If you have DSD files and ordinary PCM digital-to-analog converter, you look for how to play 1-bit files on multibit DAC. If high listening quality is matter for you, read how to convert DSF/DFF files for FLAC accurately, about sound quality issues, and watch the tutorial video.
 
July 10, 2023 updated | since September 24, 2017

Author: Yuri Korzunov,
Audiophile Inventory's developer with 25+ year experience in digital signal processing,
author of the articles that make audio easy for beginners

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How to convert DSF to FLAC

To convert DSF, DFF (DSD files) to FLAC on Mac or Windows in high quality:

  1. Start audio converter software AuI ConverteR 48x44.

     
  2. In the main program window, push Open files button and choose input .dsf (DSD file type)*
     
  3. In the main window (right middle part), in Format panel, select target FLAC format, its sample rate and bit depth.
     
  4. Select the target directory for converted files
    See the main window (left lower part) > Directory output files field.
    The directory can be as absolute as a relative (of source file) directory.
    You can enter the directory manually or via "..." button.
     
    Output directory to convert DSF to FLAC
     
  5. Click Start button.
     
  6. Wait until conversion end. Look for converted files in the target directory selected in goal 4.

* if it's available in purchased software configuration (check the DSF to FLAC software configurations)

WARNING: DVD-audio/video, Blu-Ray, DVD/BluRay/CD ISO are NOT supported.
For Modula-R version, SACD ISO, DSF, DFF are supported in proper configurations.
For ISO tracks, DSF, DFF longer than 3 minutes, FREE edition mutes 2-second silence in the output middle and has other restrictions
Free version has processing sound quality identical commercial editions.

 

 

 

 

 

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Pricing

 

AuI ConverteR has several price/functionality options that allow saving your budget for the required functionality. You can expand Modula-R abilities later by purchasing new modules. Unlimited-time license, major updates (... 10.x > 11.x > 12.x > ... versions) are paid.

WARNING: Modula-R modules (parts of AuI ConverteR’s functionality) are NOT compatible with Free version.
ADD-ON modules work with certain CORE modules only (see details).
The module is license key received in order email. To activate module functionality, enter its key in Modula-R executable.
 
All "Modula-R" modules together have "PROduce-RD"'s abilities.
Full-featured "PROduce-RD" version is like a discount on price of full module kit of "Modula-R" version.

 
To expand functionality, module(s) (compatible with purchased major version number) may be ordered separately.
Modula-R license cannot be replaced with PROduce-RD.

* All prices on this page are in U.S. dollars without V.A.T. and other applicable taxes and fees. The prices are recommended. Information on this page is not a public offer.

 

 

Watch and share: How to convert DSF to FLAC [Mac, Windows]
 

 

 

How to convert DSF DFF DSD files to FLAC

 

 

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DSF to FLAC conversion. Overview

Sound quality of conversion

Various audio conversion software can provide different sound qualities. It is a noise and distortion levels, primarily.

AuI ConverteR vs a converter software: DSD64 to PCM 44.1 kHz aliases
AuI ConverteR vs a converter software: DSD64 to PCM 44.1 kHz

 

In this picture, we can see spectrogram of PCM audio file in CD resolution. This file is result of convertstion from DSD file.

Vertical axis is a frequency. Upper along the axis means higher frequency. Horisontal axis is time. The future in the right.

We can see original signal as the bright line. It is clearly visible on the upper part of the picture.

The distortions are visible as the repeatable lines with lower brightness. These lines show audible distortions, that correlate with original signal.

Conversion speed may depend on conversion accuracy. Higher accuracy requires more computing resources and time.

Sometimes, reducing playback noise level can be achieved via frequency band reducing of converted music stuff.

Check AuI ConverteR's Settings > General tab > Filter mode list. If you listen to noise during playing back of converted FLAC, use "Optimized" mode for DSF to FLAC conversion.

"Optimized G5" mode is slower and recommended for professional using rather. The mode causes a shorter ringing length.

Read more about filter modes and other quality issues >

 

FLAC data compression

FLAC compression level doesn't alter audio quality of music. After unpacking binary content is the same for any compression level.

Check AuI ConverteR's Settings > General tab > FLAC compressing slider.

 

Metadata

Metadata from input files may be exported into output ones, including artwork.

AuI ConverteR with metadata editor option allows batch editing metadata of albums (group of files) and assigning own album artwork.

 

 

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

DSF DFF DSD files to FLAC. F.A.Q.

What is a DSF audio file?

DSF audio file contains DSD audio stream and  information about track (song): artwork, name, album, etc.

Read more...

 

What is DSF audio format?

DSF audio format is a format of sound files to store DSD audio.

Read details...

 

What file format is DSF?

Files with .dsf file extensions are files in DSF audio format.

Read more...

 

Is DSF lossless?

DSF audio file is lossless.

Read details...

 

Can FLAC be DSD?

FLAC may be convertet to DSD files. Read guide...

 

Is DSD better than FLAC?

FLAC may be better DSD or worse. It's depending on implementation of ADC, DAC and quality of recorded/played back stuff.

Read more...

 

Is there anything better than FLAC?

FLAC is a lossless PCM format. WAV format is more flexible and give wider audio resolution abilities. MQA format allows decreasing file size. DSD gives potential abilities to improve sound quality.

It's not simple matter. Read more...

 

Is DSD the best audio format?

DSD audio format is not the best. DSD and PCM formats have their own disadvantages and advantages.

Read more...

 

What is the difference between DSD and DSF?

DSF (.dsf file extension) is a file format intended for DSD audio data.

 

How do I convert DSF to FLAC?

Read:

 

How do I convert DSF to FLAC on Mac?

Read the guide on how you can convert DSF to FLAC on Mac here...

 

Can DSD be converted to FLAC?

Yes. Read manuals on how you can convert DSD files to FLAC:

 

Is DSD to FLAC lossless?

Conversion DSD to FLAC causes some distortions because filtering and resampling are there.

However, properly done converting causes such small distortions which can be ignored.

Read more...

 

How do I convert DSF to mp3?

Read this step-by-step  DSF to mp3 conversion user guide...

 

What program can open a DSF file?

DSF audio file may be opened with programs to:

 

How do I play DSF on foobar2000?
How do you play DSF in foobar2000?

Read step-by-step  DSD on foobar2000 user guide...

 

How do I play DSD files?

You can play DSD files with:

Alternatively, you can convert DSD to FLAC, PCM files before playback at an ordinary player...

 

Can VLC play DSF files?
Can VLC play DSF?

As far as the author knows, the DSF playback ability of VLC, at the moment of the article writing, is still not implemented.

However, you can convert DSF files to ordinary FLAC with high sound quality...

 

Can Foobar play DSF?

Yes. Foobar can play DSF files. Read more...

 

How do I play DSF files on my Mac?

You can play DSF files on Mac with DSD players...

 

How do I play DSF files on my PC?

To play DSF files on your PC, you need DSD music player software...

 

How do I play a SACD file?

You can play SACD ISO file with audio player software...

 

How do I open PCM files?

You can open PCM files with software to:

 

 

 

 

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Read more

 

 

Tutorials

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