Hi Bustahip!
Can you help me with which filter do you use? Do you hear a difference when changing filters? Have you tested the upsampling feature or do you mostly go with bypassing the signal from RS130? Have you also tested higher voltage? I´m testing new XLR cables today as well, will not be possible to test with the SFP USB unfortunately before I need to send the RD160 back. Thank you!
Hi Gorsti,
I use the slow filter, but have to say the difference between the filters is minimal listening on my system.
I usually use the pcm or bypass sampling feature. I have tried the DSD but prefer the pcm.
The balanced input overload on my Michi is 5.5v so I set the 160 output to 4v, which I find is the sweet spot for me.
Shame you can’t test the sfp connection as in my opinion is far the best and would not be surprised to see more manufacturers implementing this on their products.
Happy testing !!!
Hi Bustahip!
Update:
As it looks just now I will continue with my Michi X3 with AKM DAC for a while.
BR
Göran
Hi Goran,
Many thanks for the update, best of luck for the future.
Bustahip
I think I just found the sweet spot for upsampling with the RS130 and RD160. I was previously using roon to convert to DSD64 or the RD160 wouldn’t upsample to DSD512.
In the RS130 you upsample to PCM 384, then fiber USB to the RD160 on convert to DSD mode. It will now convert it to DSD512. All I can say is WOW!
I made the change you suggested yesterday and gave it a listen for about 8 hours. DSD512 I notice some difference over PCM. A bit rolled off in the highs, darker background, and imaging opened up a few notches.
I’m not sure how this pcm up sample to 384, and converting to dsd512 compares to playing a true dsd file without the up sampling from pcm but this sounds very nice. I appreciate the tip.
I’ve been switching back and forth between PCM and DSD. I think not having Roon do the upsampling makes the biggest difference. Between PCM and DSD, I feel that the genre of music makes a difference. With more relaxed songs DSD sounds sublime. For anything more busy like fast electronic music or heavier rock/metal, PCM seems to sound better. I tried with a movie for fun, and DSD is really bad.
I’ve been testing some more with no upsampling at all. Just original sample rate and Bypass on the RD160. I’m now convinced the only differences I was hearing before was from the change in gain. I do think DSD sounds different, but maybe not “better”. Perhaps it was all in my head with a bias for bigger and larger numbers.
When talking about upsampling (or resampling in general) I would like to repeat the answer from Rosehan from another thread:
"Since there are many opinions about resampling (especially unsampling), it would be difficult for us to say what is good or optimal.
Upsampling 16bit/44.1Khz sound to 192Khz does not restore the information (original sound) missed during the first recording.
However, I think it would be better to interpret it as meaning to fill in the missing parts so that the sound of the lost areas can be heard in this process.
Sounds such as overtones that can be calculated mathematically may actually be slightly enhanced through the resampling process.
Some people may feel uncomfortable with this processed sound, and in some cases, the sound may be distorted like noise from the amplifier or speaker.
In fact, even if it is played without resampling, empty areas in DAC/AMP/Speaker, etc. are filled with their own technologies.
Likewise, Rose also provides a corresponding function to fill in the gaps in the digital domain and create pleasant-to-listen sound.
It would be a good idea to listen to your favorite songs or songs you are familiar with while changing the settings, and choose a sound that is comfortable/good for you.
Please note that there are many theories and techniques related to resampling.
Among them, we are currently performing resampling using Kaiser window-sinc filter and rectangular dithering.
Due to limitations in CPU resources, we are using a relatively lightweight method, but we also plan to apply more advanced theories in the future."
So, enough warnings given, to translate on plain language, that you can alter the sound, with resampling with Rose, not in the good direction because CPU limitations and algorithm used. It is always the best to let DAC to do the thing on its own. There are many different sample rates in standard use and DACs are usually better programmed to ingest that than 3rt party solutions.