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What DACs support DSD input NOT via USB?

I want to buy a dac that can do WAV, FLAC and DSD. But the dac will attach to my stereo rig, not my computer. Input will be thru my Oppo BDP-103. It may be information overload but it occurs to me that every DSD capable DAC I've looked at that supports DSD does so thru a USB input and the Oppo does not have a USB out. So I guess I'm looking for a DAC that can take a DSD signal via a coax or optical connection. I also will need a headphone jack. Any suggestions?
jocar37

Showing 1 response by doggiehowser

doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I don't think DSD over PCM is supported on most DSD DACs via the SPDIF inputs. If they are, they are limited to 24/192 which means you can only pack DSD1x max even if the DAC supports DSD2x or higher.

I know for a fact the PS Audio DirectStream does accept DSD over PCM via AES, SPDIF, optical as well as USB.

However, getting DSD over PCM via SPDIF is much harder that you think.

The optical and coax out from your Oppo does not support DOP protocols.

In fact, play SACDs and those digital outputs are disabled. Also, copy protected BluRay PureAudio/movie soundtracks are down sampled to 48kHz when sent via SPDIF.

The only way to get DSD out from the Oppo is via HDMI. You need to set the Oppo to send out DSD natively. This is meant to be used normally with an AV receiver with DSD compatibility - but obviously these aren't usually built with the same care and attention on the analog/DAC modules.

So this means you may want to consider:
a. a Bryston BDA-3
It is a Bryston 2 channel DAC but it has HDMI inputs that can take DSD, along with a more conventional DSD capable USB input

b. modify your Oppo 103 with a Vanity Praise digital output board.
This works by intercepting the HDMI audio output - and converts it to SPDIF and DOP.
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