[111MilesToGo]

Upsampling, not unfolding. After the first unfold, it's merely a digital filter, no matter what they call it.

Ah, thanks - finally a clear-cut statement regarding that (… insert your adjective of choice …) MQA brain-child, calling it by its real name!

EDIT, too tempting to add: Actually, as we know MQA unfolds only once, there are folks who hope it just folds …

 

[twister6]

Hello all, just received the N7 on the EU tour. One quick question (and please excuse me for not doing the homework); is all PCM up-sampled/converted to DSD even if it still reads 96k/192k etc in the status bar? I was expecting some kind of Roon style conversion confirmation.

Yes, all PCM data will be converted to DSD, and after the latest fw update you can select which DSD format (DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, or DSD512). The notification bar up top will be showing the original sample rate of the file you are playing.

 

[vilhelm44]

And btw, after the latest fw update, dsd output selection is in Audio Setting menu where by default it will be dsd64, at least that's how it was on my unit. Thus, some might notice a difference in sound if you are used to dsd512 and not aware of this change. So, don't forget to switch it

Thanks for the heads up . What would be the possible audible difference between 64 and 512?

 

[Nostoi]

Yes, all PCM data will be converted to DSD, and after the latest fw update you can select which DSD format (DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, or DSD512). The notification bar up top will be showing the original sample rate of the file you are playing.

Thanks, sir. Have updated to the last FW with these options. Can I hear a difference between these DSD formats? Hmm, remains to be seen....

 

[111MilesToGo]

Please correct me if I am wrong: I entertain the thought that DSD64 is roughly (!) equivalent to PCM 24/88.2, DSD128 to PCM 24/176.4. Note: By number of bits per sample times samplerate, which I might call information content (EDIT) or - better - information granularity.

Thus, I would think that choosing DSD64 as the standard for converting incoming PCM to before it gets sent to the 1-bit DAC actually means downsampling for incoming PCM 24/176.4 and PCM 24/192.

Any thoughts of yours?

 

[cn11]

Got in an N7 a couple days ago, and am really enjoying the sound this thing puts out. I like AB better than A, it seems more dynamic to my ears. The pairing with Sound Rhyme SR8 is really something special, with a huge stage, and highly extended and distinct treble sparkling all over the place.

I highly enjoy using USB DAC while at work, and streaming my music on the desktop Mac.

 

[twister6]

Thanks for the heads up . What would be the possible audible difference between 64 and 512?

We all hear things differently. From time to time I still get pinged by people who tell me they invested into a new $3k+ DAP and to "their ears" iPhone with $5 apple dongle sounds "as good". Go figure. At least here with N7 you don't have to spend any money to move from DSD64 to DSD512. If you hear it, you hear it, if you don't, then you don't. But it is always good to have options.

 

[Bob64]

We all hear things differently. From time to time I still get pinged by people who tell me they invested into a new $3k+ DAP and to "their ears" iPhone with $5 apple dongle sounds "as good". Go figure. At least here with N7 you don't have to spend any money to move from DSD64 to DSD512. If you hear it, you hear it, if you don't, then you don't. But it is always good to have options.

Well said!

 

[Xinlisupreme]

@twister6 will you compare N7 with SE300?

 

[twister6]

@twister6 will you compare N7 with SE300?

Wouldn't it make more sense to compare SE300 to N6ii w/R01?

 

[wolfstar76]

Agree, N7 is by no means R2R type analogue sounding.

 

[Currawong]

Hello all, just received the N7 on the EU tour. One quick question (and please excuse me for not doing the homework); is all PCM up-sampled/converted to DSD even if it still reads 96k/192k etc in the status bar? I was expecting some kind of Roon style conversion confirmation.

Look at it this way: The N7 only has a 1-bit ladder, so it cannot process anything other than DSD. That means any PCM audio has to be converted.

Thanks for the heads up . What would be the possible audible difference between 64 and 512?

I haven't been able to hear any so far. It'd be interesting if someone measures the output to see if there is at least any detectable difference. If not, DSD128 might a good setting.

 

[davidmolliere]

Agree, N7 is by no means R2R type analogue sounding.

Nah you're right it's a different type of analog, it's like the best of R2R and Delta Sigma altogether

As I said before the way I hear N7 now that it has enough burn in is really the child of N8ii and RS8

 

[ECKHUAAA]

Look at it this way: The N7 only has a 1-bit ladder, so it cannot process anything other than DSD. That means any PCM audio has to be converted.

I haven't been able to hear any so far. It'd be interesting if someone measures the output to see if there is at least any detectable difference. If not, DSD128 might a good setting.

I set mine to DSD512 from the default DSD64 and I can hear a noticeable difference like more spaciousness and air

 

[Currawong]

I set mine to DSD512 from the default DSD64 and I can hear a noticeable difference like more spaciousness and air

I tried again with the Expanse and Cowboy Junkies, and it's a pretty subtle difference, down to 512 feeling more emotional and engaging, and 64 feeling flatter and more distant. I couldn't notice it with the A8000s.