Advice & Experience re Mytek DSD DACs
Moose68Bash
Posts: 3,843
Has anybody had experience with Mytek DACs? If so, what has it been?
Does this line of DACs provide something in a technical sense that others do not provide?
I use my Cambridge Audio Azur 840C, which has a variety of inputs, as a DAC. Would a Mytek DSD DAC give me something different in kind with respect to performance, or would it just give me some difference in the quality of sound reproduction? I haven't been able to determine whether a DSD DAC is necessary to play, for example, Blue Coast DSD recordings.
I do not understand (obviously, I guess) what "DSD" means, and that may be my problem. (I know it means "direct stream digital," but not what that implies with respect to equipment requirements to benefit from it.)
Pardon my ignorance, and I would appreciate any and all comments.
Thank you.
Does this line of DACs provide something in a technical sense that others do not provide?
I use my Cambridge Audio Azur 840C, which has a variety of inputs, as a DAC. Would a Mytek DSD DAC give me something different in kind with respect to performance, or would it just give me some difference in the quality of sound reproduction? I haven't been able to determine whether a DSD DAC is necessary to play, for example, Blue Coast DSD recordings.
I do not understand (obviously, I guess) what "DSD" means, and that may be my problem. (I know it means "direct stream digital," but not what that implies with respect to equipment requirements to benefit from it.)
Pardon my ignorance, and I would appreciate any and all comments.
Thank you.
Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.
Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One.
Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One.
Post edited by Moose68Bash on
Comments
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"Direct-Stream Digital (DSD) is the trademark name used by Sony and Philips for their system of recreating audible signals which uses pulse-density modulation encoding, a technology to store audio signals on digital storage media that are used for the Super Audio CD (SACD)."
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Moose68Bash wrote: »I haven't been able to determine whether a DSD DAC is necessary to play, for example, Blue Coast DSD recordings.
Yes you need a DSD capable DAC to play DSD material. A DAC chip can be DSD capable but the DAC manufacturer may not make it available. About a year ago I built a DIY DAC that is capable of playing I2S (CD) and native DSD (SACD) from a modded SACD player. I can also do I2S and DSD over USB.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_Stream_Digital
http://www.audiostream.com/content/usb-link-dsd-audio-pcm-frames-andres-koch
Blue Coast was linking to a Mytek DSD DAC and there was a special offer at one time. Korg player was another that BC suggested. Mytek uses the ESS 32 bit Sabre DAC chip which is an excellent outside of the box engineered chip, when properly implemented. That is good power supplies, good analog outputs, etc. The Sabre can and does play standard redbook, hi-res and DSD extremely well.
More DAC's are being released with DSD capability now. The downside with current DSD offerings is not many titles and very pricey. Maybe if they build and sell enough players, it will become more popular and the price will drop. I'm thinking the recording industry is going to gouge us for any hi-res/DSD material. I know, bad attitude.:twisted::cheesygrin:Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 * -
I should add that software players can dither down DSD to PCM so in effect you can play DSD on a regular DAC, but then it really isn't DSD. On the other side of that, I will also mention is there is software that will upsample to higher res material. It doesn't add anything to the recording but does make use of different filters in the DAC for higher res material.Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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SCompRacer and zingo,
Thanks for your help.
Do I infer correctly from your explanations that an SACD capable CD player, even if it does not refer to DSD, will decode and play DSD recordings because "DSD" is just another way of saying, "This is SACD material?"
Or, is DSD a special case of SACD that requires a specific type of DAC?
I apologize for my ignorance, but it is truly profound!
Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.
Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One. -
Moose68Bash wrote: »SCompRacer and zingo,
Thanks for your help.
Do I infer correctly from your explanations that an SACD capable CD player, even if it does not refer to DSD, will decode and play DSD recordings because "DSD" is just another way of saying, "This is SACD material?"
I'm not following your question...."even if it does not refer to DSD"...but DSD is SACD.
"Direct-Stream Digital (DSD) is the trademark name used by Sony and Philips for their system of recreating audible signals which uses pulse-density modulation encoding, a technology to store audio signals on digital storage media that are used for the Super Audio CD (SACD)."
When you put a SACD in an SACD player, it will read the SACD layer and play DSD. If it is a hybrid SACD, it will have a CD and SACD layer. If you put a hybrid SACD in a CD/SACD player, via menu selection you can tell the player to play the CD layer instead of the SACD layer.
But the DAC must be capable of inputting DSD to play native DSD. I don't know which CD/SACD players have I2S/DSD outputs. DAC specs will tell you what files they can play.Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 * -
SCompRacer wrote: »
"Direct-Stream Digital (DSD) is the trademark name used by Sony and Philips for their system of recreating audible signals which uses pulse-density modulation encoding, a technology to store audio signals on digital storage media that are used for the Super Audio CD (SACD)."
When you put a SACD in an SACD player, it will read the SACD layer and play DSD. If it is a hybrid SACD, it will have a CD and SACD layer. If you put a hybrid SACD in a CD/SACD player, via menu selection you can tell the player to play the CD layer instead of the SACD layer.
But the DAC must be capable of inputting DSD to play native DSD. I don't know which CD/SACD players have I2S/DSD outputs. DAC specs will tell you what files they can play.
SCompRacer,
You answered my question. Sorry for my lack of clarity, but I now understand: "DSD" = "SACD." If I have an SACD player or a DAC that is DSD capable, I can play DSD discs.
I'm trying to understand what I need to have to take full advantage of DSD/SACD discs.
Thanks for your patience.Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.
Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One. -
No problem, glad to help. Read up on the Mytek and do some research on it. It looks good.
http://mytekdigital.com/hifi
I'd look at forums more than reviews to get end user opinions. Something else for you to read, DoP, DSD over USB.
http://dsd-guide.com/dop-open-standard
Also check out SA-CD.net to see what they are doing/using.
http://ww.sa-cd.net/forumSalk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 * -
More reading for you if you are so inclined with many resource links...
http://dsd-guide.com/sites/default/files/white-papers/DSD%20-%20the%20new%20addiction%20-%20v2.pdf
The folks at exa devices sell a highly regarded hi-res USB to I2S adapter for the diy community and then offered two models of DAC (exasound) based on the ESS Sabre chip. One hi-res (up to 384KHz), one DSD capable. I imagine to keep cost and size down they use a linear wall wart power supply. They advertize a 30 day free trial.
http://www.exasound.com/Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 * -
SCompRacer,
Thank you again! I'm really grateful for your interest and your advice. The more I get involved in this hobby, the more I learn how ignorant I am.
I've obviously got a lot of reading, research and learning to do, and I will do it!Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.
Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One. -
An extensive FAQ about SACD and DSD here:
http://www.ps3sacd.com/sacdfaq.html
News specifically about DSD here:
https://twitter.com/DSD_Audio -
The 7th Taylor wrote: »An extensive FAQ about SACD and DSD here:
http://www.ps3sacd.com/sacdfaq.html
News specifically about DSD here:
https://twitter.com/DSD_Audio
Interesting sites with good information.
Thank you for the references.Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.
Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One.
