dCS solution for playback of DSD Audio over USB

[psjl]

Was browsing and learnt that dCS is coming out with their own solution for pure DSD playback via USB and is promoting this as an open standard (Thread Title: "dCS Announces Pure DSD Playback via USB" on 23 Sep 2011).

According to the thread's author (Chris Connaker, Founder, Computer Audiophile):

• Pure DSD playback (no PCM conversion) using Pure Music
• Debussy DAC first to get the upgrade
• Upgrade is software based and can be done easily
• On Mac OSX NO DRIVERS are required for DSD
• dCS is promoting this as an open standard way to do DSD over USB.
• All software venders and DAC manufacturers are encouraged to implement USB over DSD in this fashion. Doing so does not simply benefit dCS.

Attached is a pdf file from dCS providing a brief insight of their solution. The brief also mentions that in addition to Pure Music (Channel D), that dCS has also been working together with Amarra (Sonic Studios) on this as well.

[Dj_AmTraX]

dCS DACs are priced out of my reach.

[psjl]

Originally Posted by Dj_AmTraX

dCS DACs are priced out of my reach.

Agreed, dCS DACs are definitely not light on one's wallet!

The attached dCS brief states "The purpose of this paper is to present the dCS solution to achieving high quality playback of DSD audio over USB. It is our goal to develop an open standard that any audio playback software developer or DAC manufacturer can implement and this paper highlights the technical challenges the solution overcomes and how the solution should be implemented."

Thus, if indeed dCS is promoting their solution as an open standard, then hopefully other more reasonably priced DAC manufacturers may adopt dCS's solution and consider adding this capability to their DACs as well.

Fingers crossed!

[US Blues]

Thank you for posting this information here, very interesting view of the technical side and possible solutions to make music more accessible.

[psjl]

Originally Posted by US Blues

Thank you for posting this information here, very interesting view of the technical side and possible solutions to make music more accessible.

dCS's approach is certainly an interesting one, and the fact that they are promoting their solution as an open standard one should definitely be applauded. I sure do hope that dCS's solution will prove to be a good one that will gain wide acceptance with other DAC manufacturers, which ultimately will benefit individuals like myself who may not want to spend so much on a DAC product (or have deep enough pockets) that has DSD Audio playback capability from the likes of Playback Designs and dCS (even though I think they are fantastic products).

[kfr01]

Hopefully someone like Wyred4Sound picks up the idea and tries it.

[asindc]

Originally Posted by kfr01

Hopefully someone like Wyred4Sound picks up the idea and tries it.

So do I. I have their DAC-1 and love it.

[AndyPandy]

Originally Posted by kfr01

Hopefully someone like Wyred4Sound picks up the idea and tries it.

Hi Karl
I think Mytek beat dCS to it - and have their new 192 dac priced at $1435. Mytek make very good kit.

I've got an acquaintance who has managed to work out how to rip the DSD layer off SACD's so must investigate further.

For those interested it involves hacked PS3 software. Big thread over at Audio Circle on it. I'm keen to have an archive copy of my SACD's in both DSD and 24/176 PCM

Mytek Digital Stereo192-DSD DAC Black Mastering Version | VintageKing.com