Matrix X-Sabre DAC review and impression thread

[project86]

No, I haven't gone there yet. I'll probably play some from my Auraliti PK90 first, and then later mess with a laptop.

DXD is actually not DSD, but rather a really high res form of PCM. Think of it as a WAV file - there's no compression at all, so as you noticed, the files end up huge. It's normally used for mastering since DSD doesn't lend itself well for the editing stage. So while it can sound excellent, it's not really practical.

 

[Maxvla]

Yes I figured out I had downloaded the wrong files. Working like a charm now. Got it in Jriver too.

 

[Clemmaster]

The Asus essence one supports the dxd format. That's part of the features.

 

[T.F.O.A]

Thank you Max! I see it now.
 
Like the blue light, looks really nice!

 

[preproman]

Are ripped ISO DSD from SACDs any different than the downloaded files?
I was just about to pull the tigger on a Master 7.  I guess I'll wait a while..

 

[jabbr]

ISO-rips are disc images.
You have to extract the dsd-data to dff or dsf files first, but then it is the same as downloadable dsd-files.
 
Looking forward to more impressions on the sound of this device. I'm considering this X-Sabre or the Auralic Vega as my first DSD-capable DAC.
 
-
aleg

 

[preproman]

Quote:

ISO-rips are disc images.
You have to extract the dsd-data to dff or dsf files first, but then it is the same as downloadable dsd-files.
 
Looking forward to more impressions on the sound of this device. I'm considering this X-Sabre or the Auralic Vega as my first DSD-capable DAC.
 
-
aleg

 
 
correct - this has been done via a PS3..

 

[jabbr]

Quote:

 
 
correct - this has been done via a PS3..

 
 
Put them through sacd_extract and you've got the proper stuff ...

 

[preproman]

Quote:

 
 
Put them through sacd_extract and you've got the proper stuff ...

 
 
I didn't do it - so I have no idea what that is.  I hope it's ready to rock -n- roll when I get it back.

 

[colour97]

Quote:

 
 
Put them through sacd_extract and you've got the proper stuff ...

 scarletbook- this is the tool. google it .  
 
i have a question.
 
can foobar really stream dsd ?  because i read mytek user, they will use hdplayer to stream REAL dsd. i am doubtful  if foobar already
converted to  pcm . anyone can comment. thank you.

 

[jabbr]

Quote:

 scarletbook- this is the tool. google it .  
 
i have a question.
 
can foobar really stream dsd ?  because i read mytek user, they will use hdplayer to stream REAL dsd. i am doubtful  if foobar already
converted to  pcm . anyone can comment. thank you.

 
 
It's called sacd_extract nowadays found here http://code.google.com/p/sacd-ripper/downloads/list
It's made by the fellow who developed the sacd_ripper for the PS3 so you'll be able to extract the dsd data from the ISO image.
 
It is a command  line program, so open a command window and enter sacd_extract -h to see all the options.
You'l see this:
 
Quote:

Usage: sacd_extract.exe [options] [outfile]
  -2, --2ch-tracks                : Export two channel tracks (default)
  -m, --mch-tracks                : Export multi-channel tracks
  -e, --output-dsdiff-em          : output as Philips DSDIFF (Edit Master) file
  -p, --output-dsdiff             : output as Philips DSDIFF file
  -s, --output-dsf                : output as Sony DSF file
  -t, --select-track              : only output selected track(s) (ex. -t 1,5,13)
  -I, --output-iso                : output as RAW ISO
  -c, --convert-dst               : convert DST to DSD
  -C, --export-cue                : Export a CUE Sheet
  -i, --input[=FILE]              : set source and determine if "iso" image,
                                    device or server (ex. -i 192.168.1.10:2002)
  -P, --print                     : display disc and track information
Help options:
  -?, --help                      : Show this help message
  --usage                         : Display brief usage message

 
 
 
Using this document you can see how to setup different software players for DSD playback: http://www.auralic.com/download/dsd_playback_setup.pdf
It will show how to setup Audirvana, PureMusic on Mac and Foobar, JPlay, JRiver and Signalyst HQPlayer on Windows.
Best sounding player is JPlay BTW.
 
Goodluck and give us some feedback on how it sounds please
 
-
Aleg

 

[Maxvla]

 scarletbook- this is the tool. google it .  

i have a question.

can foobar really stream dsd ?  because i read mytek user, they will use hdplayer to stream REAL dsd. i am doubtful  if foobar already
converted to  pcm . anyone can comment. thank you.

Yes, Foobar does stream DSD. My X-Sabre lights up DSD when I play one from it. JRiver also streams DSD (and is supported natively).

 

[mcullinan]

Can you integrate DSD into iTunes?

 

[project86]

Quote:

Can you integrate DSD into iTunes?

 
I believe Audirvana and Pure Music can handle DSD files. Maybe some others too. But I don't think iTunes can do it by itself. 

 

[mcullinan]

I figured it wouldn't play them, but will DSD pop up in iTunes. I'm guessing a plugin will be needed. I run everything through remote and iTunes. Quite nice. Not as built up as the Squeezebox Interface, but not a big deal.