Experimenting with ripping and music conversion software

[Robert]

Just thought I'd throw this out there, currently I have been using db Poweramp to rip my CD's and convert to 24/192 directly.

I see in a current review on Absolute Sound of 3 DAC's which have DSD capability the reviewer was pointed to try Saracon software to convert DSD to DSD or PCM as a comparison to Audiogate. The author confirmed he felt Saracon was better in his setup than Audiogate.

I borrowed a copy of Saracon and proceeded to try a few things.

First I ripped a fresh copy using db poweramp from CD to 16/44. Then converted it to 24/176, 24/192 using Saracon.

Differences between the three were there, I still preferred the 24/192 over the rest, but the difference between the dbpoweramp direct 24/192 and Saracon 24/192 from 16/44 rip was easily audible. The Saracon was cleaner, more open, more detail, less bass heavy.

Weiss is the perpetrator of this software and it is used largely in the Pro industry and comes at a Pro price which for your average Hi-Fi person is probably out of the question.

The thing that concerns me now is, it must be likely that ripping software must have issues between different makes.

Obviously getting the music files off the disc is very critical in the first place, before we even play the files!!!!!!

I have only tried EAC then DB poweramp both seemed similar at the time.

[PeterSt]

Hi Robert,

Probably it is my Monday morning, but do I interpret it correctly that the difference is in the conversions and not in the ripping itself ? So :

but the difference between the dbpoweramp direct 24/192

Assuming that you didn't rip a 24/192 album here, there's still that conversion going on. The only thing is that it happens on the fly during ripping.

Or ?

And when I'm right, it is all about the conversions hence "upsampling".

Regards,
Peter