My USB card (SOtM-tX) allows one to turn off the power going out over the USB connection for possibly cleaner sound. Most DACs need the power, at least to realize that they have a live connection if not to actually run the USB input, but a few don’t need it. What is the situation with the DS in this regard?
Actually often a hub or OS needs to see if there’s a power drop when a device is plugged in to tell what kind of device it is.
You won’t hurt the DS by trying it without power and if it works for you great, but it really depends on other parts of the system too.
I’ve used mine without power no issues.