Audiophile Masters Volume I vs Volume IV: Which to Play First
By High-End Audio Products & Audio Equipment | PS Audio | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: Comparisons
Volume I and Volume IV both showcase DSD sound, but they differ in mastering approach and format flexibility. Here is how to choose which one to play first.
Quick answer
Play Volume IV first if you want a pure DSD reference disc that works on any equipment. Choose Volume I first if you want multitrack Sonoma DSD recordings mastered by Gus Skinas and a broader stretch of your system's sonic limits.
Mastering approach changes what you hear first
Volume I was mastered by Gus Skinas, and that credit is the clearest supplied difference between the two. Mastering decisions shape tonal balance, dynamics, and how consistently tracks sit together, so Volume I is the more deliberate choice when you want to evaluate a system against a known mastering hand.
Volume IV is described as a reference disc captured in pure DSD. That makes it a straightforward first listen when your goal is to hear the DSD capture itself rather than compare mastering choices.
Recording method and playback flexibility trade off
Volume I was recorded exclusively on the multitrack Sonoma DSD system. That detail matters if you want to hear a multitrack DSD workflow, but the supplied facts do not specify every playback format or equipment requirement.
Volume IV is explicitly playable on any equipment, which lowers the barrier for a first listen. The trade-off is that Volume IV's supplied description does not name a recording system, so you get flexibility rather than a documented recording chain.
Format options and price context
Both titles offer a choose-your-format option, so the decision is not locked to one physical or digital format. Catalog prices differ: Volume I is listed at USD 20.30 against a USD 29.00 comparison price, while Volume IV is USD 26.13 against USD 39.00. Treat those as catalog context, not a quality ranking.
If you are building a small reference set, starting with the lower-priced Volume I lets you test the series before adding Volume IV.
Trade-offs to weigh before you press play
- Documented mastering vs pure DSD capture: Volume I gives you a named mastering engineer and a specific multitrack DSD recording system. Volume IV gives you a pure DSD reference disc without a named recording chain in the supplied facts. Pick the one whose documented detail matches what you want to evaluate.
- Playback flexibility vs recording specificity: Volume IV is stated to play on any equipment, while Volume I's supplied facts focus on how it was recorded rather than universal playback. If your system is unusual or you are unsure about compatibility, Volume IV is the safer first spin.
- Price and series entry point: Volume I is listed lower than Volume IV in the catalog, so it is the cheaper way to sample the series before committing to the fourth volume. Check current format options before assuming the price comparison holds for every version.
Product facts
- Audiophile Masters Volume I: Recorded exclusively on the multitrack Sonoma DSD system and mastered by Gus Skinas. Gives you a documented recording and mastering chain to evaluate against your system.
Audiophile Masters Volume I - Audiophile Masters Volume IV: Captured in pure DSD and described as playable on any equipment. Makes it the easier first play when you want DSD sound without format worries.
Audiophile Masters Volume IV
Which volume fits your listening goal
Best for
- Listeners who want a documented multitrack DSD recording and named mastering
- Buyers sampling the Audiophile Masters series at a lower catalog price
Not for
- Listeners who need a disc confirmed to play on any equipment
- Buyers who specifically want the fourth volume's pure DSD reference presentation
