Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Sooloos - 2.1 Build 324 delivers 24bit/192kHz!!

And, is there a perceivable SQ difference between those high bit rates - probably not

Hi Cliff, you are kidding aren't you ?

For me personally, no. Starting from a 192/24 source file and deriving the 96/24 and 44.1/16 (or 48/16) downsampled files � based on previous experience, I am pretty sure I would not be able to tell them apart in blind tests. And, dare I suggest it; the vast majority probably couldn�t either. Perhaps we should set up a test like George did a while ago (but with no tricks)?

Don�t get me wrong for the 24/96 DVDAs I own (e.g. Dire Straits, BIA) I think there is a huge difference in SQ between those and their CD equivalents- but here we are comparing apples and oranges.

Hi Cliff, I know what you are saying but I'm comparing CD and DVDA here so it's not a 44.1 that I made from a 192. Exactly what source the CD was taken from I don't know (there are a silly number of issues of this disc around). So, it's not likely to be the same.

Ignoring any tricks I think it's easy to spot a difference.

Don't be too sure. It's mastering that makes the difference not the sample rate. I've got two versions of Supertramp's Crime of the Century - one bog standard CD and one which was derived from the original studio master. There's a huge difference in SQ (night and day).

I know that We've all probably got some really poor DVDA proving the point in the other way.

I was trying to say that above with my ref to not knowing what source they took the copy from in each case. Search the Pepper album and you'll find many.

The DVDA version is well know as being from the original tapes just like the DSOTM DVDA. The quality is awesome in both cases.

Out of interest Nick, have you ripped both 5.1 and 2.0 from your DVD-As?

Yes....both. 5.1 Directory for Dune and 2.0 for Sooloos/SQueeze players.

I have just a few DVDA that I can't seem to rip yet so need to look at more tools for that.

Starting from a few well mastered 24/96 2ch sources, I've Resampled them down to 16/48 and 16/44

Comparing the 16bit to the 24bit originals, I think it's relatively straightforward to hear differences, as long as one knows what particular cues to look for etc........e.g. Cymbals, Alto Saxaphone, Female Vocals, extra Air & Separation etc.

However, I do think that DVD-A originally, and now HD Tracks etc. Have "encouraged" conscientious Producers to go find the original master tapes and maintain the highest quality possible from the Tapes to the final product (that doesn't mean that some labels haven't taken short cuts and greedily exploited the opportunity)

Likewise, the extra fidelity has encouraged some new Recordings using 24/96 or 24/192 Technology all the way thru the process (AIX and Chesky etc)

The above has resulted in "24/96" versions that are very noticeably superior to their older (and differently mastered) 16/44 originals

So, I do think that 24bit offers higher fidelity and performance than 16bit........but the extra Mastering care that 24bit has encouraged has a greater part to play in the audible superiority of 24bit Material

Ronnie, what program do you find the most effective to downsample those DVD-A's? I've quite a few that I really should attend to.

Yesterday I installed that latest firmware and will be interested to see if they have improved the search and similar functions. As I'm not downloading HD files off the net the 24bit/192kHz function is of little interest. With pushing 8500 CDs already installed I'm not lusting after much more!!!

John

Well in the DSP8000 usermanual from 2000 Meridian could deliver/support
176.4kHz or 192kHz supported with special firmware

"Specification
Digital inputs and outputs
� 2 x cable digital inputs, 75W, IEC958, 44.1-96kHz. FIFO locks at 44.1, 48,88.2, or 96kHz � 150ppm, PCM or MHR encoding.
� 176.4kHz or 192kHz supported with special firmware and cabling; details available on request."

http://www.Meridian.co.uk/handbooks/d8kuser.pdf

I just guess we have to request full support, since we get downsampled 192Khz to 96Khz
And yes it is a so called "myth" that one can hear difference between 96 and 192Khz.

I just what my system to deliver what it recives - what comes in goes out
In Norway we have 2L that deliver original recordnings in 24bit / 192Khz.
http://www.2l.no/

Just my 192 cents

PerS

Ok- so if a 192/24 file is imported to the Sooloos, can the Sooloos link send the full 192/24 file over to an 861, where it can be converted to an analog sound right out of there without doing downsampling?