Comparing SACD sound to High Res

The signal path disparity between the HD recordings via the
Sony and the CD recordings via the Ayon transport/DAC is
significant. In my comparisons between identical HD
recordings and their CD siblings via the same DAC/system
invariably favor the HD. Even using identical CD recordings
and their up-sampled HD siblings never favors the CD although
that difference is usually small or indeterminate.

Thanks Kr4. I just of another option for comparing tonight -duh! I will play the CD version as well as the High Res version all through the Sony into the Ayon preamp section, to take the different pathway out of the equation. If there is a significant difference between CD and High Res to my ears, then I will pursue a better universal player to bring up the level of play to more comparable to the Ayon Transport/DAC on CD.

Just make sure that the HD and CD versions are from the same mastering. Also, take note of the provenance: Is this really an HD recording or is it upsampled from CD/non-HD original?