Free DSD Music Downloads [Check Online Website List 2022]

Where to download free DSD music and buy songs

Where are DSD audio streaming

What does DSD mean in music

Does DSD sound better than FLAC PCM CD?

Frequently Asked Questions

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DSD audio file conversion

Audio Basis - articles about audio

See long list of DSD free music downloads (hi-res Direct Stream Digital audio files), hi-fi recording stores, stereo / multichannel; where download DSD64 (2.8 MHz), DSD128 (5.6 MHz), DSD256 (11.2 MHz), DSD512 (22.5 MHz) audio samples for music lovers; what's DSF, DFF, SACD; FAQ and what sound quality better FLAC or DSD.
Author: Yuri Korzunov, audio software developer, 25+ year practice in signal processing.
Keep reading.

Watch and share: DSD vs FLAC comparison

Watch and share: What is DSD audio? Video explanation

Where can I download DSD music for free and paid?

If you are interested where to download free and paid DSD audiophile music, look at the table.

WARNING: Noted in the table file formats and other details were found at the sites at the time of publication. It can disappear or be changed with time.
We publish here only sites, that look legal in our opinion. But we don't guarantee it.
It is not advertising or offer. Our site is not affiliated with listed sites (except Audiophile Inventory, of course). We are not responsible for listed resources, quality of distributed records and others.

Site	Description	DSD music free download links
2L	Norwegian audiophile label. At the site link to the musical store, where DSD 2.8, 5.6 and 11.2 MHz and other file formats for audiophiles	DSD music free downloads
Audiophile Inventory	Music and test signal samples in DSF format (up to D1024)	Free downloads
Acoustic Sounds Super Hirez	Audio recording store to buy optical SACD disks
Blue Coast Records	Audiophile recording label and store, where DSD 64, DSD 128, DSD 256 (11.2 MHz) and other formats for music lovers who care about sound quality	Download music free online DSD demo music download free link #2 (it needs to register)

Site	Description	DSD music free download links
Bruce Springsteen	Live Bruce Springsteen site
Channel Classics Records	Recording label. In the store DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and other audiophile formats
Chasing the Dragon	DSD 64, 128
Cybele Records	Recording label, store
Downloads NOW!	Music reseller. D64, D128, D256 and other hi-res formats
Design w Sound	Blog
Dr.Z's Test CD	DSD audio files
DSDfile.com	DSD music file store
DSD Master	DSD samples
HD-klassik [unavailable]	Online musical store with hi-res sound formats
HDtracks	The big online store of high definition music in DSD (up to DSD512), DXD, stereo, multichannel
High Definition Tape Transfers	Recording store. DSD64/128/256 and other audio formats are available
Highresaudio	The online store of hi-res recordings. The site provides .dsf files in D64, D128, D256
Hifi Statement		Free DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Hi Fi track	High quality music store
Gumroad \| Serieril	DSD64, DSD256
MIR Creation	DSD64
Mora	Online musical recording store
NativeDSD	Hi-Fi store: 64fs, 128fs, 256fs DSD and other, stereo and multichannel	Download DSD music free
Nugs.net	DSD64 sound quality
Onkyo	Audio recordings store
Oppo Digital	DSD download free musical samples	Free downloads
Ototoy	DSD music online store
Pentatone	See F.A.Q. (Downloading SA-CD)
ProStudioMasters	Online recording store. There are DSF files (2.8 and 5.6 MHz) are placed.
The Spirit of Turtle	D64/128/256 (2.0 and 5.1) and other sound formats
SONY	High-resolution audio including DSD downloads by SONY
trptk	DSD albums DSD64/128/256
Wechseldominante	Site of Japanese self-publishing music group	DSD downloads free

DSD streaming

It is possible to listen DSD streaming.

Site	Description	Free trial
PrimeSeat	DSD streaming service	Some free content is available

Look at other hi-res streaming...

DSD software for audio

What is DSD music? How good is DSD audio?

What does DSD mean in music?

DSD is audiophile format of digital music recordings. DSD content is represented as:

audio files and
optical discs (SACD).

DSD file extensions: .dsf, .dff, .iso (SACD ISO - optical disc image).

SACD ISO file is ripped optical disc. How to rip it read here...

See also:

Technical details: Is DSD better than FLAC? Is DSD better than CD? Is PCM better than DSD?

DSD has bit depth 1-bit.

DSD file supports sample rates: DSD 64, DSD 128, DSD 256, DSD 512, DSD 1024, ... More number more sample rate.

If compare DSD and FLAC, providing 16 bit and more, or mp3 or CD audio, it seems that multibit sound formats provide better sound quality than 1-bit audio samples.

However, extremely high DSD sampling rates allows providing tricks, that provides sound quality like 24- or 32-bit.

It is potential sound quality that depends on used DAW or converting utilities, recording and playback equipment. Electronic circuits and processing algorithms causes lesser or more distortions.

DSD vs FLAC and other PCM audio

DSD vs FLAC is not like a car vs a supercar.

DSD vs FLAC may be like a car vs another car in the same market segment.

Both ones can bring us with similar comfort from A to B point.

However, each of these cars consists different parts.

Thus, we can suggest approximately that:

Approximate comparison DSD, FLAC, mp3, CD audio
(depending on implementation of a DSD system)

Audio format	DSD distortions
mp3, CD audio, FLAC 16bit	DSD64 is better
FLAC 24 bit	DSD64 and DSD128
FLAC 32 bit	DSD256 and above

Is DSD better than CD?

DSD appeared as CD development to bring higher resolution at that time. DSD allows slightly simplify DAC scheme theoretically. Also, DSD has no some issues with nonlinear distortions like R2R DAC. I.e., theoretically, DSD should give better sound quality than CD format.

The author supposes, that ultrasound playback is not target for this format development.

DSD or CD. What is better?

Let's image a CD as a window has a glass with slightly different thickness in different places. It's produced via technology A.

As example, we have a technology B (let's be DSD) that allows to made more smooth glass.

However, different B-technology manufacturing equipment has different output glass quality.

And some B-technology equipment (DSD) makes the glass almost same to the A-technology (CD).

RESULT:

Visible light is we same for both glass technologies, accounting we don't see ultraviolet.

However, for good B-technology glass samples (DSD),
we can see through the window an image with lesser distortions
than through A-technology glass.

Sound quality of DSD downloads

In general, it is recommended to download hi-fi/hi-end music records with the maximal sample rate of your system. But it can't guarantee maximal sound quality though. Read details here >

Sound quality in simple words

Sound quality has no standard definition. Each person may interprete "sound quality" as it want.

Tehcnically, sound quality may be estimated via distortions applied to original music.

It's like a dirt added to a water. The water change transparency. So it's quality is worse.

However, a colored dirt may give the water more expression. And, perceived water quality may be liked more.

I.e., distortion kind does matter.

Some people try to analyze audio files. Bandwidth is checked in most cases. But the width may be defined by used audio tools. And band limitation is not an unambiguous sign of upsampling from CD, as an example.

DSD resampling quality (losses) depends on the used converter. Technically, these losses like PCM resampling losses. If you use a professional resampler you can don't worry about it in general.

If original studio master in PCM, you have two options:

purchase DSD copy;
purchase PCM and convert it to DSD via your converter software, which should provide a low distortion level.

The second way may be preferable if you are sure that your converter is the same or better than a studio one.

The most recommended format is DSF file downloads. Because the format can contain metadata, including artworks, standard way. DSF files have lesser compatibility issues with hardware and software, as rule.

DFF files may be recommended to provide compatibility with some professional software and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DSD music?

DSD music is computer audio files in Direct Stream Digital format. This format consumes significant hard disk space and is intended for music lovers, primarily. Read details below.

Is DSD hi-res?

Yes. DSD is one of high-resolution audio formats.

What is the difference between PCM and DSD?

DSD is the same PCM, but bit depth is 1 bit. To achieve appropriate noise floor comparing PCM, some technical decisions are used.

Read details...

What is DSD music format?

DSD music format is an audiophile format, that solves issues of 16 bit/44.1 kHz CD resolution. This music format is available in DSF, DFF, SACD ISO files. Read details...

Is DSD the same as SACD?

SACD is optical disc, that contains audio in DSD format.

What is a DSD download?

DSD downloads, primarily, are audio files in .dsf, .dff, .iso (SACD ISO) formats. They are intended for lovers of high sound quality. See download list...

What is DSD music file?

DSD audio files are files, that capable of contains DSD audio content: DSF, DFF, SACD ISO and DoP FLAC, WAV, etc. Read details here...

What is DSD and MQA?

What's DSD and MQA formats? Comparison

	DSD	MQA
Bit depth	1-bit	24 bit / 16 bit (MQA CD)
Sampling rate	from 2.8 MHz, depending on system implementation	from 96 kHz, depending on system implementation
Hi-Res Audio format	yes	yes
Size compression	no, lossless	yes, lossy
DAC	DAC simpler than PCM one, theoretically	PCM DAC with MQA support
Stereo, 1 minute size	about 5500 kbps (DSD64)	about 1200 kbps (24 bit/44.1 kHz before unfolding)

Is MQA better than DSD?

MQA is one of PCM formats. You can compare them as DSD and PCM.

In contrast DSD, MQA is not bit-perfect format.

Where can I buy DSD music? Where can I buy DSD files?

You can buy DSD music at online sites...

Can you download DSD files? Where do I get DSD music files? How do I get DSD music files? Where can I download DSD for free? Where can I find DSD audio? Where can I get DSD audio files?

You can download and buy DSD files at these sites...

Where can I download DSD music for free? Where can I get DSD audio (music) files?

See DSD music-file download site list...

Where can I download high-quality music for free?

See high-quality music download site list...

Where can I download DSD songs?

You can download DSD songs here...

What music is available in DSD?

In DSD, classical music and jazz, that requires higher dynamic range, are available rather.

What do you need to play DSD? How do you play a DSD? How do you play DSD on DAC?

To play DSD you are need audio player hardware that support DSD.

You can play DSD with audio player computer software. To better adaptation music quality to your requirements, you can use external DSD DAC.

What player can play DSD?

You can play DSD on hardware or software player that supports .dsf, .dsf, .iso (SACD ISO).

How can I play DSD on my computer?

You can play DSD on computer via player software.

Some audio players can convert DSD to PCM "on fly". PCM may be played back via usual audio card.

Also, DSD may be converted to PCM with high quality offline.

Or DSD may be played back natively via DSD DAC.

Read details...

Can Android play DSD?

Yes, DSD player software may be installed on Android device.

How can I play DSD on my iPhone?

DSD player software may be installed on iPhone or iPad.

What is the highest quality audio?

Theoretically, more sampling rate is more sound-qulaity improvement abilities for developer.

Maximum sampling rates are DSD2048 (44.1 kHz x 2048) and PCM (1.4/1.5 MHz).

Bit depth is processing matter rather. 64-bit float is recommended.

A PCM DAC is 1-bit in most cases. In contrast, a R2R DAC has more implementation issues. Read more...

However, conversion multibit input to 1-bit final DAC stage is digital processing, where higher bit depths are recommended.

Accounting real electrical issues of a DAC, 24 and more bit are recommended.

What is the highest quality audio file?

Lossless music files are highest quality audio files.

Read details...

Is DSD better than FLAC? Does DSD sound better than FLAC?

No single answer to the question.

Theoretically, DSD system is simpler, that FLAC (PCM) one. So, lesser distortions are there.

Actual sound quality depends on recording and playback music system.

Read about comparison DSD and FLAC...

Is DXD better than DSD?

DXD is PCM format, that intended to DSD editing. As rule, DSD is converted to DXD. Such kind of conversion causes losses, that rely on sound quality of audio conversion software. As we noted above, DXD is ordinary PCM format with sampling rate 352/705 kHz and bit depth 24 or 32 bit.

Both DSD and DXD formats have as advantages as disadvantages. So, given recording and audio system makes audio quality.

Read DSD vs PCM...

Is MQA a DSD?

MQA is not DSD. It is compression method for PCM audio.

How do I create a DSD file?

DSD file may be recorded via special analog-to-digital converter.

Read how to convert audio files to DSD...

How do I open a DSD file?

Read how to open DSD file...

Where can I listen to DSD?

To listen to DSD music, you can use hardware player (DAP or media one) or computer with software.

How do you play DSD music?

You can play DSD music via DSD players...

Do I need a DAC for DSD?

DSD audio may be played via DSD or PCM DAC. Read details...

What is native DSD playback?

Read what is native DSD playback...

Is there anything better than FLAC? Is FLAC really worth it?

FLAC is lossless format. It's equivalent is other lossless format only.

Lossy formats with bitrates 256 kbps and above have sounding very close to lossless original. But mp3 supports 44.1 and 48 kHz sampling rates. So, aac is more recommended than mp3 due to wider range of the rates.
But, you can't convert lossy format to lossless original, if found issues.

Conversion between FLAC to/from DSD is lossy. But, DSD may have lesser distortions at your playback system. Also, opposite variant is possible at other musical system. Sampling rate and bit depth may be matter. Higher DSD discretization frequency allows achieving clearer audio signal. But, it varies from one unit/software to other one.

In both cases, backup of original files is recommended.

Can I convert FLAC to DSD?

Yes. You can convert FLAC to DSD. Read details here >

Is DSD to FLAC lossless?

Conversion DSD to FLAC causes some losses. Their degree depending on converter tool quality.

Should I convert FLAC to DSD?

A DAC may give sound quality improvements in DSD playback mode.

Read details...

Is DSD better than mp3?

DSD is lossless audio format. mp3 is lossy format. Thus, DSD causes lesser distortions than mp3 and it is better for music lovers.

However, DSD consumes significantly more space at hard disk. It may cause lesser song number at mobile devices especially.

How do I convert mp3 to DSD?

Read how to convert mp3 to DSD files >

Remember, you can't improve sound quality of source audio stuff. But, in some cases, you can optimize audio resolution to your hifi DAC.

How do I convert DSD to mp3?

Read how to convert DSD to mp3 files >

Remember, DSD to mp3 file conversion causes audio quality losses. It has justification in the case of low HDD space of a sound file storage.

Are SACD worth it?

SACD is optical disk, that contains DSD musical tracks. Some disks are recorded in DSD format without editing.

Hi-Fi DSD system is simpler than PCM one, in theory. Thus, lesser distortions should be there. But, actually, many factors are there. And real PCM may sound better than Direct Stream Digital or vice versa.

What is the difference between DSD and DSF?

.dsf is file type that contains audio stuff coded in DSD (Direct Stream Digital) format.

Where can I find DSD music? How do I download DSD files? Where can I buy DSD music files?

See online DSD music downloads free and to buy at website list...

Can DSD be streamed?

You can listen to streaming service with DSD music...

Is there a DSD streaming service?

See DSD streaming service...

Is DSD audio worth it? Is DSD good?

In the general case, DSD allows solving some issues of ADC and DAC analog filters on lower sampling rates. Potentially, it gives advantages of sound quality. But each case should be considered separately, because recording quality and audio system implementation does matter. Read details...

Is DSD the best audio format? What is the best format for audio quality?

Each audio format solves a number of certain issues. One format try keep the maximum sound quality. Other formats keep occupied space at hard disk. Third formats solve streaming issues, etc. So, audio format may be best for given target only.

DSD format tries to solve some issues of PCM format recording and playback. However, DSD has more sophisticated editing and may consume higher hard disk space comparing CD-audio, in instance.

Read more (it's recommended to read in order of the links):

Which is better DSD or FLAC?

FLAC is PCM format. DSD can solve some their issues. But how it is solved depending on audio system' components.

Is DSD better than PCM? Is PCM better than DSD?

Only audio system implementation defines sound quality. Potentially, DSD gives some design advantages to achieve better sound quality.

It is necessary to remember, PCM DAC contains DSD modulator. This enables reduce non-linear distortions of R2R-matrix of a DAC.

Is DSD better than PCM? Which is better PCM or DSD?

Only audio system implementation defines sound quality. However, potentially, DSD gives some design advantages to achieve better sound quality. Read more...

Can you hear the difference between DSD and FLAC?

You can hear difference between DSD and FLAC. It's matter of recording and listening setup.

Is SACD better than vinyl? Is DSD better than vinyl?

Vinyl is analog recording system. It adds additional engineering issues comparing digital ones.

However, specific "vinyl" distortions may be liked by some people.

Is there anything better than FLAC?

FLAC hase some limitations by sampling rate. Incteasing of this parameter makes it possible to reduce distortions of an audio system. Of course, no warranty is there.

In this case, you can use WAV or AIFF. If sound file size is more 4 Gbytes, WAV/RF64 is recommended.

Hoiwever, FLAC hase wider compatibility with musical devices.

What is the highest quality format for audio?

No single audio format what brings highest sound quality. Quality of recording and given audio system and its modes (resolution audio) are main factors, that provides sound quality.

Audio file can:

store resolution;
keep stored audio stuff without changes (lossless);
reduce size of the stored audio stuff.

So, lossless audio formats are the most recommended.

What is DSF audio file?

Read DSF file quick guide here...

What is DFF audio file?

DFF file is one of DSD files. Its audio data content is identical to DSF by sound quality. Read DFF file details here...

What are DSD files?

DSD files (.dsf, .dff, .iso [sacd iso], DoP FLAC, WAV, others) are files, that contains DSD audio data. Read details...

Is DSD a SACD?

SACD is optical disk containing DSD audio recordings. It's music in most cases. Read details...

What is DSD256? What is DSD512?

DSD256 is sample rate 11.3 MHz=44100 Hz * 256;

DSD512 is sample rate 22.6 MHz=44100 Hz * 512. Read more...

What is the best audio quality?

Audio quality is defined distortion level and individual preferences. There is not single best audio quality for everybody.

In instance, some people prefer 44.1 kHz / 16 bit, because they don't listen difference with high resolution. Other people listen the difference and prefer high resolution. Third people choose DSD instead 24 bit / 96 kHz. Analog-sound lovers like vynil and/or tape because it causes "cosy" sound.

What is the highest quality music format?

The highest quality music format is a one of lossless formats. DSD vs PCM, sampling rate, bit depth comparisons are not correct for common resume. Recording quality, audio unit design is primal factor.

Where can I find DSD example files?

See the list of free DSD example files for test your music system here...

Where can I download high-quality music for free? How can I download FLAC songs for free?

See the list of FLAC and other high-quality music for free download...

What is DSD music player for Windows?

See the list of DSD music players for Windows here...

Which is the best audio player for Windows 10?

See player-choice recommendations and the list of high-resolution music players for Windows here...

How can I play DSD files on my PC?

Audio player software can play DSD files. See list of DSD players for PC...

Can Windows Media Player play DSD?

As far as the author knows, Windows Media Player doesn't support DSD files. You can look for alternative software...

Does VLC play DSD files?

As far as the author know, VLC audio player currently can't play DSD files. See discussion...

Can iPhone play DSD files? How can I play DSD on my iPhone?

iPhone can play DSD via audio player software these ways:

inline convert to PCM;
as DoP.

Check the list of DSD players for iOS...

What is DSD over PCM?

DSD over PCM (DoP) is DSD digital audio data packed as PCM to standard transmitting to a DAC. Read more...

Why does MQA sound better?

If MQA sound better for you, the author suppose, that it's your audio setup's matter or personal preference rather.

Recorded musical instruments and performance character may be relevant.

As the author know, MQA is not lossless and used apodizing filters are not ideal ones.

However, it is compression format specially designed for hifi applications and save traffic for audiophile streaming comparing FLAC.

How do you record on a DSD?

To record DSD files, DSD ADC (analog-to-digital converter) and recording software are need.

What is DSD remastered?

Remastering DSD or others is manipulations with audio file, in instance, frequency response correction, reverberation adding, dynamic range altering, etc.

Who uses DSD?

DSD is intended to improve CD-audio format. So, Direct Stream Digital format is recommended for audiophile applications.

Theoretically, it's allowing playback at a DAC without additional stages, in contrast PCM DAC. But, in real life, DSD doesn't guarantee superiority over PCM in any case.

What's the highest quality audio file?

Lossless audio files are the best by sound quality technically.

How big is DSD?

Look at DSD file sizes here...

Can you play DSD without a DAC?

To play DSD files without DSD DAC, you can either

use player software or
pre-convert DSD filr to PCM...

How rip SACD ISO to FLAC?

Read how to rip SACD ISO to FLAC...

Is Tidal a DSD?

Tidal is not DSD. Read about DSD streaming...

Does Qobuz have DSD?

Quobuz doesn't provide DSD streaming. Read about DSD streaming...

Can you stream MQA over Bluetooth?

To stream MQA via Bluetooth, lossless 16 bit/44.1 kHz ability is need.

Technically, aptX Lossless codec supports it. However, some details may be there. In instance, bit-perfect transfer from MQA music file to MQA DAC input should be provided. Loudness volume should be altered inside the DAC, after MQA decoding.

Author: Yuri Korzunov,
Audiophile Inventory's developer
May 17, 2022 updated | since April 20, 2018

If you want to add new information, change the wrong one, send feedback, contact us, please.

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