Upsampling: Yea or Nay

hmen · « **on:** 26 Aug 2003, 06:53 pm »

I'm thinking of getting the upsampling upgrade for my MSB LinK III DAC and I'd like to know what people think of upsampling. I've read a some pretty diverse opinions on the subject from the "pros" in various places. I've read everything from "the greatest advancement in years" to "it's artiificial sounding" I'd like to hear from some people who've heard it in real-wolrd environments. Your comments would be appreciated.

Sa-dono · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 09:35 pm »

Just like anything, there are good and bad implementations. I personally like upsampling..but to each their own. As always, give a listen for yourself to as many different designs you can, and decide for yourself.

Hantra · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 09:52 pm »

If you are going to go with oversampling, I'd say you ought to go ahead and upsample. I have heard a Northstar that samples at 192, and it's fantastic! It's perhaps the best non-oversampling I have heard at a reasonable price. In upsampling mode, it just sounds more natural, and even smoother. Deeper soundstage too, and better separation.

B

Sue Kraft · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Aug 2003, 07:01 am »

If you haven't already read it, you might find this article written by Wes Phillips discussing upsampling with designer Charles Hansen interesting.
http://www.onhifi.com/features/20010301.htm

Jay S · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Aug 2003, 08:39 am »

Hi Sue,

Welcome to AC! I hope you enjoy the site and come back often.

I was on your E36M3 list for a few years and really loved it, and learned an awful lot... I still miss my E36 dearly, even if it has been over 3 years since I had had it.

Sue Kraft · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Aug 2003, 01:55 pm »

Quote from: Jay S

Welcome to AC! I hope you enjoy the site and come back often.

I was on your E36M3 list for a few years and really loved it, and learned an awful lot... I still miss my E36 dearly, even if it has been over 3 years since I had had it.

Hi Jay,

I sold my M3 three years ago as well, but the E36M3 list is still alive and well.

Thanks for the welcome.

hmen · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Aug 2003, 11:36 pm »

Sue - Thanks for the link. I guess I'll end up trying it and deciding for myself. The MSB upsampling upgrade comes with an on/off switch so I'll be able to do a blindfolded test. I'll post my conclusions.

Scott F. · « **Reply #7 on:** 28 Aug 2003, 12:19 pm »

Quote from: hmen

I guess I'll end up trying it and deciding for myself. The MSB upsampling upgrade comes with an on/off switch so I'll be able to do a blindfolded test. I'll post my conclusions.

If I can interject one thing.

Depending on the upsampling unit, breakin time can take (almost) forever. The upsampler for the AH! sounded literally horrible out of the box and didn't smooth out until about 400 hours. It finally broke in at about 600 hours. Now it's smooth as a babies butt (after at least 3-4000 hours).

Don't get too impatient during the breakin process. Just turn it on and let it run 24x7 with some really dynamic music. After a few weeks of constant play it will sound dramatically different.

witchdoctor · « **Reply #8 on:** 31 Aug 2003, 11:25 pm »

One thing I can share about my GW Labs DSP upsampler. It sounds dramatically better with a good PC. If you are not using the best PC you can afford on your transport and your DAC start there before you add upsampling. I use Virtual Dynamics but there are many good ones.