I suppose it's true that not having metadata wouldn't be the end of the world as long as JRiver can store it in its own database or sidecar files; though I prefer to keep it inside the file where possible - but not at the expense of 3GB space!
It seems like DFF with DST compression might be the way to go rather than DSF for multichannel. (filesize was identical for two channel - but maybe my discs just weren't using compression on the two channel tracks?)
I have another question though - am I better off storing both the multichannel and stereo tracks, or should I just go with JRSS downmixing?
At some point in the future, I might move to multichannel, and who knows if working PS3s will even still be around to re-rip my discs. (I had two die on me before giving up on them and building the HTPC, and the only ones that can rip SACD are the original model)
Though it's looking less likely that I would move to multichannel to be honest - I just think stereo sounds better most of the time and while I haven't heard proper multichannel music, the surrounds mostly seem used for gimmicky effects in films, with all the dialogue going through the center channel. If I stick with stereo, I have more than three times the budget to spend on each individual speaker. (or I could spend less and still have better sound)
I was also wondering if the lowpass filter was adjustable.
The Wiki states that MC18 is using a 30kHz filter with a 24dB/octave slope, but I thought the spec called for a 50kHz filter. (though I am unsure of its strength) I don't know if that was just based upon the limitations of 1999 hardware though.
Converting DSD to DXD (and then FLAC) shows that the noise seems to start around 60kHz, and there is still "audio" data above 40kHz.
Looking at a relatively recently released DSD-capable DAC, it has two filter options:
In VEGA's filter design, we use IIR low pass filter at digital domain to control the stop‐band noise.
The ‐3dB cut‐off frequency of MODE 5 and MODE 6 are 70K and 50K with a general slope at 18dB/oct. The frequency response of MODE 5 and MODE 6 are shown in Figure 6.
But I suppose that assumes anything above 20kHz is even worthwhile anyway. (I'm not convinced that it is)