Quote:
Originally Posted by ps7256
I am curious about true Playback of what is actually on an SACD. Paul McGowan indicates that we really do not hear the musical layers of what is actually on an SACD unless there is a unique proprietary connection that does not contravene Sony Philips Digital Interface protocol, thus with PS Audio’s Direct Stream DAC there is the connection they use called ( I squared S Input) and for McIntosh it is the DIN connection. I understand from Paul’s comments that regular SPDIF, (Toslink) and AC3 (Coaxial) interconnects do not send the layers of information on an SACD that are supposed to be rendered on a typical SACD player to a Preamplifier...Or...? What am I missing or not understanding.
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The high resolution data on an SACD is in DSD format which is not output through conventional SPDIF digital outputs (which include RCA or BNC, Toslink optical, and AES/EBU.) Hybrid SACDs also have an additional data layer of CD resolution PCM data which can be read by most CD players and that digital PCM data can be output via SPDIF. The PS Audio DirectStream Memory Player is able to be connected to their DirectStream DAC via an HDMI cable which transmits the high resolution DSD data via an I2S connection made between the matching transport and DAC. Conventional SACD players are only allowed to decode the DSD data and output it via their analog outputs, not by conventional digital SPDIF connections. There are some other companies offering similar digital connectivity which provide a method of decoding the DSD data from an SACD with their own DACs, such as the McIntosh you mentioned, Bryston's BDA-3 DAC via HDMI connection from an SACD player, and some other matching transport/DAC combos.