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DSD Music, Information, Equipment, News and Answers

Can Ethernet Cables Makes a Difference? We test to find out!
Fiona Joy - Into the Mist - solo piano

Cookie Marenco of Blue Coast Records does a comparison test using a $700 Ethernet
cable and a regular cat5 Ethernet cable. Read the article to find out the results.
Read more
Where can you find DSD Music Downloads?

A list of websites where you can find Direct Stream Digital (DSD) and other High
Resolution music to download. If you are a DSD distributor of downloads and would
like to be added to this list, please contact support@dsd-guide.com
Read more
Blue Coast Music Announces New Music Series Recorded in DSD 256 -- FlashJamm!

Blue Coast Music is ready to test a new concept of creating music for fans of
DSD256 called FlashJamm. The concept is 3 songs performed live in the studio,
unrehearsed and under artistic guidance of the producer. Raw, inspired and
recorded at DSD256 live in the studio. Easy to do, you think? "Not so", says
producer, Cookie Marenco from Blue Coast.
Read more
Test Your Listening System for DSD, FLAC and WAV Playback with Free Downloads!
Free Downloads from Blue Coast Music

Blue Coast Music is offering free downloads to test your playback system for DSD,
FLAC and WAV files. Did you recently upgrade and want to know if your system will
play DSD 256? Does your iTunes play FLAC? Is there really a difference between
DSD, FLAC and WAV that you can hear? Now is your chance to test and optimize your
music system.
Read more
NARAS Recommendations for High Resolution Audio Production
NARAS Recommendations for High Resolution Recording

The complete pdf Recommendations for High Resolution Audio Production. Issued in
2017 for the purposes of providing professional audio engineers guidelines for how
producing music on a high resolution format.
Read more
Behind the Scenes -- With Garett Brennan Recording to DSD for Blue Coast Records
Garett Brennan

Garett Brennan is a recording artist for Blue Coast Records based out of the
Portland, Oregon. This is an article of the recording session with Cookie Marenco
at her studio in 2014. For those interested in being a "producer" Blue Coast
Records has released a 35 minute rehearsal of Garett and friends as they prepare
the song "I Will Walk" for eventual release.
Read more
Behind the Scenes -- Recording Music for High End Audio -- Do You Want to Know
More?
Behind the Scenes

Are you the kind of passionate music lover that wants to know more about the behind
the scenes action that happens for a high end recording? Blue Coast Music and DSD-
Guide are teaming up to bring you something very special in the upcoming months.
Find out how you can contribute to this exciting new effort. Follow the link to
read more.
Read more
Fiona Joy Launches her SACD, Into the Mist, in the Sony Sponsored Magic Bus
Inside the Sony Sponsored Magic Bus -- Troyce Walls Photographer

Los Angeles Sheraton was filled with audiophiles for the 1st annual LAAS Event.
Fiona Joy took the opportunity to try something new with her album release on Blue
Coast Records... she gave a release party at the Sony Sponsored Magic Bus!
Read more
Why DSD is the Best Archiving Format for Analog Tape

There is the 'digital' camp and the 'analog' camp and the 'just give me the best of
it' camp. Everyone has an opinion but the truth is... "the best" is expensive to
record, mix, master, convert and preserve. Compromises are made for greatness to
provide a supply of new music to the audiophile that is 'affordable'. Sadly, most
audio engineers compromise the audio at the first stage of recording.. the
multitrack. This is an opinionated article by Blue Coast founder, Cookie Marenco.
Read more
A Music Lover's Creates His Own Test for Dynamic Range -- No Surprise, DSD Wins!

Like many passionate audiophiles, there is a desire to understand more about the
music they love and why. In this article, David Slattery tells us the results of
his Dynamic Range (DR) testing. He also supplies the "how to" of setting up your
own test at home. Recommended for the more computer savvy audiophiles.
Read more
Blue Coast Music Announces Expansion and Beta Test Group

Blue Coast Music has been at the forefront of high resolution audio with its
efforts recording music, developing an audience and addressing the requirements for
large audio file distribution since its debut. Behind closed doors they have been
developing a new website to address the needs of the audiophile music lover. Blue
Coast Music is now looking for beta testers around the world to test the site. If
you would like to be a beta-tester, signup for the newsletter on this page and send
a note to support@bluecoastmusic.com with "BETA-TESTER" in the subject line.
Read more
Believe What You Hear, Not What You Read. DSD - WAV - FLAC Conversions - What Does
It Mean?

There has been a lot of controversy over the years about whether WAV conversions to
FLAC are exact duplicates and sound exactly the same. It's Ears vs Math. Which do
you subscribe to? The Crew at Blue Coast Records believes there is a difference
after doing dozens of blindfold listening tests over the last decade. Why is this
important to DSD listeners? Understanding how to do a blindfold listening test is
complicated. Included in this article are methods how you can have a blindfold
listening party to test for your own ears.
Read more
DSD 11.2MHz Is Now Inside Your Car
Sony DSD players in car and portable

Sony unvailed their new Walkman and car media reciever, RSX-GS9 at the 38th Bangkok
International Motor Show. With this setup you can play native DSD 11.2MHz in your
car.
Read more
An interview of and by Andreas Koch on the subject of digital audio formats on
Positive-Feedback
Andreas Koch

"What would it take to launch a new format today, and what problems could it
possibly solve?" Andreas Koch and Positive-Feedback try to answer this and other
questions about digital audio formats. Andreas Koch led a team of engineers
designing the world's first multitrack DSD recorder and editor. He has been a
pioneer in all things DSD.
Read more
How To Play DSD
How to play DSD

Playing back DSD files requires a bit more effort than most other formats, such as
WAV or MP3 files. Most computers these days arent capable of converting DSD into
audio because their audio hardware is limited to PCM files, so you have to use
something else.
Read more
Why Open Source Digital Audio Formats Matter: DSD vs. MQA

Simply put, open source is when the source code for a piece of software is free and
open to the public. This means that people who use the software are not required to
pay a licensing fee because it is not owned by one person or company. DSD (.dsf) is
an example of an open source digital audio format, FLAC (.flac) is another.
Read more
Music Lover Compares DSD128 to DSD64.. Can You Hear the Difference?

Music lover and audiophile, David Slattery, took time out of his busy day to do a
comparison of DSD128 to DSD64. Many people wonder if it's possible to hear the
difference between a FLAC, WAV or DSD file. David gives a wonderful assessment of
what he hears.

The music tested was Meghan Andrews from Blue Coast Records Special Event 43. Blue
Coast Records offers music recorded in DSD and without overdubs and effects making
the comparisons easier than overly processed music.

Here's what David has to say...

Read more
The Future of DSD seminar at Rocky Mountain Audiofest 2016
The Future of DSD Audio and Music

Excerpt from Positive-Feedback and written by Brian Moura. One packed seminar
featured a discussion of The Future of DSD hosted by Cookie Marenco, owner of Blue
Coast Music along with Gus Skinas, chief of the Super Audio Center and Marc
Sheforgen, Chief Operating Officer for Acoustic Sounds. DSD Audio is predicted to
be the format of choice for high resolution audio and music.
Read more
Having Trouble Playing DSD with your iTunes Player? DSD Master Has a Solution

DSD Master has a new process to wrap files into a "container" that allows both PCM
and DSD files to be imported into iTunes. Get free downloads from Channel Classics
and Blue Coast Records to test!

Comments

Why High Resolution Audio? FLAC or DSD

Why High Resolution Audio? FLAC or DSD
High resolution audio is becoming more and more common these days. Although theres
no standard quality the audio should reach in order to be classified as high
resolution audio, we can easily assume that a file with a quality of at least 44.1
khz/16 bit is a high resolution audio file. But why would you listen to high
quality audio material instead of MP3?
Read more
Primeseat Offers First Concert Streaming in DSD128 from the USA
Keith Greeninger Performing Live and Heard Streaming on DSD at Primeseat

On January 26, 2016, Alex de Grassi and Keith Greeninger became the first two
artists to have their music available for on demand streaming at DSD128. The new
technology comes from Primeseat, a company from Japan that boasts some of the top
technolgists from Sony, Korg and IIJ.
Read more

I bought my first DSD download. What do I need to play it?

Answer
True DSD playback needs a DSD DAC or digital to analog converter capable of
converting the DSD stream directly to analog for playback. It's also possible with
software like Korg's AudioGate, Foobar, JRiver Media Center and others to play the
DSD file but convert it to PCM during playback so it can be heard on standard DACs
like you would have built in to your computer. The sound quality is not the same
as using a DSD DAC but many people prefer to download the DSD even though they're
gear is not quite ready to get the optimal sound.

If you're using a Mac I would try Audirvana; on PC I usually recommend JRiver.

They both should have trial versions available. It will be a little investment of
time (and money) to get yourself set up for DSD playback.
A Music Lovers Reaction To DSD and Blue Coast Records
November 26, 2015 - 16:53 -- Anonymous (not verified)

Dennis Wade is a music lover who tells his story, like so many, of how music
affects his life. We are honored to present his wonderful recounting of his
personal journey in music. We also thank Corey in the Arctic for prompting Dennis
to write this piece.

Read more about A Music Lovers Reaction To DSD and Blue Coast Records
Comments

Audiophile Labels Agree to Use RIAA Hi Res Logo on their Websites... What is Hi Res
Anyway?
November 24, 2015 - 11:03 -- Anonymous (not verified)

Blue Coast Music, HD Tracks, IsoMike and many other digital music retailers have
agreed to use the RIAA's Hi-Res Logo to point out Hi Resolution Audio. David Huges
from the RIAA, attempts to explain what defines "hi res" by these standards.

Read more about Audiophile Labels Agree to Use RIAA Hi Res Logo on their
Websites... What is Hi Res Anyway?
Comments

Some of my DSD recorded music is much softer in volume than the rest of my music.
Why is that?"
Answer

If you are new to high resolution audio, you might experience music that is softer
in volume than the mainstream music catalog. There is nothing wrong with the
music. It is a choice made by the engineers and producers to allow full dynamic
range, which mean the body of the music may sound softer in order to not "flatten"
or "compress" the peak signals in the music.

Many of these peaks in music happen when acoustic instruments are plucked or struck
like a cymbal, piano, guitar or other percussive instrument. The first 'attack' of
an instrument can be quiet dramatic in peak volume yet drop off quickly to a lower
volume, which is natural. If the volume levels are raised, these peaks will cause
distortion.

Mainstream music has adopted the practic of 'compressing' the peaks and increasing
the body of the music's volume. It is often referred to as the 'volume wars'.
Over the last 20 years, music production has leaned towards louder music as being
'better'. Most audiophile engineers and listeners feel this increase in volume
negatively affects the actual tone and sound. These engineers have chosen to not
compress the mixes and instead ask the listener to use their volume controls to
increase the sound to receive an enhanced listening experience of tone.

I've purchased my first DSD recording -- what do I do next?

Answer
DSD is different from the normal PCM digital audio you may be used to, so you will
need some software that is compatible with DSD.

We generally recommend trying JRiver Media Center for Windows or Audirvana for Mac
systems. Each of these has a trial version available so hopefully you can see how
it works for you.

DSD playback is also somewhat dependent on the hardware available on your system
and strictly speaking true DSD playback also requires a DSD DAC, though most DSD
capable software also provides conversion that allows playback on most any system.
What is Quad DSD? Check out a Few Releases

Don't confuse "Quad" with the surround system recordings of yester year - this Quad
is Direct Stream Digital at a sampling rate of 11.2 Million samples per second in
one bit. These downloads are huge! An Album can be 8-10 gigabytes in size.
Another name for Quad DSD is DSD 256.

Today Blue Coast Records announced their foray into delivering Quad DSD downloads
to music lovers worldwide.
Read more
Current DSD Hardware, Software and Content

Find information on DSD DACs, Hardware, Software, Music, etc. Direct Stream Digital
-- One Bit Audio. Read more to get the link.
Read more
Sony and Korg Team Up for First DSD Live Streaming Event

On April 4, 2015 at 7pm PDT, the world's first DSD128 live streaming concert event
will take place. A joint project team of Sony/Korg/IIJ/Saidera Paradiso have joined
to demonstrate the future of high-quality streaming with two upcoming concerts.
Read more
Pono Supports DSD64 and DSD128 in Firmware Update!

It has just been announced that the Pono device now supports DSD64 and DSD128.
Here is a link for the firmware update associated.

https://ponomusic.force.com/ccrz__CCPage?
oId=a201500000BtI4vAAF&pageKey=product&type=Update
Read more
The High Resolution Audio Movement - A NAMM Hot Zone Presentation by Cookie Marenco

On Saturday, January 24, 2015, at 1pm, Cookie Marenco will do a presentation at the
annual NAMM show held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Ms Marenco will discuss
High Resolution Audio with musicians, equipment manufacturers, professional audio
engineers, and instrument builders who go to hear the latest developments in the
world of audio. The presentation is geared towards the entry level and more
sophisticated music listeners as well as interested companies who want to take
advantage of this small yet growing trend.
Read more
The Absolute Sound's Guide to Music Backup

Writer, Vade Forrester, offers a very good guide to backing up your precious music
files. This is a portion of the article from the December 2014 issue of The
Absolute Sound.

"If youre a computer-audio enthusiast, no matter how expensive your equipment may
be, your largest investment will be your collection of music files. Downloads cost
money, and the higher their resolution, the more money they cost. Even if most of
your music files come from your ripped CD collection, youve still invested a lot
of time ripping them to your hard drive."

Read more to get the link to the site!

Read more
PS Audio's Paul McGowan Offers a List of Music to Evaluate Your Setup

Paul McGowan's company, PS Audio, is well known in audiophile circles for being
some of the highest quality gear available on the market. We've included a partial
list of titles that we happen to also enjoy. For the complete list, visit here
http://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/pauls-picks or read more!
Read more
The Next 20 Years in the Future of Audio Engineering - By John La Grou

John La Grou is no stranger to pro audio and the advancement of audio technology. A
long time friend of DSD recording with many of the top producers using his
Millennia's professional grade preamps, John now takes us on a journey of the
future of sound. A great read!
Read more
Sony's Kazuo Hirai Declares High Resolution Audio is the Future of Music

On stage at the Europes largest electronics trade show, IFA in Berlin, charismatic
Sony chief executive Kazuo Hirai declared that Hi-Res audio as crucial to the
success of its audio products.
Read more
Build a Music Server Using the Mac Mini

Paul McGowan of PS Audio provides a thorough description of how you can turn your
Mac Mini into a music server for your DSD, WAV, FLAC and other files.
Read more
NPR Morning Edition Features Discussion on DSD Audio

Laura Sydell interviews Cookie Marenco (founder Blue Coast Records) about DSD and
the high resolution audio movement.

"...Sony Corporation announced a new line of high-end audio components that promise
to deliver a better online audio experience. The announcement comes amid growing
evidence that music fans are tired of the crappy sound they hear on their portable
music players."
Read more here.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2013/09/11/219727031/what-does-a-song...
Read more
Size Comparison Chart of Various Formats DSD-WAV-FLAC-mp3

If you've ever wanted a rough guide as to the size of a DSD file compared to a WAV
or mp3, here is a chart created by Romain Delbos and Quentin Brard.
Read more

What is DXD? Is it DSD?

Answer

DXD is not DSD (direct stream digital, one bit recording). DXD is a PCM format
that is a very high sampling rate of 352.8kHz / 24bit. Merging Technologies and
Pyramix incorporated the DXD format into their recording systems to provide PCM
like tools at a much higher standard than was available at that time. DXD at 352.8
is approximately 4x larger file size than DSD2.8 though, among avid DSD recording
engineers, some may hear a more PCM like quality to DXD that is not to their
liking.

The Sonoma system for recording to DSD has limited editing capabilities but can
stay in the DSD format without going to PCM/DXD. The limitation for the Sonoma
system is that is currently only records in DSD 2.8 (also called DSD64)

Some labels, like 2L, have chosen to record in the DXD format and release in DSD.
This allow for more editing that is common to PCM. DSD as a "container" for DXD is
a very suitable solution for delivering files to end users/music lovers. Some
labels, like Channel Classics, choose to record in DSD and on occasion will convert
to DXD for minor editing purposes. Some labels, like Blue Coast, record using the
Sonoma system and limit their editing to stay in the DSD format.

What the future holds is up to the consumer. Eventually, the acceptance of DSD
will provide recording equipment capable of DSD tools equivalent to that in the PCM
world. As a container, DSD has proven itself to be efficient for delivering files
at about 25% of the file size of industry equivalent PCM formats. As broadband
continues to have bigger 'pipes', DSD could be the optimum choice for streaming and
downloading our music in the future.

The best test is to listen and decide for yourself about DSD vs DXD or PCM.

Will my Mytek unit play DSD128?

Answer

DSD128 is a new format. We suggest that if you own a DSD DAC only capable of DSD64
(most common format) save your DSD128 and use Audiogate to convert your 128 to 64
until more tools are available for professional recording and mastering. We are
looking forward to that day ourselves.

In the meantime, jump on board the road to adventure as we all take the ride of new
challenges and experiences. :)

As of 3/27/2013, the very popular and affordable Mytek DSD DAC has the following
ability to play (or not play) DSD 128.

Which computer with what Players....

Using a PC and JRiver Media player... YES!

Using a MAC and Audirvana -- not yet

Damien at Audirvana says the next update v1.5 to be able to work with the Mytek.
We'll let you know when that is possible.

Using a MAC and Pure Music -- not yet and why

Directly from Rob at Pure Music...a great explanation of the coordination needed
between hardware, software and content format

Support for 128Fs depends on the hardware capability. DSD DACs such as Playback
Designs will play 128Fs DSD with Pure Music, because they support a 352.8 kHz
sample rate.

It is possible for the Mytek to play 128Fs using an ASIO device driver, but ASIO is
the driver used on Windows machines. We are waiting for Mytek to provide a
CoreAudio (Mac format) version of their driver that supports 128Fs via a dual-wire
scheme (the Mytek does not provide a 352.8 kHz sample rate needed for standard
128Fs, such as on the Playback Designs), and then this will be possible with the
Mytek on the Mac.

If you have direct experience, use another player or have figured out a work
around, let us know!

support@dsd-guide.com
Happy DSD Music Lovers Chat Up Their Experiences at ComputerAudiophile.com

Music lovers tell it best when it comes to DSD Audio! Tips for free conversion
using Korg's Audiogate, links to video interviews, thoughts on ripping Redbook CDs
to DSD Audio.
Read more
Direct Stream Digital (DSD) in Stereo and Surround Sound at CES 2013

The 30th floor of the Venetian Hotel was buzzing with activity and one of a kind
DSD listening experiences over the 4 days of CES 2013. From January 8 through 11,
Gus Skinas (Super Audio Center) and Cookie Marenco (Blue Coast Records) were giving
Carte Blanche to play any music they pleased.
Read more
JRiver was recently chosen as a "Best of 2012" by Positive Feedback Online and Home
Theater Review

DSD-Guide would like to congratulate JRiver Media. JRiver was recently chosen as a
"Best of 2012" product by HomeTheaterReview.com and "Writers' Choice Awards for
2012" by Positive Feedback Online. You can find the complete list of reviews here:
http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Reviews JRiver Media Version 18 is an excellent
choice for a DSD audio song manager
Read more
Sony and Blue Coast Records Offer Buy 2 DSD Songs Get 1 Free

Sony and Blue Coast Records have collaborated on a 3 song DSD sampler of favorite
selections used for demoing their highly acclaimed AR 1 Speakers. The songs include
"Looking For A Home", "Romance" and "Mutineer". You can hear these songs and buy
them as a bundle at

http://bluecoastrecords.com/sony
Read more
What is DSD audio-- A Simple Explanation

Paul McGowen, of PS Audio, wrote a wonderful short explanation of what DSD audio is
and how it differs from PCM audio. Here is an excerpt from his post on DSD audio or
1-bit audio and why it sounds closer to analog sound than PCM.
Read more
Benchmark Adds DSD DAC2 to their list of Playback Devices

October 22, 2012, Benchmark announces a 2-Channel DAC that plays DSD natively.
Here is the spec sheet: http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac2-hgc

If you've tried the unit, let us know! support@dsd-guide.com

Read more
Thirteen New Songs Recorded to DSD and Available as DSD Downloads from the
California Audio Show.

Blue Coast Records and Sony Home Electronics hosted 6 artists from whose
performances were recorded to Direct Stream Digital (DSD) at the California Audio
Show....
Read more
Michael Bishop and Cookie Marenco YouTube video on DSD by Nicho Mageras

Early June was the gathering of audiophiles at T.H.E. Show at Newport Beach. In
the Sony AR1 room, Michael Bishop (FiveFour Productions) and Cookie Marenco (Blue
Coast Records) were asked to offer their thoughts on DSD (Direct Stream Digital)
recording -- "Super Resolution" Audio. Thank you Nicho Mageras of
AudioLuxuries.com for capturing this on video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFRG6IMLRV4
Read more
Jenna Mammina and Matt Rollings Live Performance in DSD Audio!

From Blue Coast Records - one of the most critically acclaimed acoustic record
companies of the last 5 years. Used by manufacturers and industry professionals to
test their equipment, Blue Coast Records became one of the first to offer native
DSD masters distributed to the public as DSD audio.
Read more
DSD Audio has International Appeal Especially From Japan!

We are delighted to report that our first few weeks since launch has driven a huge
amount of traffic. To our surprise, most of the visitors are coming from Japan
followed by the USA, Canada, Germany and the UK. The main source of the drive from
Japan has been from a blog that is new to us called Music To Go. We would like to
thank Yoshihiro Sasaki for writing about us.
Read more
DSD vs PCM Interview with Ed Meitner

First presented at Positive Feedback, Issue #11, Mike Pappas interviews master
engineer Ed Meitner about the originations of DSD audio. We have highlighted one
section below that describes the differences between DSD and PCM digital audio.
You can read the entire article at Positive Feedback.
Read more
DSD Twitter

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Interested to know what the guidelines are for recording in high resolution
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1 month 4 weeks ago.
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