DSD Master: Download some Free Samples

Thanks to some of our friends and partners, we are able to offer for your inspection a selection of free downloads which showcase DSD Master, and compare its output with equivalent files produced by two well-respected products which produce DSD-to-PCM conversions, Korg Audiogate and Weiss Saracon, which are used widely to prepare High Definition PCM conversions from DSD originals for commercial release. Apart from the DSF originals, all files are in AIFF format. Just click on the links below.

All of the PCM versions were created using DSD Master, from the DSD original provided, with the exceptions of the comparison versions labelled "Saracon" and "Audiogate".

Both Channel Classics and Blue Coast Records are renown for their no-compromise approach to sound quality, and their deep commitment to DSD technology.

Mahler Symphony No 1

Here is an excerpt from the superb Channel Classics recording of Mahler's Symphony No 1, performed by the Budapest Festival Orchestra under the baton of Ivan Fischer. The excerpt is from the concluding moments of the 4th movement. This is not taken from the commercial release. It is the actual "Session Take" file, with no post processing or editing of any kind. It's an analog-mixed DSD64-archived professional recording of a major orchestra, the likes of which are never made available to the public. Also, given that it was archived with the Grimm A/D Converter, it is the closest to the raw mic feed that any of us will ever be able to experience. It is truly a reference recording. (With thanks to Jared Sacks, Channel Classics)

Looking For A Home

Blue Coast Records’ first release, the "Blue Coast Collection", features exceptional acoustic recordings performed live in the studio without the use of headphones, overdubs or digital effects. Label founder, and five time Grammy-Nominated producer/engineer, Cookie Marenco, assembled a cast of world-class performers, engineers and technicians familiar with her passion for audio excellence and appreciation of skilled musicianship. A soulful ballad, "Looking For A Home" features Keith Greeninger and Dayan Kai with what is surely going to be an audiophile reference recording for many years to come. (With thanks to Cookie Marenco, Blue Coast Records)

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Blue Coast Records and Grammy-Nominated jazz pianist, Art Lande teamed up to release an extraordinary collection of classic songs and original pieces titled "While She Sleeps". The quiet, subtle nature of the recording is a masterful example of key control and pedaling of which every pianist will want to take note. Performed on an 1885 Steinway, without the use of studio enhancements like equalization, compression, reverb or other digital effects the recordings were immediately sought after by audiophile manufacturers to demonstrate their gear. The sound is clear and immediate yet could put a baby to sleep. While She Sleeps was recorded to analog 2" multitrack tape and mixed to both analog 1/2" tape and Direct Stream Digital (DSD). The featured track, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" is a sultry jazz classic. (With thanks to Cookie Marenco, Blue Coast Records)