Native DSD not supported with Audirvana V3.5 and PS Audio DirectStream DAC

Audio Components DACs
1

I recently upgraded to Audirvana V3.5 on a Mac mini (Carolina) USB-connected to a PS Audio DirectStream DAC running Windom. I can play PCM tracks with no problem. I can also play DSD tracks as well but the software is using DoP or it’s converting to PCM. The DAC indicates that it is locked to a PCM stream. Also, the software settings.indicate that DSD is not supported by the DAC but DoP is an option.

I had the exact same experience with the Snowmass release of the DAC, the one prior to Windom.

I haven’t had any insight on what’s happening over at the Audirvana forums. Has anybody had this problem. I’d like to run native DSD as I did before.

Thanks!

2

Raw DSD is only supported via I2S if I remember correctly. Since you’re using USB you’ll have to use DoP, which is technically the same thing.

3

Hi seegs108,

You’re right about I2S but native DSD also works over USB. I’ve attached an excerpt from the DS manual indicating as much.

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It worked with the previous version of Audirvana.

4

I bought my DS with Snowmass and I’ve never been able to send native DSD from Audirvana via USB. Not that it really matters, in a different thread Ted stated that the DS uses DoP internally, so in this case DoP is the “native” format.

I use Audirvana 3.2 because I don’t like how 3.5 sounds.

5

Thanks, IanB52.

Can you tell me if your DAC indicates its locked on PCM or DSD?

6

It says Input: DOP, Rate: DSD64

7

I reinstalled Audirvana and re-flashed the DAC tonight and got your results! Yay!

Still don’t know why I don’t have the option to go native DSD though.

Maybe I’ll try 3.2 again too based on your comments.

Cheers!

8

I know some people really like 3.5 but I felt like it took away a lot of the dynamics and made the stereo image very flat and forward, however it does sound smooth and pleasant in ways. It’s pretty crazy how different they are.

9

Mac OSX does not support native DSD on USB output-with a Mac connected directly you can only play DSD files via DoP, so this has nothing to do with Audirvana.