I have a HEGEL H20 Class A/B dual mono Poweramp connected to Magneplanar 1.7i speakers. As a pre-amp I use the RME ADI-2 Pro FS R BE.
I noticed that the Sound was very cold and analytical using the default SD Sharp filter.
So, I decided to change the default setting in the AD Filter settings from default SD Sharp to Slow. The improvement in Sound Quality was stunning, I was flabbergasted how much the SQ improved so much: wamer, very pleasing to listen to, no listening fatigue anymore, gone with the cold and analytical sound.
I wanted to know more about WHAT and WHY the SQ improved, so I entered in ChatGPT 4o the following prompt:
"My RME DAC's DA Filter is set to SD Sharp. What would be the effect to change the Filter to Slow?"
This was the generated response to my prompt:
ChatGPT
Changing the filter setting on your RME DAC from "SD Sharp" to "Slow" affects the way the digital-to-analog conversion process handles high-frequency components of the audio signal, primarily influencing the trade-off between transient response and high-frequency noise rejection.
Here’s a breakdown of the effects:
1. Transient Response:
SD Sharp (Sharp): This filter has a steep roll-off, which means it more aggressively attenuates frequencies above the Nyquist limit (half the sampling rate). This results in better preservation of transient details in the audio, leading to a crisper and more defined sound.
Slow: This filter has a gentler roll-off, leading to a slower attenuation of high frequencies. As a result, transients may not be as sharply defined, potentially making the audio sound smoother or more relaxed.
2. High-Frequency Content:
SD Sharp: The sharp filter cuts off high-frequency components more abruptly, which minimizes the aliasing and high-frequency noise but can introduce pre-ringing artifacts.
Slow: The slow filter allows more high-frequency content through, which can result in a more natural sound. However, it might also let through some high-frequency noise that the sharp filter would have attenuated.
3. Overall Sound Character:
SD Sharp: Often perceived as having a more analytical and detailed sound due to the emphasis on precise transients and high-frequency attenuation.
Slow: Often perceived as more musical and natural, with a potentially smoother and warmer sound due to the less aggressive handling of high frequencies and transients.
4. Listening Preferences:
If you prefer a highly detailed and crisp sound with a focus on clarity and transient response, the "SD Sharp" filter might be more to your liking.
If you prefer a smoother, more relaxed, and natural sound, the "Slow" filter might be more appealing.
In summary, changing your RME DAC’s filter from "SD Sharp" to "Slow" will likely result in a smoother and potentially warmer sound at the expense of some high-frequency detail and transient sharpness. It’s a subjective preference, and you might find one setting more enjoyable than the other depending on your listening habits and the type of music you enjoy. Experimenting with both settings and listening to a variety of music will help you determine which filter suits your personal taste best.
That is exactly what I experienced, a new listening experience, music reproduction on steroids.