Upsampling or not?
Upsampling Pros & Cons
Upsampling a digital audio stream to formats like DSD512 or PCM768 can have both benefits and drawbacks, depending on the context, hardware, and personal preferences. Here's an overview:
Benefits of Upsampling to DSD512 or PCM768:
1. Reduction of Quantization Noise:
- DSD512: Direct Stream Digital (DSD) is a 1-bit format with a very high sampling rate. DSD512 uses a sample rate of 22.5792 MHz, which can effectively push quantization noise out of the audible range (above 20 kHz), improving perceived sound quality by reducing distortion.
- PCM768: Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) at 768 kHz offers a much higher resolution compared to standard formats like 44.1 kHz or 96 kHz. This can reduce quantization noise and improve clarity, especially in high-frequency ranges.
2. Better Digital Filtering:
- Upsampling allows digital filters to operate at higher frequencies, making it easier to design more effective and transparent filters. By moving filter artifacts to higher, inaudible frequencies, you can reduce the impact of aliasing and ringing that can occur in lower-resolution audio streams.
3. Improved DAC Performance:
- Some DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) perform better when fed with higher sample rates. DACs often perform oversampling internally anyway, so feeding them high-resolution audio can lead to better conversion accuracy, reducing artifacts and improving the overall sound.
4. More "Analog-Like" Sound (DSD):
- DSD is often praised for its "analog-like" sound characteristics. Upsampling to DSD512 can result in smoother sound reproduction, particularly in systems that are optimized for DSD playback.
5. Maximizing System Potential:
- If you have high-end audio equipment capable of handling DSD512 or PCM768, upsampling can allow you to extract the maximum potential of your system, providing the most detailed and refined audio possible.
Drawbacks of Upsampling to DSD512 or PCM768:
1. Diminishing Returns:
- The audible benefits of upsampling beyond a certain point are often debated. For many listeners, the difference between PCM192, DSD256, and higher resolutions may be subtle or imperceptible, depending on the rest of the audio chain, room acoustics, and personal hearing capabilities.
2. Increased File Size and Processing Power:
- Higher sample rates require more storage space and processing power. DSD512 or PCM768 files can be significantly larger than CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) files, and decoding them requires more computational resources, which can increase latency and put strain on your system.
3. System Compatibility:
- Not all systems or DACs support DSD512 or PCM768. Upsampling to these formats might result in compatibility issues, requiring specific hardware that can handle these rates. Some devices may even convert DSD back to PCM internally, negating some of the benefits.
4. Potential for Digital Artefacts:
- If not done properly, upsampling can introduce artifacts like aliasing or ringing. Poorly designed upsampling algorithms or converters can degrade the sound rather than improve it.
5. Loss of Original Sound Quality:
- Upsampling can sometimes "color" the sound, leading to a subjective change in the tonal balance or soundstage. Some listeners prefer the "raw" quality of the original, unaltered stream and feel that upsampling adds an unnecessary layer of processing.
Pros and Cons Overview:
| Aspect | Upsampling to DSD512 | Upsampling to PCM768 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Fidelity | Smoother, analog-like sound with less harshness in high frequencies | Very detailed, potentially more accurate but also subject to digital harshness depending on implementation |
| Processing | Requires significant computational power for playback and conversion | Also resource-intensive, but widely supported in professional systems |
| File Size | Very large, especially for native DSD formats | Also large, but generally more manageable than DSD files |
| Compatibility | Less common, many devices don’t support high-rate DSD | More widely supported, especially in professional audio gear |
| Digital Filtering | Better filtering at high frequencies, more natural sound | Excellent filtering options, especially with modern DACs |
| Subjective Sound | Warm, natural, preferred by some audiophiles | Detailed, precise, possibly "clinical" depending on the system |
| Improvement Over Lower Resolutions | Audible improvement for well-trained ears and high-end systems | Similar to DSD, though more “accurate” than “smooth” |
A good network NAA (Network Audio Adapter) endpoint that supports DSD512 typically needs to provide robust performance, reliable connectivity, and compatibility with high-resolution audio formats. NAA endpoints are often used in setups involving HQPlayer or Roon, and their primary purpose is to transfer audio data from a network source to a DAC.
A very good NAA endpoint for HQPlayer which supports I2S output and many others: Holo Audio RED
One of the best NAA endponts for HQPlayer is the sMS200 ULTRA NEO from SOtM sMS200 ULTRA NEO
Or do you think, it's getting too complex for me and I know that it could be even better without upsampling? Mano ULTRA Mk3.5