

Wonderful Bruce. Always wanted to hear a 2xDSD download file. Unfortunately the Opus sample track did not playback on my Korg. Plays on Audiogate though.
BTW what modifications have you done on the Korg? Or could you suggest who did it?
I find the Korg is great at converting A/D but compared to the stand alone DSD Dac's (PBD, Mytek, etc.) it lets itself down in D/A.
many thanks and look forward to the sampler.
Cheers,
Neville

 

[Bruce B]

Just a little side step here. Was conversing over at SA-CD.net about the differences between DSD128fs and DSD64fs. There I said even though the Grimm could "only" do DSD64fs, it still sounded better than the Korg at 128fs.

Then someone asked, if you record both 64fs and 128fs from the same source to the Korg, what would sound better. The consensus was that the 128fs file sounded better. Now what if you upsampled the 64fs file to 128fs, would they sound the same. Well... it's inconclusive. I did it through the Audiogate software and could hear a difference. I also have Saracon and custom software to do this and couldn't hear a differnce... but they sure do look different on FFT.
The top sample is the original DSD128fs file and the bottom is the DSD64fs file.

 

[Bruce B]

I've put 3 DSD files up on the server for anyone to download... I'll only keep these up a few days.

1. DSD128fs

2. DSD64fs

3. DSD64fs file upsampled to DSD128fs via custom software.

ftp://pugetsoundstudios.com/
User: samples
PW: whatsbestforum

 

[audioline]

Hi Bruce

Is it possible to put op the DSD downloads again ?

// Kim

 

[Orb]

Hey Bruce,
you ever thought about contacting Bruno at Grimm Audio with your experience?
I have a feeling he would be interested as you are part of a known studio, and using top tier pro equipment including their AD1.

Would be interesting to see what would come out from such a discussion, and he may suggest some further tests.
Cheers
Orb

 

[audioline]

Hi Bruce
My fault, I got it right this time. The files sounds great, thank you!

//Kim

Hi Bruce

Is it possible to put op the DSD downloads again ?

// Kim

 

[Nevillekapadia]

Thanks Bruce, great track for comparison. Was the master from an analog reel tape? Thanks Neville

 

[Bruce B]

Thanks Bruce, great track for comparison. Was the master from an analog reel tape? Thanks Neville

Yes, 1/2" tape from Studer A80RC...

 

[microstrip]

Bruce,

You should borrow a TechDas Air Force One system and a Doshi phono unit to digitize some DD and high quality LPs in PCM192 , DSD128fs and DSD64fs. WBF members would be the trained panel. All in the interest of science ...

 

[Bruce B]

Bruce,

You should borrow a TechDas Air Force One system and a Doshi phono unit to digitize some DD and high quality LPs in PCM192 , DSD128fs and DSD64fs. WBF members would be the trained panel. All in the interest of science ...

I'm up for it!!

 

[Nevillekapadia]

Yes, 1/2" tape from Studer A80RC...

Thanks. I am just reading your thread while the 2xDSD version is playing -OMG! Feel like my knees have been chopped off....just w'ful!