[PA]

Very good PCM vs DSD vs Flac generated from the same source.
If any one is wondering if DSD or PCM or Flac is the way to go, these files might help you make up your mind.

http://ifi-audio.com/audio_blog/idac2-special-ifi-music-sampler-dsd-album-by-sound-liaison/

iFi is very proud to announce that to celebrate the launch of the iDAC2, Sound Liaison has prepared a special sample album titled ‘iFi micro-iDAC2 Music Sampler’ for all music lovers alike. You can find three specially selected tracks in three formats; PCM, FLAC and DSD. (http://soundliaison.com/all-categories/185-ifi-micro-idac2-music-sampler)

‘Impromptu’ was recorded live directly to DSD using the Tascam DA-3000 DSD recorder and simultaneously to PCM with the RME UFX.

 

[PA]

btw.  This is the code;

ifimicroidac2

[mresseguie]

Thanks, PA.

I downloaded the tracks mere minutes before I disassembled my computer. It'll be a week before its running again. 

[fridays]

My Dac requires a switch be flipped to change from PCM to DSD so it could be difficult to do
Thanks for the link

[srb]

The tracks seem to be recorded / converted at a substantially lower output level relative to most of the other tracks in my library.

[RDavidson]

They likely level matched all the files using the one with the highest dynamic range as the basis for all, which is great for direct comparisons among the various test tracks. This way you don't go from soft on one track, to being blown out of your chair on the next. Just set the volume at a comfortable level and commence your test.

[tonyptony]

Where does one enter the coupon code? When I went to checkout it there was no option to enter any sort of coupon before it took me to PayPal.

[PA]

Shopping Cart
Enter a coupon!
Title   Price   Quantity   Subtotal   Action
All Categories : iFi micro iDAC2 Music Sampler : iFi-micro-iDAC2-Music-Sampler (3 songs-9 files-DSD/PCM/FLAC)   €3.00   
1
    €3.00   Delete
Total:   €3.00   EUR   

You have to left click on the yellow

Enter a coupon!

and then enter the code.

[tonyptony]

Thanks PA! 

[PA]

On the latest download from Sound Liaison, the excellent ''Little Blue'' album it says that the PCM to DSD conversion was done using a dCS Dac. Those are very very expensive, it does however not say if the iFi sampler was made in a similar fashion or did they use the iFi for that?

The studio has a unique warmth and depth, which we have not encountered anywhere else.
With a decay of 0.8 seconds the room is perfect for chamber music and jazz ensembles.
All 4 musicians were recorded in studio 2, with a minimum of baffles used.
The recording was done in 96kHz-24bit PCM. The DSD tranfers were done using a dCS DAC going into the Tascam DSD-recorder.

http://www.soundliaison.com/

[Starchild]

I compared the Wav files to the Flac files in the sampler and thought the wav files were slightly louder.  Did any of you have that perception? 

You can download at this link the AIX sampler from HDAudio.  Very impressive.  I've heard new releases in 24/96 that don't sound near as good.

[PA]

The tracks seem to be recorded / converted at a substantially lower output level relative to most of the other tracks in my library.

Probably less compression is used. The Sound Liaison albums scores quite well in the Dynamic Range Data base

[PA]

I compared the Wav files to the Flac files in the sampler and thought the wav files were slightly louder.  Did any of you have that perception? 

\

See this video with audio legend Bob Katz where he says that even 0.02 db of level difference will influence your judgement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCd6MHlo_iA

[PA]

And I find it quiet amazing that such a pair of ''golden ears'' like Bob Katz' can be fooled by such a little difference in level.

[PA]

and so very impressive that he let us know about it. no ego problem there.