What is "DSD/DSD512" that some DACs have?

[ProRules]

Hey guys.
I'd love to know, what is that feature that some DACs have, called "DSD"?
Is it any good? is it worth it? by worth it i mean, well as far as i am concerned, in order to use DSD you need to use the USB input only. but then again, i have optical SPDIF on my motherboard which should be somewhat distortion protected for a clean sound.
Thanks ahead.

 

[T Bone]

DSD is an encoding format. Instead of using 16-bits of information transmitted at 44.1khz, DSD is 1-bit of information but streaming at a much higher frequency.

Do you "need" it? probably not. There is far more music in PCM (pulse code modulated) format. My DAC (holo spring) supports DSD and I have a good number of DSD encoded titles. Most people do not. I'd put DSD in the "nice to have" category for 9 out of 10 audio nuts.

 

[ProRules]

DSD is an encoding format. Instead of using 16-bits of information transmitted at 44.1khz, DSD is 1-bit of information but streaming at a much higher frequency.

Do you "need" it? probably not. There is far more music in PCM (pulse code modulated) format. My DAC (holo spring) supports DSD and I have a good number of DSD encoded titles. Most people do not. I'd put DSD in the "nice to have" category for 9 out of 10 audio nuts.

Thanks for your reply!
So what would you recommend me as my first ever DAC, a DSD supporting DAC or a 24-32 Bit optical SPDIF one?

 

[T Bone]

I would love to give you a recommendation, but I really don't know enough about your needs / budget to propose a solution.

Do you need a "standalone" DAC to drive an outboard amplifier, or do you want an "all in one" DAC/Amp combo?

Many manufacturers seem to be dropping the optical inputs from their gear whereas USB is becoming ubiquitous. Depending on the device USB is a good input. Optical is certainly a good choice as well should the DAC you choose come equipped with that input.

When I bought my last Holo Spring DAC I actually performed a listening test to see if I could discern the differences between USB, AES/EBU and I2S inputs. I found the one that performed the best to my ears. ....all of which is a long winded way of saying don't buy a DAC just because is has an optical connection. There's so much more that goes into the performance of DAC that just the type of input.

 

[ProRules]

I would love to give you a recommendation, but I really don't know enough about your needs / budget to propose a solution.

Do you need a "standalone" DAC to drive an outboard amplifier, or do you want an "all in one" DAC/Amp combo?

Many manufacturers seem to be dropping the optical inputs from their gear whereas USB is becoming ubiquitous. Depending on the device USB is a good input. Optical is certainly a good choice as well should the DAC you choose come equipped with that input.

When I bought my last Holo Spring DAC I actually performed a listening test to see if I could discern the differences between USB, AES/EBU and I2S inputs. I found the one that performed the best to my ears. ....all of which is a long winded way of saying don't buy a DAC just because is has an optical connection. There's so much more that goes into the performance of DAC that just the type of input.

My budget would be about 100$+- base price before shipping.
Less is better but depends on the item.
Well its just that some say that Optical is better than USB due to the fact the most USB outputs on motherboards, have distortion.
Is the quality of the DDS more enjoyable tho? do you even find yourself using it? (also for what types of music is it good? because i listen to pretty much everything - rock, metal, edm, drum n bass, hardstyle, Classics, Blues, Jazz and so on)

 

[T Bone]

With a small budget I would go with the Schiit Modi for $100 - Schitt has well deserved reputation for the "best bang for the buck"

With a $100 budget I doubt you're going to find anything with an optical input. It's going to be USB.

 

[onevstheworld]

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sch...obable-start-up.701900/page-189#post_10906645

If you're interested, here's Schiit's experience with DSD. It's not a common format and it's peak interest has been and gone.

At your price point, your options are limited... most don't have optical, are 1-bit delta sigma designs, are USB powered, etc.

Instead of trying to find one with as many features or acronyms as possible, I'd be looking for something that's basic but good value. Modi is a good suggestion in that respect.

 

[ProRules]

With a small budget I would go with the Schiit Modi for $100 - Schitt has well deserved reputation for the "best bang for the buck"

With a $100 budget I doubt you're going to find anything with an optical input. It's going to be USB.

How about SMSL Sanskrit?
https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-Sanskrit-Optical-Coaxial-Decoder/dp/B00SY9RBOM

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sch...obable-start-up.701900/page-189#post_10906645

If you're interested, here's Schiit's experience with DSD. It's not a common format and it's peak interest has been and gone.

At your price point, your options are limited... most don't have optical, are 1-bit delta sigma designs, are USB powered, etc.

Instead of trying to find one with as many features or acronyms as possible, I'd be looking for something that's basic but good value. Modi is a good suggestion in that respect.

Yeah well i do not mind buying a second hand DAC.
For 100$ base price without shipping costs. if there is even anything good.

 

[onevstheworld]

What is the rest of your gear? The items described so far are pure DACs... you'll still need a headphone amp to connect it to your headphones.

 

[ProRules]

What is the rest of your gear? The items described so far are pure DACs... you'll still need a headphone amp to connect it to your headphones.

Magni 3
DT990 600ohm premium
HD6XX

 

[TYATYA]

100$ go for iBasso.
Ibasso have models with good p/p at low price range.
Dzero mk2
D14
Those support dsd if you care for.

 

[axle_69]

Maybe 99% of the DACs today are delta-sigma (DS) and most music is in PCM. A DS DAC accepting DSD is interesting because the later stage before the reconstruction filter is similar to DSD. If you are using a player like Audirvana converting to DSD in the computer will take some burden off the DS DAC and should sound better than the PCM stream that will be converted in the DAC. If the DAC has very good timing like the Mojo, there is no advantage in sending DSD from the computer (unless you are playing a native DSD file and not converting from PCM). And if it is a R-2R DACs like the Modi multibit, operates in a different way and in that case PCM is the better option (and sometimes the only option).
Toslink is prone to jitter but gets better when the cable is made of glass instead of plastic, on the plus side keeps the computer isolated from the DAC. Asynchronous USB should be better, data is re-clocked in the DAC, but usually isn't electrically isolated from the DAC and the electrical noise coming from the computer on top of the digital signal degrades the DAC performance a bit.
From the software, to the type of connection, to the DAC, everything makes some difference, and it starts to get expensive relatively soon.
The Mumby would be a good option and sits nicely on top of the Magni, but you would have to save a bit more. Between Toslink and USB will depend on your source, the only solution is to try and hear which sounds better.

 

[ProRules]

Maybe 99% of the DACs today are delta-sigma (DS) and most music is in PCM. A DS DAC accepting DSD is interesting because the later stage before the reconstruction filter is similar to DSD. If you are using a player like Audirvana converting to DSD in the computer will take some burden off the DS DAC and should sound better than the PCM stream that will be converted in the DAC. If the DAC has very good timing like the Mojo, there is no advantage in sending DSD from the computer (unless you are playing a native DSD file and not converting from PCM). And if it is a R-2R DACs like the Modi 2 multibit, operates in a different way and in that case PCM is the better option (and sometimes the only option).
Toslink is prone to jitter but gets better when the cable is made of glass instead of plastic, on the plus side keeps the computer isolated from the DAC. Asynchronous USB should be better, data is re-clocked in the DAC, but usually isn't electrically isolated from the DAC and the electrical noise coming from the computer on top of the digital signal degrades the DAC performance a bit.
From the software, to the type of connection, to the DAC, everything makes some difference, and it starts to get expensive relatively soon.
The Mumby would be a good option and sits nicely on top of the Magni, but you would have to save a bit more. Between Toslink and USB will depend on your source, the only solution is to try and hear which sounds better.

Uhm, what is "Mumby" ?
I honestly prefer to buy either something from Amazon or Aliexpress like the S.M.S.L products which are usually considered very good.
You see... If i order from Schiit, i will end up paying 99$ base price of Modi 2 + 87$ shipping which is kind of a lot.
On the other hand SMSL have free shipping and are tax free.
I bet i could buy a second hand Modi 2 tho if its realy better than anything else.

 

[ProRules]

Actually,
Modi 2 vs Topping D30 DSD vs SMSL Sanskrit?

 

[axle_69]

Mimby, sorry. Modi multibit. Just a confusing nickname like the other Schiit multibits, Yggy, Gumby, Bimby? But it is $249 not $99 like the DS version.
I'm not sure a $99 DAC will be better than the DAC in the sound card of your computer or in a media player. Also think if you want something just for the desk at home or if you need something to take with you as well. Also some options may be better alternatives (more bang for the buck) where you live than others (taxes, distribution, etc), and if buying new think about the cost if you need to ship to execute the warranty. Maybe taking some time to see what is available locally, new and used, and read the forums for comparative reviews is the best option for now.
Playing from the smartphone to the Magni 3 may not be that bad. I carry a Chord Mojo to the office because the DAC in my computer isn't very good but my daughter has a 2017 MacBook Pro and I don't see much reason to use an external DAC with her computer, makes much more difference playing from iTunes or Audirvana in that case.