DSD files are audio files that contain 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 others.
Read the main article about DSD vs DSF vs DFF comparison >
DFF vs DSF vs SACD ISO comparison
Radial bands on DSD file format sector show its functionality.
The sound quality of different DSD audio file formats is the same. All these formats are lossless. I.e. they store an audio stream without losses.
See DSD file size comparison for different sampling rates.
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.
DSD is a format based on 1-bit sigma-delta modulation.
In short, DSD is the same PCM with bit depth reduced to 1.
But it causes high level of quantization noise.
To reduce the level noise shaping is used. It "pushes" the noise energy from the audible frequency range to ultrasound.
To "pushing ability" the total frequency band should provide reverve at ultrasound frequency range. It is achieved via a higher sample rate.
Noise shaper has feedback inside, which can cause broken stability of DSD modulator due to input overload.
Read details how to work DSD >
Audio samples, DSD free music and test signal downloads:
Various DSD audio player software can playback 1-bit audio 3 ways:
Yes. There is iPhone software to play DSD files.
Read details and see player list here >
A converter software can support different formats, functionality and have various DSD processing quality.
Read details:
The author never know about so-called "native DSD editing". There is no math base, that allowing summarize or multiply with two 1-bit values and put result in 1-bit value. Thus, DSD altering may be provided in multibit math only. After the editing, DSD re-modulation is applied to return back to 1-bit domain.
Losses by proper DSD editing are comparable with qualitative re-sampling. I.e. almost transparent for user.
An editor software may support different formats, functionality and have various DSD processing quality.
Read details:
DSD vs DSF vs DFF comparison >
Discussion of best sounding DSD albums
Other educational articles >
June 17, 2020 updated | since April 14, 2018
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