DSD Playback

[deepakgang]

I was searching through for some Audiophile music players and saw something about DSD output and DSD capable DAC's. Please can anyone throw some light on this?

 

[kumarab]

DSD is the raw digital stream found in SACDs...think of it as a supersampled version of linear PCM found in redbook CDs (64x to be exact). Most SACD capable players will play DSD/.diff files. There are a few, like the PS3 Slim, which will play DSD discs, but after downsampling/converting it to 176.4Khz PCM.

Regarding standalone DACs/AVRs etc that accept DSD streams..you'll just have to go through the product literature to find out. Most entry/mid level electronics won't have this feature though.

 

[grubyhalo]

A lot of DAC chips can play a DSD stream. The ESS Sabre 9018, the Wolfson 8741, TI's 1796 etc., are some that I can think of. However, I don't think there are any consumer DACs that have the provision to accept DSD. This is generally moot because I'm not sure there are any consumer audio devices that put out DSD. However, if you want to go DIY, there are options to tap the DSD signals from certain players like the Denon DV series. You can configure the TPA Opus and the Buffalo DAC modules to accept a DSD stream from a modded player like the Denon. You can find more info. on this at the TPA forum...

 

[grubyhalo]

I was searching through for some Audiophile music players and saw something about DSD output and DSD capable DAC's. Please can anyone throw some light on this?

If you were referring to the article below, it is about a commercial DAC.

Mytek Stereo 192 | Computer Audiophile

Also, I'm not sure if there are any tracks in DSD format up for sale yet...

 

[deepakgang]

I stumbled upon this while researching for a good music player for iMac. While looking at the specs of Audirvana, it apparently plays DSD format so was curious to know how good it is compared to say 192Hz 24 bit.

Managing DSD library for Audirvana Plus | Computer Audiophile


And yes it looks like some DSD music downloads are in the pipeline - http://www.2l.no/hires/index.html , http://bluecoastworld.com/

 

[grubyhalo]

...
And yes it looks like some DSD music downloads are in the pipeline - High Resolution Music DOWNLOAD services .:. FLAC in free TEST BENCH , DSD & PCM Downloads | Blue Coast World

Good to know! Looks like TPA's USB interface, capable of 32-bit, 352.8 kHz would be just in time when it's released...