Jared Sacks

The recording was originally digitized using the Grimm AD1, which operates at DSD64. The original session tracks were edited and rebalanced (which meant going through the mixer) in the only available format for that purpose; the Pyramix 352.8KHz/24bit PCM (DXD). Prior to the advent of direct digital delivery, the next step in the production process from 352.8KHz/24bit PCM would be the DSD64 edited master for SACD production. What we have done now is also make a direct conversion to DSD128 and DSD256 from that original DXD edited master, without going through any interim processing steps. Those DXD to DSD conversions are not up-samplings, as they would be going from one PCM sampling rate to another, for they are different encoding systems. PCM is a digital value sample based system, and DSD is a digital bit density modulated system. Conversion from any PCM sample rate to any DSD bit rate system is a remodulation, not an up-sampling. We feel there is an audio advantage to this process in using the original files so we give you the choice and you can decide. Jared Sacks

Just to be clear. The meta data problem is solved and all tracks now have meta information about the works.

we have solved the problem and now you will get track names to go along with the dff dsd files. thanks for your patience!

As you all know it is early days for DSD. DFF files do not let you carry meta data. I have spoken to Merging (their pyramix system creates the dff files that I send to the factory). we will working on a solution that will work for the moment but Merging is working on a standard that in principal could be used for all DAC players in the future that will be able to read out your meta data.

I downloaded the Symphony 9 Dvorak DSD. Files are .dff, not .dsf and no metadata. Why couldn't these files have been made available in .dsf format and included the metadata? Looking into this now. I will also speak with Merging today to see how we can work around this asap. Just did not notice this on the first download tests.

So why don't you put a couple of sample DSD surround tracks up on your site for us to try? We do have test files on our site including DSD. Go to our home page at www.channelclassics.com and click on the test downloads upper right hand side. You will be able to download a full movement in 4 different samples... 44.1, 96, 192, and DSD. Success! Jared

Yes we have a special deal on three cds for one week. If you sign up for our newsletter, you will know about these specials, or just get lucky that you find them!

Bis and LINN have to upsample when making SACDs.

I would rather be talking music than pricing but am happy to fill you all in on the reality of our market. My margin when selling SACDs to our distributors around the world is on average 4 and a half euros. If there are mechanical rights on the product it is 3 euros! (don't forget Hybrid cds have two cds glued together which makes the price double a normal cd) When selling a 20 euro 192/24 bit download, the margin is indeed higher, but except for pressing and storing the physical cd,the costs of server,taxes, royalties etc. is still expensive. the margin is around 10 euros. 8 and 1/2 with mechanicals. What I am getting at is with this extra margin, maybe we can finally make some recordings that till now were not possible because there was simply no margin and a saturated cd market with no stores! You want the highest quality... You are getting it.. But now I am getting request to record at 128fs. Another investment having just switched last year to the most expensive and the best converter from Grimm Audio. Actually I based my price on what the LP market is asking here in Europe. A very defined market. Just like the DSD download market at this moment. The SACD buyer is not the download buyer. (yet) And by the way,why are all download buyers I see on our site only MEN? I have also stated on our site that those who have bought hi res from us and want the same file in DSD can get in touch with us and we will set up the file so that one only pays the difference. greetings Jared

Dear wdw Here you have the audio DSD masters at 30 euros.Not a downsample or upsample. Good to listen to the rest of your life. Masters made from a good deal of sweat from the artists and myself having spent a great deal of money and time on the equipment and the producing. And then you have your audio equipment that will have to be replaced let us say in three to five years time. What is expensive? Jared Sacks

IN the coming months I will get the whole hi res catalogue to include the DSD files. I have been uploading the ones on there now but I live in the countryside with slow speeds( 8 hours!). The Channel servers are in Amsterdam and someone needs to go there with a hard drive. I am not allowed in because of the high security issues at this data center. greetings

Please don't forget, LINN and BIS do not record in DSD but upsample their files. So you will not be getting any better quality Concerning prices. Downloading is not a SACD. Another animal and another world completely. It is for those that want the same files as the producer which has never been made available before. I also do not want to compete with the SACD as it is and I hope will be around for a long time to come. We are ready to also sell the multichannel files but there is no real DAC yet available to play these files so we will have to be patient. Jared Sacks

We now have put SSL security in place when entering personal information. Thanks for pointing this out to us.

The price of the SACD is 17 euros. The 102/24 price is 20. But with shipping and handling, the SACD is in most cases more expensive. So nothing artificial there. Again, I do not want to compete with my distributors around the world. I appreciate your kind comments about the label and the work we do here. I really enjoy working with directly with some fine artists. The positive feedback from listeners like yourself make it worth the efforts. greetings

Dear Manelus, There is absolutely no thought of artificial pricing being made. The 20 euros now stated for a 192/24 bit recording is very reasonable for something that you can have years of enjoyment to listen to. (the cost of three beers these days!) I see you bought a good deal of expensive audio hardware for listening. Now you need software but apparently not willing to pay for quality recordings (that were recorded with very expensive equipment I must say that also needs to be paid for and kept up!) The costs of making these recordings, the post production time and expense. With the audio files you are getting the booklet in pdf format. So there is the text writer, the translations in three languages. Why do I need to keep defending our profession and pricing especially when I see the money you have put out for your audio system? Iphone apps are cheap because there could be millions of people who will buy it. As you know that is not the case with classical music, and certianly not the case with hi res audio lovers like yourself.