DSD

Overview

DSD is the format used for Super Audio CD's. Please see the article on DSD at Wikpedia more information.

Playback

By default, DSD will be converted to PCM for playback.

The DSD to PCM conversion process converts from 1-bit DSD to 64-bit PCM at 1/8th of the sample rate. The total amount of data from this conversion grows by 8x, so the process is effectively lossless / perfect.

Once you have PCM, it will be 64bit @ 352.8 kHz for DSD, and 64bit @ 705.6 kHz for DSD 2x.

It is rare for hardware to support these high sample rates, so downsampling is required. The option 'Greater than 192kHz' in DSP Studio > Output Format is what is used. There is no way to configure DSD 1x and DSD 2x independently.

A low pass filter at 30 kHz with a 24 dB/octave slope is used to remove the (basically) pink noise present in the upper frequency with DSD.

Bitstreaming

It is also possible to bitstream DSD to certain DACs using ASIO 2.2, in which case the DSD to PCM conversion is not performed.

Your DAC must support it. Only a few do.

DAC's that support DSD include: Playback Designs

JRiver was part of forming an alternate DSD bitstreaming standard that does not require ASIO. JRiver will add support for this format once testing hardware is available.

To enable DSD bitstreaming, use Options > Video > Bitstreaming > Custom... and check DSD. The option is under 'Video' because bitstreaming is traditionally a video option.

DSD Sources

Blue Coast Records

http://www.ps3sacd.com/dsd_downloads.html

Ripping Super Audio CD's

Article at computeraudiophile.com on ripping SACD's on an old PS3.