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Playstation 3 + DSD disc + HDMI = Hi Rez sound??

Hi all,
While I was archiving some of my analog tapes and vinyls onto a KORG MR1000 (capable of encoding a lot of formats up to SACD-DSD resolution of 2.8mhz or even higher at 5.6mhz), I decided to save them in DSD format for highest resolution possible and also make a few down-sampled copies (WAV 44.1khz/16bit) for my iPod and WAV 192khz/24bit hoping that I could find a player or music server that could output digital signal to the coax input of my DAC.

Well, I havent found any player/music server with that capability that i can afford yet, BUT I came across something pretty cool that I wanna share with you all:

I was reading the manual of my Playstation 3 and it indicates that the PS3 could play CD, DVD, Bluray AND DSD discs. I was so curious that I made a DSD disc from the music i archived with the KORG (using Audiogate software that came with the KORG) and load it up into the PS3.

It played! With awsome sound that I cant distinguish from the original recording! AND it also display the artwork saved with the tracks!

Well..I'm too excited so I could jump the gun here because the AV receiver that I hooked up the PS3 to (via HDMI) is just a regular Pioneer AV receiver, so the setup might not be optimal for "audiophile" standard, but still, the sound is absolutely great!

Is this a great potential way to record and playback hi-rez digital music in an affordable way? I would think so! Why?

1. DSD format currently offers the highest resolution for recording and playback hi-res digital music if my knowledge is correct.

2. HDMI seems to be the way to go for transferring digital signal (both for audio & video) due to its wide-bandwidth. AFAIK, it can at least transfer 24bit/192khz signal, and I'll be very surprised if Hi-end audio manufacturers wont ultilize it in the future.

So there, with all that given, I wonder if there's any manufacturers out there making DSD-capable player/recorder with HDMI output?? That would be a great way to record/archive and playback hi-rez digital music!

Mean while, if there's not, You can spend less than $1,200 ($850 for the KORG, and $250 for the PS3) to have a recording & playback DSD format system! And as a bonus, you have a cd/dvd and bluray player built into the PS3.

I hope that in the very near future, audiophile manufacturers will implement HDMI connector into preamp & amp !!!

My knowledge about digital music is limited, so please correct me if I am wrong in assuming anything I posted above. Currently, I dont know if there are any (affordable) softwares that allow you to make your own SACD?

Anyone with better knowledge please tell me what sample rate/bit depth that HDMI is capable of? ( I think it's up to 8 channels of any 16/24bit , 44.1 to 192khz or 8 channel of DSD but not very sure)
jaytea
o0obillo0o
5 posts
 
Delias is saying something I agree with.

Use the Analog out.

Last night, I downloaded a bunch of samples and free DSD downloads from Bluecoast.

Next, I used, the free, Korg Audiogate, on my iMac, to burn DSD discs to play in my Playstation 3. (Note : if one uses HDMI, DSD is transcoded on the fly to 24bit/172Khz PCM, if ones uses Optical, then DSD is transcoded to 24bit/88khz, and if one uses the analog multi AV cables, then DSD is directly outputted in analog format)

Using, DVD-R media, I made DSD Discs from straight DSD and used a 24bit /96khz PCM (aiff) download of Pearl Jams "Ten" from HDTracks. I even ripped the 16bit/48khz tracks from my "Pearl Jam Unplugged" DVD and converted to DSD.

Still, testing but I like this very much. Currently looking for DSD ADCs or recorders.

The PS3 doesn't play 24/88 tracks, or I haven't figured out how, but I wanted to have the resolution. The resolution being better than The CD I have. The 24/88 PCM upconverted to DSD sounds great. in fact, just about anything does, when using the Analog out of the PS3, but if you chose HDMI its transcoded to 24/172 on the fly.

Still, garbage in garbage out, but there maybe in some validity in the way DSD is handled- that makes it sound good. The best are the true DSD recorded versions from BlueCoast, there is a free dl.

Right now, I think DSD is an excellent medium for how consumers enjoy music. I.e. Its the new "Tape" or masterfile. Next, transcoding to PCM or whatever to enjoy (or edit) on all sorts of systems.

I would like to transcribe my Vinyl records to DSD to be played back in my iMac with Audirvana and a DSD DAC. (Or just to DSD discs to be played in my PS3)

At any rate, this is fun. Try it.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,685 posts
 
02-06-10: Jaytea
I read that other players might convert DSD to 24bit/176.4khz, but the PS3 pass DSD in its native form (wikipedia)

There are many players, now, that will output DSD (including multichannel) via HDMI if your processor can handle it. See this list: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1155206/dsd-over-hdmi-players
kriskdf
12 posts
 
To add to Kr4, you can transfer DSD over hdmi, but be careful on the receiver side. My Denon needs to be in "Pure" mode to shut of audyssey (it then says "DSD Direct" on the front panel). If the receiver is doing any processing on the DSD, it is most likely converting the DSD to PCM before doing so. In this setup (Pure), it is pure DSD converted to analog before going to the amp.
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