48k DSD playback capability was lost during the MQA firmware update. Many users requested a firmware update fix but ignored by iFi for many years. I’m still waiting for an update from @Sebastien Chiu from iFi.

Hi @Sebastien Chiu, any updates on above? Can we expect a firmware updates anytime soon? Thanks.

I don’t use wasapi, only ASIO or Linux.

@Sebastien Chiu thank you for following up on this! The issue: Updated to firmware 2.08, the 48k DSD playback problem still persist. 44.1k DSD (and its multiple) plays perfectly fine, but 48k DSD (and its multiple) plays, I can hear the music, but it also comes with a very audible white noise...

Hi BlueSky, by using HQPlayer, one can convert 48k PCM track to 48k DSD.

@Sebastien Chiu I hope iFi will finally fix the 48k DSD playback issue after so many years. 48k DSD playback was fine until the last firmware update, many users raise the problem but no new firmware update for a very long time! No sure this is the right approach for a flagship product.

I recall from previous discussion High Gain is the way to go. I took it one step further by using High Gain, Maximum volume (in DAC mode) and control the volume with HQPlayer, This essentially disable the DAC's volume control and the HQPlayer's volume is believed to be much higher quality.

1) On DSD to DSD x N direct, I appreciate iFi's explanation and iFi also suggest, they will not comment on how other's implement their DSD conversion. If you have further insight on how HQPlayer or ESS9018,9028 DAC chips did their DSD conversion, I would be all ears, otherwise, let's stop here...

To clarify, I love my 4.4mm iDSD Pro, I think it could get even better by future firmware updates, so don't take what I said as a complain but rather healthy suggestions to further refine their top of the line product. To stay on a technical discussion, from DSD to DSD x N, some...

Much appreciate your comment @Whitigir ! My Brise Audio cable use Pentaconn 4.4mm plug, AMP8EX FE use Pentaconn 4.4mm socket, and they work out fine. Now I do notice the 4.4 socket in iFi iDSD Pro striped off the plating materials of my plug and needs a spacer to work properly! I wonder what...

I'm using a custom made 4.4mm cable from Brise Audio JP for my Utopia, I don't have connection issue with my AMP8EX, but I DO need spacer when it plug into my iFi iDSD Pro. Dear @Whitigir , I heard you found a permanent solution to fix the 4.4mm spacer connection issue?

From you signature, you pair HD800s with DX220-EX now, is it because HD800s is more reference? Anything you don't like about Utopia?

I'm enjoying my newly arrived Amp8EX with Focal Utopia (High gain, Android volume around 105), and I recall @Whitigir used to own a pair too!

1. HQPlayer could do direct DSD to DSD up conversion. 2. For iDSD Pro, at the minimum, would appreciate a no filter option, ie. bit-perfect, DSD to DSD up conversion with intermediate format. Lastly, dear @iFi audio , could you please confirm, 48k DSD playback will be fixed in the next firmware...

I'm of the same view and would like to see a direct DSD to DSD upsampling being implemented in future firmware update.