Playing SACD on UBP-X700

[PENG]

DSD playback from disc is not mentioned in the spec sheet. So that receiver does not play an SACD in DSD. In 2 channel I suspect it just plays the CD layer. For multichannel there must be a conversion to PCM. I suspect this is done in the player. If he is getting 44.1 in won't matter whether he listens to the DSD layer or the CD layer for 2 channel as long as the mix is the same. DSD should have never seen the light of day. 2 and multi channel should have always been PCM based.

Agreed.. I used to think dsd 256/512 sounded great, but it really was the recording/mastering that made the difference.

 

[lovinthehd]

I am not sure. The DACs in the newer receivers certainly can decode DSD, in fact they do, if played back on the USB device, PC or Network server. It probably is related to how HDMI communicate with the DSPs.

Even you AVR-4520, and my AV8801 have the same limitations. My cheap AVR-X4400H can do it though.

My 4520 can handle multich SACD via DSD....listening to a multich disc with dsd direct right now.

 

[PENG]

My 4520 can handle multich SACD via DSD....listening to a multich disc with dsd direct right now.

Are you sure? The manual clearly stated that it will convert to PCM. Yes it can play sacd but not in dsd direct mode. If you are right then I need to see it on my AV8801, but I think you are actually enjoying PCM, not that it will make any difference in sound quality.

See page 43 (funny it is page 44 on the pseudo twin AV8801)

You should go to setting/general/information/audio to see if it displays dsd or pcm.

 

[lovinthehd]

Are you sure? The manual clearly stated that it will convert to PCM. Yes it can play sacd but not in dsd direct mode. If you are right then I need to see it on my AV8801, but I think you are actually enjoying PCM, not that it will make any difference in sound quality.

See page 43 (funny it is page 44 on the pseudo twin AV8801)

View attachment 28061

You should go to setting/general/information/audio to see if it displays dsd or pcm.

Many other references to DSD Direct in both 2 and multich modes, tho. Is the conversion to pcm just referring to using various dsp in the avr rather than direct? When I check audio info it indicates input signal is dsd (it has no real confirmation of output for audio info, tho in direct mode it does confirm sound mode to be dsd direct). Also in turning off any auto output mode in my Oppo seems dsd is all the avr is seeing, no conversion in the player. I think my Denon 3808 also can do dsd direct but it's too cold out there right now My Onkyo can also handle dsd both 2ch and multich (and does confirm output as dsd 5.1).

 

[fast fred]

Having issues playing 4k content on this device through Marantz SR6013 - I am using the Monoprice certified Dolby Vision cable but when I play a disc I get only Dolby True HD?? See image here! Is this normal? Am I missing any settings somwehere?

How do I get real UHD Dolby Vision/Atmos?

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Press the info button on the Marantz and see what it says then. Also, did you select the Atmos track? Info on the Marantz will probably say Dolby true Hd+Atmos.
I use a 6012 and ubp700 as well.

 

[fast fred]

So I shouldn't trust what the Sony says in terms of Audio?

Isn't the AVR suppose to automatically choose highest audio and video format?

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

So I shouldn't trust what the Sony says in terms of Audio?

Isn't the AVR suppose to automatically choose highest audio and video format?

Nope. If for example the disk defaults to the lesser soundtrack which is not uncommon, the AVR has no way to select the other one. I always choose the Atmos track, and then very with the info button on the Marantz.

 

[fast fred]

I don't see how I can choose the Atmos Track??

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I don't see how I can choose the Atmos Track??

At the main menu, it will be “setup” or “languages” usually.

 

[fast fred]

Am I better off just using the digital copy and Apple TV 4K to be sure I’m getting all 4k and Dolby??

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Am I better off just using the digital copy and Apple TV 4K to be sure I’m getting all 4k and Dolby??

No. I’ve seen good reports of Atv and 4K w/Atmos but the disk is always better.

Did you get it sorted yet?

 

[fast fred]

AVR says:

Sound multi ch in

Signal PCM

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I’m sure you’re getting it right.
This is what my displays look like.
Sony:

Marantz “info button”

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

AVR says:

Sound multi ch in

Signal PCM

Oh!!! You have to set the Sony to bitstream. Mine was already set.

Atmos has to be decoded in the BD player(bitstream) not in the AVR(pcm)

 

[fast fred]

Where under audio?? Can’t find bitstream

Also I set the output video resolution to 4K

Is that good?

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Where under audio?? Can’t find bitstream

Also I set the output video resolution to 4K

Is that good?

4K is good yes.
It’s in the setup menu. Iirc push the home button. Then it’s the little gear in the top right.

 

[fast fred]

Under audio settings> digital audio output it only shows auto and PCM!!

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Use auto

 

[fast fred]

Use auto

Yes that's what I set but still doesn't show Dolby