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DACs and audio formats

I have been reading up on DACs and the formats that they play and have certain questions if someone would care to clarify, please.
1. I have mainly been using CDs and SACDs. Though there are many DACs that handle 24/92, does it mean that they "upsample" the CD data?
2. I see that some top-end DACs are sporting DSD capability. I know that you have to have DSD file to send to these DACs either via a computer USB or via a DVD disc on which the file would reside. But what about the SACDs that I have? Will I be able to play my SACDs using these DACs?
3. Assuming that there are DACs that can play SACD streams, what transports are available to do this?
4. Some DACs that do not do DSD do have USB. Can these DACs be later upgraded, via firmware, to play DSD files? Yes, I do understand that if their "base chip" cannot handle DSD, then these DACs will not be able to play DSD. But what about those non-DSD DACs that might have DSD capable chip? Or a player like Marantz SA-11S3 that cannot do DSD files currently but have USB and DSD capable chip.

Probably novice questions, but I have ignored computer audio long enough. I have been thinking of replacing my aging Marantz player with a new SACD player(like the Marantz SA-11S3). But a discussion with a colleague, who is coming back into audio after 15 years, got me thinking about the DAC route.
Thanks!
128x128milpai
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,424 posts
 
1. Some do. Some don't.
2. Not likely unless you find a transport with USB or ethernet output (aside from some proprietary solutions).
3. EMM, dCs, PCs and MACs.
4. Possibly. This would be on a case-by-case basis since the future cannot be guaranteed.

Good to think about both options but do not assume any given manufacturer will slip-stream an upgrade until you see it.
milpai's avatar
milpai OP
1,341 posts
 
Thank You Kal, for the information.
From whatever information I have gathered, it looks like I need a CDP with native SACD playback and can do DSD via USB. It is not that I have any DSD files with me, but just want to make sure that "I am covered" for a foreseeable future. The current CDP is getting a bit long in the tooth and I am starting to look for replacement. I just wish the new Marantz SA-11S3 did DSD via USB.
edorr
714 posts
 
To my knowledge, the player you're describing does not exist. There are no CD / SACD transports that output DSD over USB - not sure this would even be legal, because you cannot output DSD digitally without copyright protection protocal, which USB would not have.

So, with the exception of a universal player with native DSD output over HDMI, you cannot get DSD digital output from a transport. Such an HDMI player can be used with a Surround Sound processor, some of which can process native DSD.

The only other way to get you SACD to play in native DSD is to rip them with an old playstation 3 and play them from a computer. Not for the faint of heart.

If you want to continue to spin SACD disc AND have high resolution, your best bet is to get a Vanity93 digital output board for an Oppo 93.

This will convert DSD at 176/24 LPCM and output digitally over S/PDIF. You can then play this into a modern DAC. May be not 100% as good as native DSD streaming - but very close.

For those unwilling to go the SACD ripping route, easily the second best solution in my opinion.
milpai's avatar
milpai OP
1,341 posts
 
Edorr,
You are right. I "wish" such a player existed. And that was the question - can a SACD player be upgraded through a firmware to play DSD files via the USB (computer or any new transport) that it already has. These players already have the DSD chips...so I am thinking that it is possible to "make" them DSD dacs as well.
I see that there are certain downloads like Patricia Barber's companion that are available as DSD downloads. I do have this disc. But there are many other OOP SACDs that might be re-issued as DSD and I want to make sure that I have a DAC that can handle this. Of course, when I have the option to choose between a SACD disc and DSD download of the same, I will prefer the disc, unless the DSD is higher resolution.
I did not care about downloads till now, because I did not want anything to do with computers after work. I am in that field and wanted to avoid it. But looks like that needs to change (gradually).
edorr
714 posts
 
I thought you wanted the a CS/SACD tranport to output DSD over USB when playing a SACD. Aint gonna happen.

If instead you are interested in a DSD dac with USB input and CD/SACD transport, the Oppo 105 might be your ticket. This will give you a USB input, native DSD capabilities and ability to spin any disc you like.
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