Yeah I only buy SACD, DSD256 especially those recorded in DSD256 (Octave, Just Listen, HDTT etc) , and remastered and reissued vinyl (AP, Mofi etc) nowadays
No don’t think so. You can connection via i2s to other DACs that use the same hdmi pin configuration, like Holo, and others that are reconfigurable through dip switches.
I just tried out their samples as DSD and as PCM cant say its a massive difference and not one I would hunt for given the extra price for the media and the extra space it takes up. Its a little softer on DSD but they dont seem to be exaclty at the same volume level to me when swapping between them, perhaps thats just the difference between the formats. But I cant say I preferred DSD over the PCM equivalent a little different yes but not worth gushing over. I will pass as I have so far on DSD, its not really used for the music I mainly listen to so not missing anything I dont think. For the little Classical and Jazz I do listen to PCM will be fine.
I have 104 DSD albums in my local library. Most of them are ripped SACDs. I prefer DSD to PCM but the actual mastering in more important than the format.
I don’t understand how people think using a SACD transport is better than playing ripped SACD tracks.
Oh, I much prefer the Holo Audio May KTE to the DirectStream MKI DAC.
I just picked Steely Dan’s “Can’t Buy a Thrill” SACD by Analogue Productions and it is fantastic. It is easily the best mastering to date.