I can only agree. My PC can play 16bit/44.1kHz files at DSD512, but stutters with HiRes files, so I play everything at DSD256. To my ears, the difference between DSD256 and DSD512 is quite small. I would not invest in a new PC just for that (YMMV).

2 DACs in one box - PCM section and DSD. I use a T+A DAC 200 and it does both very well, but the DSD is extra special. Only downside is the cost - these DACs tend to be pricey as they pack a lot into the box.

Rich pickings there. Fantastic decade for music.

Completely agree. The PCM section is very good, but the DSD is another level. A review that doesn't touch the DSD option is missing the point.

Brief post to share how wonderfully good I am finding the DAC 200 with DSD via Roon and HQP via the Bliss KTE and a bunch of nice headphones. Currently switching between the ZMF Caldera and HEKv2 - both are stunning. I have posted previously about enjoying the PCM side of the DAC 200, and it is...

+1 for Qobuz. I have an annual subscription and love it.

MQA always smelled scammy to me (and many others). Whatever the merits, the marketplace has spoken and MQA is dying.

Desktop version 5.4.1 is out today.

Version 5.4.0 has been released today.

My initial preference was DSD256/512. Only after putting a lot of hours on the PCM section did it really get competitive to my ears. It's great to have both DAC sections to choose from, depending on genre / mood / personal preference. Both are excellent.

Suggest giving PCM mode on the T+A a solid try as well. PCM on the T+A can be very musical and appealing, particularly for vocal-centric genres. DSD is more technical and detailed. Your personal preferences might swing between the two. Just be aware that the PCM section requires a LOT of hours...

Done. Thank you for the tip 👍

Throwing my PCM HQ Player settings out there - if anyone has any suggestions to share with HQP PCM settings I would be most appreciative. I have played about with a bunch of different filter settings and keep coming back to the settings below. I am using the "BEZ 2" OVS setting on the DAC with...

I love both. My preference tends to go with genre - anything vocal-centric and PCM is usually my preference. For classical / instrumental / jazz I mostly use DSD. Having both options in one box is fantastic. Totally agree that DSD should not be overshadowing PCM. I would say "different" rather...

PCM with the BEZ2 filter for the win 😊

You forgot the sprinkling of cryo-treated unicorn dust. That's key 😉

I use the same settings for DSD. DSD is fantastic, but PCM is just so buttery smooth I find myself drawn to it for anything vocal-centric. Both Eva Cassidy and Melody Gardot are favourites of mine and perfect examples of where I usually prefer PCM over DSD. It is a real pity that Eva passed away...

PCM settings below from HQP. I use the BEZ 2 filter setting on the DAC.

I've had the DAC 200 for a few weeks now and it has had a thorough workout in PCM and DSD modes. Using HQP with all the recommended settings in 256 or 512 is technically very impressive to my ears, but (and it is a very big "but") for musical engagement and general enjoyment I find myself...

I was using that, but it hurt performance. I'll give it another try and see what happens with the new settings.

I am running this setup @ DSD512 and so far it appears to be stable. I have enabled processing to be thrown off to the GPU and this has helped tremendously. The GPU appears to be taking most of the load and is sitting around 30% utilization and 50/51C. I will watch the temperature and kick back...

Below is the comment I posted on the YT review of the DAC 200 by GoldenOne. I think it is very relevant to the discussion above. The PCM section of the DAC 200 is something I am a big fan of. The PCM sound is very nice for vocal-centric music. For pop, rock, folk etc it is superb. Very relaxing...

Do you find these new hybrid modulators give better results than ASDM7ECv3? Could you please let me know which options these entries are in the HQP drop-down menu? I am using version 5.3.0 of HQP and the new hybrid settings are not obvious to me.

Done. Not enough extra grunt to support DSD1024 on my hardware without dropouts, but DSD512 is pretty awesome in any case 👍😁 Thanks again for all your help - much appreciated. The swap over to the modulator "ASDM7ECv3" made quite a difference. There was a hint of roughness with the previous...

Thank you - I will give that a try. EDIT - been running that for a little while with no problems at all so far. Sound seems a bit smoother while keeping the technical goodness. Very nice 👍👍👍 Was expecting my PC to spew, but it runs this setup @ DSD1024 just fine. For those wanting to try...