What is DSD?

PCM Chain

DSD Chain

Delta-Sigma Modulation

Spectrum DSD vs. PCM

DSD as Encoding Format

DSD As Encoding Format

DSD As Encoding Format

Output of 1FS PCM Encoder

Output of 2FS PCM Encoder

Output of  DSD Encoder

DSD Recordings

• Many recordings exist that were converted from original PCM recordings.

• Audiophile labels have large libraries of DSD recordings as used for SACD.

• DSD recordings increasingly available via download.

The Download Bottleneck

• File sizes for a 3 minute song and download times (assuming 5Mb/sec internet connection):

DSD Playback Equipment

•Many DACs exist that use standard off the shelf chips that either do not accept DSD or convert DSD inputs to PCM before converting to analog.

•Playback Designs and few other manufacturers offer DACs that truly convert DSD to analog without any detours.

•Variety of playback software exists for Mac and PC that support DSD and PCM file formats.

 

DSD-over-PCM (DoP) open Standard

•Allows sending of DSD data over standard PCM interfaces (i.e. AES/EBU, SPDIF, USB etc.)

•No conversion to PCM!

•Supported by most DAC and playback software manufacturers

 

Link to external DAC

Thanks to DoP (DSD over PCM) any standard existing PCM interface can be used for DSD as well:

•AES/EBU

–Plus: cable length, synchronous

–Minus: limited sample rate, requires 2nd link for master clock

•S/PDIF

–Plus: synchronous

–Minus: shorter cable length, limited sample rate, requires 2nd link for master clock

•HDMI

–Plus: synchronous, DSD

–Minus: limited sample rate, limited cable length, expensive, no clock master setup

•USB

–Plus: standard on all computers, some support by standard operating systems, open ended (can support DSD or any future format), not limited by sample rate, no additional link for master clock necessary

–Minus: limited cable length, non-synchronous

•Firewire – very similar to USB, but less and less popular with computer manufacturers