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Originally Posted by waterlogic /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Ripping DVD-A is a simple process, actually. You can then downsample the hi-res files for portable use in a nick of a time.
So buying DVD-A makes much more sense than buying SACDs.
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Agree 100%, and I have done both extensively.
I use my PS3 (older model) to stream a 24/176.4 LPCM bitstream over HDMI from the SACD layer, then split out the SPDIF using an HDMI-to-SPDIF converter, and capture with my sound card (M Audio). (You can also do this at 88.2 with a modded Oppo, a Vanity board, or a Wadia CDP -- these methods give you LPCM over SPDIF directly, no need to use HDMI ... but at 88.2!).
I demo's this live at the last Harrison NY meet, and posted pictures of the SPDIF DAC showing 176.4 on its display (to prove it all).
A bit of work ... now let's contrast this with DVD-A's: I just pop DVD-A's in the computer CD-ROM drive and rip with DVD-A Explorer. All I have to do is re-name each track using the liner notes. Voila, I have 24/96 right on my music server. FB2K plays them perfectly, and the SQ is to die for.
I then use FB2K DSP to create 24/48 FLACS from the 24/96 (a direct decimation -- I embed the album art at this stage too), then XRECODE II to make ALACs from the 24/96 (which preserves album art, FB2K does not), and load them on to an RWA iMod.
Head-Fi'ers who have heard the 24/48's on my iMod consider them jaw-dropping ... I have had multiple requests for copies of the tracks.
The 176.4's I would need to convert to 44.1 for the iMod (if I wanted a direct decimation only) so would I hear any difference from just ripping the red book layer?
The Who's Tommy is one album I have in both SACD and DVD-A. I prefer the 48 ALAC of Pinball Wizard to the 44.1 on the iMod. Could be placebo, who knows.