DSD files [Where Are Free Downloads, Comparison 2019]
DSD files are audio files that contains high resolution 1-bit audio data in Direct Stream Digital format. Read audio software developer Yuri Korzunov's article about formats and its comparison, sound quality, size compression, how does DSD works and other.
File formats and comparison
Read main article about DSD vs DSF vs DFF comparison >
DFF vs DSF vs SACD ISO
Radial bands on DSD file format sector show its functionality.
Sound quality
Sound quality of different DSD audio file formats is the same. All these fotmats are lossless. I.e. they store audio stream without losses.
DSD file size and compression
| DFF size (MBytes/min) | DSF size (MBytes/min) | SACD size (MBytes/min) | |
| DSD64 stereo | 20.5 | 20.5 | 20.5 |
| DSD64 multichannel (5.1) | 61.6 | 61.6 | - |
| DSD128 stereo | 41.1 | 41.1 | - |
| DSD128 multichannel (5.1) | 123.2 | 123.2 | - |
| DSD256 stereo | 82.1 | 82.1 | - |
| DSD256 multichannel (5.1) | 246.3 | 246.3 | - |
| DSD512 stereo | 164.2 | 164.2 | - |
| DSD512 multichannel (5.1) | 492.7 | 492.7 | - |
| DSD1024 stereo | 328.5 | 328.5 | - |
| DSD1024 multichannel (5.1) | 985.4 | 985.4 | - |
Size compression is implemented in DFF and SACD ISO format only (DST [Direct Stream Transfer] compression method). The compression quality is lossless.
How to works DSD
DSD is format based on 1-bit sigma delta modulation.
In short, DSD is the same to PCM with bit depth reduced to 1.
But it cause high level of quantization noise.
To reduce the level noise shaping is used. It "push" the noise energy from audible frequency range to ultrasound.
To "pushing ability" frequency band shoul have band reverve at ultrasound frequency range. It is achieved via higher sample rate.
Noise shaper have feedback inside, that can cause broken stability of DSD modulator due input overload.
Read details how to work DSD >
Free DSD downloads
Audio samples, DSD free music and test signal downloads:
DSD players, converters, editors (software)
Various DSD audio player software can playback 1-bit audio 3 ways:
- convert to PCM ("on fly");
- native DSD playback;
- both.
Read details here >
A converter and editor software can support different formats, functionality and have various DSD processing quality.
Read details:
DSD streaming service
DSD streaming is online playback of 1-bit music. Check links below.
Streaming DSD (Blue Coast Records)
Read more
DSD vs DSF vs DFF comparison >
Discussion of best sounding DSD albums
Other educational articles >
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