Audio Basis - articles about audio
DSD player software and Digital Audio Player (DAP) devices are designed to playback Direct Stream Digital audio files (.dsf, .dff, sacd iso, DoP). Read how to play DSD files via free software (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS for iPhone, iPad), about sound quality, comparison list, F.A.Q. Explained by Yuri Korzunov. Keep reading.
- DSD player list
- How to play DSD files
- How do I get the best sound quality on my computer?
- Frequently Asked Questions


DSD player software list. Which player can play DSD files?
WARNING: This page can contain errors. It is not an offer or advertising. We are not affiliated with the listed products. We guarantee nothing. If you found a wrong information, contact us, please. To get exact information, contact developers and/or vendors of the software and devices (digital audio players).
DSD music player software Windows, Mac, Linux

- Amarra Luxe
Windows, Mac
Commercial
DSF
- Audiogate
Windows, Mac
DSF, DFF
up to DSD128
DAC limitation for the software activation.
- Audirvana
Windows, Mac
Commercial
DSF, DFF (including DST), SACD ISO
DoP, DSD to PCM
- Daphile
Run as firmware (Linux based) from flash stick memory
Free
DSF
Music server. Stereo only.
- Foo
bar 2000
Windows
Free
DSF, DFF (including DST), SACD ISO
up to DSD512
ASIO, DSD to PCM
sacd input plug in is required.
- Fostex Audio Player
Windows, Mac
Free
DSF, DFF
up to DSD128
ASIO, DoP
- JRiver
Windows, Mac, Linux
Commercial
DSF, DFF (including DST), SACD ISO
ASIO, DoP, DSD over DLNA, DSD to PCM, PCM to DSD
- HQ Player
Windows, Mac, Linux
Commercial
DSF, DFF (non-compressed DSDIFF)
up to DSD1024
DSD to PCM, PCM to DSD, ASIO, DoP
- Hysolid
Windows
Free
DSF
up to DSD256
ASIO, DoP WASAPI
To work on music server PC with smartphone app control.
- Logitech Media Server
Windows, Mac, Linux
DoP PCM files
Bit-perfect PCM output of DoP
Additional hardware and pre-conversion DSD files to PCM DoP files are need. How to adjust and use the software.
- Media Player Classic
Windows
Free
DSF, DFF
- moOde audio player
To run on Raspberry Pi
Free
DSF, DFF
Here information about DSD settings.
- Pine Player
Mac
Free
DSD to PCM (up to 768 kHz)
- Resonic Player
Windows
Free, Commercial
DSF, DFF
up to DSD512
- Roon
Windows, Mac; server on Windows, Mac, Linux
Commercial
Bit-perfect, DSD to PCM
Server may be installed on network area storage (NAS)
- TEAC HR Audio Player
Windows, Mac
Free
DSF, DFF
up to DSD256
ASIO, DoP
- Technics Audio Player
Windows, Mac
DSF, DFF
up to DSD512
ASIO Native mode only
Read the software license agreement about using limitations.
- Volumio
Run as firmware from flash stick memory on PC, Raspberry Pi, other.
UPNP \ DLNA, Airplay, DoP
Music server
- Wtfplay
Linux
Free
DSF
up to DSD128; DSD256, DSD512 are experimental.
DoP
DSD players Android and iOS (mobile applications)

- HibyMusic
Android, iOS
Free
DSF, DFF (including DST), ISO
DXD/DoP
- Hi-Res music player-NePLAYER
iOS
Commercial
DSF, DFF
up to DSD256
DSD to PCM, DoP
Check DSD replay issues at online store page.
- HYSOLID
Android, iOS
Free
Music server control application.
- Neutron Music Player
Android, iOS
Commercial
UPnP / DLNA, USB DAC, DoP, DSD to PCM
There is evaluation version "Neutron Music Player (Eval)" on Android.
- Onkyo HF Player
Android, iOS
Free, Commercial
DSF, DFF
up to DSD256
AOA 2.0, DoP, DSD to PCM
Some limitations of free version.
- TEAC HR Audio Player
Android, iOS
DSF, DFF
up to DSD256
DoP, DSD to PCM
There are DSD limitations of free version.
- USB Audio Player PRO
Android
Commercial
DoP, DSD to PCM, native DSD playback
DSD Digital Audio Player (DAP) device list

- Astell & Kern SP1000T
DFF DSF WAV FLAC WMA MP3 OGG APE AAC ALAC AIFF MQA
up to native DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz
256 GB / up to 1 TB
Playback up to 12 hours
SNR 120 ... 122 dB, WiFi 2.4 GHz
- Astell & Kern SP2000T
DSF DFF WAV FLAC WMA MP3 OGG APE AAC ALAC AIFF MQA
up to native DSD512, up to 32bit 384kHz
256 GB / up to 1 TB
Bluetooth v 5.0 A2DP, AVRCP, aptX HD, LDAC [?]
Playback up to 9 hours
SNR 121 ... 123 dB, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
- Cowon Plenue D3
DSF DFF SACD-ISO FLAC WAV AIFF ALAC APE WMA OGG DCF mp3 CUE
up to DSD128, 32 bit 192 kHz
64 / up to 128 GB
Bluetooth v 3.0 A2DP AVRCP / SBC aptX [?]
Playback up to 45 hours
SNR 126 ... 131 dB
- Cowon Plenue R2
DSF DFF SACD-ISO DXD FLAC WAV AIFF ALAC APE WMA OGG WV TTA DCF mp3 CUE
up to native DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz
128 GB / ?
Bluetooth v 3.0 A2DP AVRCP / SBC aptX [?]
Playback up to 20 hours
SNR 130 ... 136 dB
- Cowon Plenue L
DSF DFF SACD-ISO DXD FLAC WAV AIFF ALAC APE WMA OGG WV TTA DCF mp3 CUE
up to native DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz
256 / up to 256 GB
Playback up to 9 hours
SNR 125 ... 128 dB
- iBasso DX240
DFF DSF DXD MQA APE FLAC WAV WMA AAC ALAC AIFF OGG MP3
up to native DSD512,up to 32bit 768kHz
64 GB / up to 2 TB
Bluetooth v 5.0
Playback approximate 11 hours
SNR 125 dB, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
- iBasso DX320
DFF DSF DXD MQA APE FLAC WAV WMA AAC ALAC AIFF OGG MP3
up to native DSD512,up to 32bit 768kHz
128 GB / SDXC and SDHC Micro SD
Bluetooth v 5.0
Playback approximate 10 hours
Dual battery power structure, SNR 125 dB, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
- FiiO M11 Plus
DSD DST-ISO DXD APE ALAC FLAC WAV WMA mp3 OGG AAC
up to DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz
64 GB / up to 2 TB
Bluetooth v 5.0 SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX-HD, LDAC [?]
Playback up to 14 hours
SNR ≥121 dB, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
- FiiO M17
DSD DST-ISO DXD APE ALAC FLAC WAV WMA mp3 OGG AAC
up to DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz; external USB DAC: up to DSD512, up to 32bit 768kHz
64 GB / theoretically up to 2TB
Bluetooth v 5.0 SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC [?]
Playback up to 10 hours
SNR ≥121 dB, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
- Sony NW-A105
DSF DFF MP3 WMA FLAC WAV AAC HE-AAC ALAC AIFF APE MQA
up to DSD256, up to 32bit 384kHz
? / Micro SD Micro SDHC Micro SDXC
Bluetooth v 5.0
Playback up to 26 hours
WiFi
- Sony NW-WM1A
DSD MP3 WMA AAC HE-AAC FLAC ALAC AIFF
native DSD, DSD to PCM, up to 32bit 384kHz
128 GB / Micro SD
Bluetooth aptX HD after firmware update [?]
Playback up to 30 hours
[See FREE audio players for hi-res] [See DSF audio samples]
Read more about mobile device connections to DSD playback here.
How to play DSD files.
To play DSD files, it's necessary to use a playback device or software player that is installed on a computer or mobile phone.
All these devices contain built-in digital-to-analog converters (DAC). But, different types of digital audio interfaces allow connecting external DAC or AV-receiver or other audio units with DAC.
Audio player software should be configured properly. DAC may be either DSD or PCM.
There is no general rule, that guarantees the best sound quality for every case.
When PCM DAC is used, the conversion of DSD to PCM format is required.
DSD DAC may get an audio stream natively ("native DSD" stream via ASIO driver) via DoP (DSD over PCM) protocol.
Check out How to play DSD with foobar2000 >
Read more details below.
How do I get the best sound quality on my computer?
You can get the best sound quality on your computer / laptop on Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile device on Android, iOS, when you:
- reduce weak places of the audio-signal path and
- your DAC works in optimal resolution.

What is bit-perfect mode
Bit-perfect means the transmission of audio file content to DAC without altering.
DSD files (DSF, DFF, SACD ISO) and DoP files (FLAC, WAV, AIFF, other lossless PCM files)
may be played back in bit-perfect mode on DSD DAC.
The DAC should support the file's sampling rate.
Example: bit-perfect playback of DSD1024 file is impossible on DAC that supports up to DSD256 sampling rate.
What is gapless playback
When uninterrupted albums (operas, concerts) listen, non-gapless playback can cause clicks at track borders.
Gapless playback means playback album as a solid (uninterrupted) stream without re-initialization of DAC.
If the album is converted from an audio format to another one with resampling, it can cause artifacts at track borders. To avoid track-border artifacts, True Gapless conversion may be used.
Offline conversion mode
With bit-perfect mode, you can playback offline pre-converted audio files (including PCM to DSD). This mode doesn't consume additional computing resources for altering an audio file. Also, it saves electrical energy that is spent on processing.
Let's imagine a big puzzle (music sound) consists the smallest elements.
Our hands can assemble the puzzle in 2 hours. It's available computing resources.
But there is a requirement to assemble the puzzle in 1 hour 30 minutes.
We can skip some puzzle elements to meet the time limit requirements. It's like easier audio processing.
However, the image on the puzzle will lose quality (degraded sound quality).
Many digital audio players (DAP) are capable of playback with stereo headphones. But some of your records may be multichannel.
When DAP plays a multichannel record, it downmixes to 2.0. Downmixing is a lossy operation and its sound quality depends on implementation.
Also, extra channels consume free space on the hard disk of the DAP. Offline pre-downmixed to stereo files allow saving more songs on hard disk.
If music file is played back on a mobile device in bit-perfect mode or with minimal processing, it allows:
- saving battery charge;
- getting a longer time of autonomous work;
- getting more computing resources for other (not audio player) applications.
Inline conversion mode
DSD and PCM files may be played back with inline (real-time, "on-fly") altering of audio content:
- with DSD resampling;
- with room correction;
- with conversion DSD to PCM on PCM DAC.
What is "real-time", "on-fly"?
An audio player should send a fixed timepiece of xmusic to a DAC.
If the piece has 1-second length, it should be sent 1 piece per second.
If we have a sending delay, DAC plays silence. And we can listen to pauses or pops.
Before being sent, the portion of music may be processed: resampled , gain altering, EQ, etc.
We put on hold the time that the portion is played.
If the piece is played for 1 second, processing time should be lesser 1 second.
Higher sampling rates contain more samples in 1 second. Thus, it requires more processing time.
This mode allows saving time for pre-converting of various audio files to the best sounding mode of DAC. But each playback can consume big computing resources for resolution conversion and other processing.
Real-time playback conversion DSD to PCM on mobile devices consumes additional battery charge and part of the device's CPU performance. It can cause a lesser time for autonomous work and reduce the response of other (non-player) applications.
Inline (real-time) vs offline conversion
of audio files on mobile devices
Offline conversion of audio files gives a longer battery life. Because a mobile device performs a lesser calculation number.
Also pre-downmix, pre-conversion DSD to PCM, pre-downsampling save free space on the hard disk of the mobile device.
Can computer and mobile phone play DSD? DAC interfaces
In the part the consider how to use computer or mobile phone hardware to playback DSD.
Mobile phones and many laptops contains ordinary PCM DAC.
Some player software are capable to convert DSD to PCM "on fly" (in real-time). Processing time may impact to sound quality. So real-time conversion may have lack of computing resources to implement more accurate algorithm.
Also, "heavy" algorithms extensively consume battery energy.
Alternatively, you can pre-convert DSD files to PCM (FLAC, WAV, etc.) offline.
If sound quality difference between inline and offline conversion is there, you can play pre-convenverted files back.
Pre-conversion allows to save battery energy.
If mobile phone is not capable multichannel playback in earphones, it can downmix it to stereo in real-time. But, multichannel files waste the phone memory for all channels instead 2 channels that are actually need to physical listening. Such files may be pre-downmixed to stereo offline.
To DSD playback (including bit-perfect) under Windows, DAC may be connected to an audio player via ASIO driver or DoP protocol.
Also, WASAPI (with DoP) interface may be used to playback (including bit-perfect).
DoP is the special open protocol for coding DSD into a pseudo-PCM audio stream. The stream cannot be played back as PCM.
To DSD playback under Mac, DAC may be connected to an audio player via DoP protocol.
Read more about:
What is the best DSD player
In audiophile application, the players are compared by sound quality.
If the player has bit-perfect mode and used DAC support played file resolution, sound quality is the same for such players.
But, if an audio resolution is altered or EQ is used, then applied processing quality is a matter.
In general, the best DSD player with processing should cause minimal distortions.
Also kind of distortions may be matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
F.A.Q. play files
What is DSD player?
DSD player is a device or software, that capable to play audiophile format Direct Stream Digital. It may be provides as SACD optical disks or computer files.
Look at DSD player list...
What is DSD music file?
DSD audio files are files, capable to contains DSD audio content: DSF, DFF, SACD ISO and DoP FLAC, WAV, etc. Read details 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...
How do I open DFF file?
DFF file is supported by software...
What is SACD ISO?
SACD ISO is audio file ripped from SACD optical disk.
Read more...
What is DSF audio file? What is a .DSF audio file?
Read DSF file quick guide here...
How do I open a DSF file? What can open DSF files?
Read how to open DSF file...
F.A.Q. audio quality
Is DSD better than FLAC?
It is a matter of recording quality and playback tool implementation. Read about DSD and FLAC comparison...
Is DSD audio worth it? Is DSD any good?
DSD allows simplifying a playback system and solves some issues of an analog filter of ADC and DAC, theoretically. But implementation of the system makes actual result. See more...
Is DSD the best audio format?
DSD have as advantages as disadvantages comparing alternative audio formats. Read details...
Which is best format for audio?
Many audio formats intersect by features and can replace each another. Read more which format is the best..
What is the highest quality audio file?
As rule, it is lossless files in high resolution (WAV, FLAC, DSF, DFF, SACD, SACD ISO and others).
Read details...
F.A.Q. Direct Stream Digital
Is DSD dead?
No. DSD music is produced and sold now.
Listen to:
- DSF music samples...
- DSD music download site list...
Is DSD a SACD?
SACD is optical disk format that contains DSD audio. Read details...
Where can I download FLAC songs for free? Where can I download high-quality music for free?
You can download high-quality (high-resolution) files from the download resources into the list here...
Where can I get a DSD? Where can I listen to DSD audio? Where can I find DSD music?
You can download .dsf files here...
See the list of DSD download sites here...
Where can I download DSD for free?
You can download .dsf files for free...
Also, check out these download sites...
How do I listen to DSD?
You can listen DSD with audio player software.
Read about player settings and other...
F.A.Q. audio players
What is a DSD player?
DSD player is computer software or device, that play DSD files or SACD optical disk.
Read more...
What player can play DSD?
See the list of players that are capable to play DSD...
Can you play DSD without a DAC?
To listen DSD files on computer or mobile device without DSD DAC, you can:
- use proper audio player, or
- convert DSD files to PCM ones.
Do I need a DAC for DSD?
You can listen to DSD without DAC. Some player software is capable to convert DAC to PCM on fly.
Or, you can tentatively convert DSD files to PCM.
What is native DSD support?
DSD files may be played back 3 ways:
- on-fly conversion DSD to PCM, and playback on PCM DAC (in PCM mode of the DAC);
- offline conversion DSD to PCM with conversion software, and playback on PCM DAC (in PCM mode of the DAC);
- transmit DSD audio stuff to DSD DAC to playback.
Option #3 is called "native DSD support". DSD may be transmitted via ASIO driver or as DoP.
How do I listen to DSD files?
DSD files may be natively listened to with DSD DAC and compatible player software or DAP.
To playback at PCM DAC, DSD files and be previously converted to FLAC, WAV, AIFF and other PCM formats.
Also, you can play with sound quality...
How do I listen to DSD audio?
DSD audio may be purchased on SACD disks or music files.
There are many media players that allows listening to DSD audio in all these formats.
Computer allows playing DSD files only.
Also, you can pre-convert DSD to PCM audio formats, and listen to it om more common PCM DAC.
Read also: How to improve sound quality...
How do I play .DSF files?
DSD player is a device or software, that capable to play audiophile format Direct Stream Digital. It may be suggested as SACD optical disks or computer files.
To convert DSD digital audio to analog form, native DSD DAC is used.
Alternatively, DSD music may be pre-converted to PCM, to listening to the music on widespread PCM Digital-to-Analog Converters.
Read about way of sound-quality improvement...
How do I play a DSD file?
You can play DSD files with one of DSD players.
Read more...
Can VLC play DSF?
Looks like, VLC can't play DSF. Current state is here...
Anyway, you can use conversion DSF files to FLAC ones instead.
Read more...
Can Plex play DSD files?
Looks like, the Plex media server converts DSD to PCM "on fly" (discussion).
Alternatively, you can pre-convert DSD to FLAC and listen to converted files on this server software.
Can Windows 10 play DSD?
To play DSD audio files on Windows 10, use audio players. Read details here...
How do I play DSD files on Windows? How do I play DSF files on Windows 10? Does Windows 10 support Hi-Res Audio?
Audio files in DSD format can be played on Windows 10 with music software player. Read more...
How can I play DSD files on my PC?
You can play DSD files on your PC with audio player software.
Also, DSD DAC may required.
Read more...
Can Android play DSD?
Yes. There are Android player software that can play DSD files. See here...
Can Android play DSD?
Yes. There are Android player software that can play DSD files. See here...
Is there a DAC app for Android?
No. A DAC is hardware always. It can contains firmware (built-in) software.
However, an audio player can provide inline conversion to used DAC mode (DSD or PCM).
Alternatively, and audio file format may be converted offline via a audio converted software...
How do I listen to high resolution audio on Android?
You can play high-resolution audio on Android via phone's earbuds/headphone output ar connect portable DAC with amplifier.
See list of hi-res audio player software here...
Can Android play lossless?
You can play to lossless music file on Android music player software...
How do I play DSF files with foobar2000?
Yes, you can. Read foobar2000 DSD playback guide here...
Can Windows Media Player play DSD? Can Windows Media Player play DSF?
No. Windows Media Player can't play DSD. But, you can use other software...
How do I play a DSF file? How do I play DSF audio?
To play DSF files use one of DSD audio players...
Also, see guide how to play DSD...
How do I play DSF files on Foobar?
You can play DSF file on Foobar with this guide...
How do I play DFF files?
DFF files are played back via audio player software...
How do I play SACD ISO file? How do I open a SACD file?
You can play SACD ISO at hardware and software players.
However, SACD ISO may contain stereo and multichannel album variants. And it consumes additional place at hardware player.
You can extract SACD ISO to DSD or PCM files. Your choice PCM vs DSD is a matter of your music player and hardware ability.
See more:
- Software to playback SACD ISO files...
- Play SACD ISO on foobar2000...
- How to choose target format...
How do I play DSF files on my Mac?
To play .dsf files on Mac, use DSD players...
Does VLC play DSD files? Can VLC play DSF files? Does VLC support DSD? Can VLC play DFF files? Can VLC play DSD?
As the author know, VLC can't play DSD files. Read details...
Can Audirvana play ISO?
Audirvana software can play SACD ISO files.
Can Audirvana play SACD ISO?
Yes. Audirvana is capable to play SACD ISO files [discussion].
Does Foobar play ISO? Can Foobar play ISO?
Foobar2000 software can play SACD ISO files. Read more...
Can MusicBee play DSD files?
As it's written in this source, MusicBee software can play DSD files.
However, you can use DSD to PCM (FLAC, WAV, mp3) offline conversion instead. Read more...
How do I play a SACD file on my PC?
To play SACD ISO file you can use DSD audio player software.
What is the best audio player for Mac?
Best audio player for Mac is individual choice. Here you can read general recommendations...
How can I listen to hi res music on my Mac?
To listen hi-res music on Mac use hifi audio players...
F.A.Q. convert audio
How do I convert DSF to FLAC?
Read about conversion DSF to FLAC here...
How do I convert DSF to mp3?
Read about conversion DSF to mp3 here...
Is DSF better than FLAC?
DSF is DSD audio file format. Read more...
FLAC is PCM audio format. Read more...
Read about comparison DSF and FLAC...
F.A.Q. audio streaming
Is Tidal a DSD?
No. Tidal doesn't stream DSD, on moment the aswer the question. Read about DSD streaming...
Does Qobuz have DSD? Does Qobuz stream DSD?
No. Quobuz has not support streaming of DSD. Check out DSD streaming...