Are music servers the future?

Audioengr, Last night I compared several cds on my server as well as several HDTracks, and three DSD downloads from SACDs. I each was played in PCM for whatever sampling rate they were in to double DSD. In the case of the SACD it was there cd counterpart. Frankly I was shocked at how superior double DSD was over even HDTracks PCM.

Live with your PCM and I will with my double DSD.

THere are many reasons why the same digital recording in multiple formats could sound different.

Beyond the usual hardware related reasons why any two sources might sound different, with digital throw any possible number of software related factors/differences that could come into play in any case comparing any two.

It's way harder to identify cause and effect with computer audio for certain compared to anything before it.

Luckily, when done well, the differences will often be subtle and not significant for many, but I feel sorry for anyone predisposed to account for any difference in sound perceived when they hear it, because it is pretty much an impossible chase.

It's easy for me to understand why traditional audiophiles often despise computer audio. There are so many more variables and unknowns to deal with. And so many ways to draw fast conclusions that might not turn out to be accurate. Can definitely drive a control freak crazy.

It's simply a matter of how much data can be streamed how quickly - a matter of bandwidth. Netflix is already working on streaming 4K video so trust me, DSD files from a bandwidth point of view is no sweat.

Also consider that uncompressed blu ray DTS is high resolution audio that's already being streamed along with much more bandwidth intensive 1080P video.

The technology's here and then some - it's the economic model that's missing. And that's as always to do with intellectual property and licensing issues.

Once the labels realize the market for $8 per song hi Rez files will never match their overwrought 5 year projections, the streaming model will be next.

Mapman, simple this is all untrue. Soon mastertapes will all be quad DSD. As to the hardware causing the impossibility of comparing PCM v. DSD, we will see. The Sabre chip actually has two dacs, one for PCM and one for DSD.

But sound is the only truth.

"But sound is the only truth."

I'll buy that. Or better yet, what we hear is the only real truth with this stuff. Unfortunately, nobody else can hear what each of us hears. So there you go......