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Topic: [TOS #8] Re: Some 2L Hi-Res music samples are either botched or cooked (Read 2569 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Some 2L Hi-Res music ...
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[TOS #8] Re: Some 2L Hi-Res music samples are either botched or cooked

When I A/B-ed a DSD-256 file from that site (down-sampled to 32/192 due to DAC limitations) against both the 16/44.1 version AND a 16/44.1 version of the DSD file mentioned above created by myself, the differences were fairly pronounced. In fact, I would say the version I created from the DSD file was slightly worse than the downloaded 16/44.1 version.

The DSD-256 file showed better note separation and micro-detail on violins and piano. How do you analyze files for time alignment errors?

Re: Re: Some 2L Hi-Res music samples are either botched or cooked

Reply #1 –
Quote from: GUTB on
When I A/B-ed a DSD-256 file from that site (down-sampled to 32/192 due to DAC limitations) against both the 16/44.1 version AND a 16/44.1 version of the DSD file mentioned above created by myself, the differences were fairly pronounced.
Something must have really gone wrong then, but so far all we have is a story anyway.
Please upload the files in question so that others can take a closer look at them, describe what you heard and provide evidence to support your claim.
"I hear it when I see it."

Re: Re: Some 2L Hi-Res music samples are either botched or cooked

Reply #2 –
Quote from: xnor on
Quote from: GUTB on
When I A/B-ed a DSD-256 file from that site (down-sampled to 32/192 due to DAC limitations) against both the 16/44.1 version AND a 16/44.1 version of the DSD file mentioned above created by myself, the differences were fairly pronounced.
Something must have really gone wrong then, but so far all we have is a story anyway.
Please upload the files in question so that others can take a closer look at them, describe what you heard and provide evidence to support your claim.

The file was MAGNIFICAT from 2L's comparison page. I downloaded the DSD-256 version and the 16/44.1 version. The DSD-256 version was played back using JRiver down-converting to 32/192, which is the maximum my DAC will accept. Comparing the two versions, I found that the DSD version:

- Better separation of instruments, which was noticeable during swelling climaxes.
- Piano notes displayed more micro-detail / fullness.
- Main vocalist is better defined against the background. Ts and Ss were a bit more defined. More audible against the background during low points.
- Choir section showed better voice separation / clarity, especially noticeable during the climax.

Playback chain: JRiver -> USB -> Schiit Wyrd -> Custom Sabre DAC -> Pioneer VSX -> Fostex TH900.

I've since introduced a custom headphone amp with an Audio Sensibility Testament power cable which I am breaking in now. I'll test it again once the new gear is in shape. The Pioneer has awful noise performance.

Re: Re: Some 2L Hi-Res music samples are either botched or cooked

Reply #3 –
Did you ABX test this, or was it a purely subjective evaluation?

Re: Re: Some 2L Hi-Res music samples are either botched or cooked

Reply #4 –
Quote from: GUTB on
Comparing the two versions, I found that the DSD version:

- Better separation of instruments, which was noticeable during swelling climaxes.
- Piano notes displayed more micro-detail / fullness.
- Main vocalist is better defined against the background. Ts and Ss were a bit more defined. More audible against the background during low points.
- Choir section showed better voice separation / clarity, especially noticeable during the climax.
Yeah, something definitely went wrong.

Quote from: GUTB on
I'll test it again once the new gear is in shape.
You better (see ToS), and don't forget the advice given to you in other threads how to control variables (such as the DAC operating differently at different sampling rates, or that ABX software usually is not designed for different sampling rates).
"I hear it when I see it."