Read quick start guide
Sound quality matters
Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
SACD ISO to DSF DFF [DSD files] Mac Windows
How to convert SACD ISO to DSF, DFF (DSD audio files) [stereo, multichannel] to playback music at audiophile apparatus, editing and hard disk space-saving. Read step-by-step manual how to rip DSD ISO file.
How to extract SACD ISO to DSD (DSF, DFF) files [step-by-step]
To convert SACD ISO to DSD (DSF, DFF files) on Mac or Windows:
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Start AuI ConverteR 48x44 software.
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Push "Open files" button and open SACD .iso file.*
Read about SACD optical disk ripping. - Select DSF or DFF (DSD format) at main window Output panel. .dsf format support metadata (track, album, performer, album art, others)
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At the main window Output panel: select sample rate up to 45.2 MHz [DSD1024]
(bit-perfect extraction at 2.8 MHz [DSD64] only) **
Read about sound quality and full converting ISO guide > - At main window Album art tab: assign album artwork **
- Select stereo or multichannel album variant extraction from ISO.
- Select target directory (see more in the video and tutorial)
- Push Start button to extract (rip) SACD ISO.
- Wait until the end of conversion (converted files are located in the target directory)
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If you got audible artefacts and distortions, it is rather overload issues.
In Settings > General > "Output attenuator" field set "-3 dB" or "-6 dB" or use level normalization** (may not be applied for bit-perfect extraction) to maximize loudness. See more about troubleshooting...
WARNING: AuI ConverteR 48x44 doesn't support DVD-audio and DVD-video.
AuI ConverteR process too long file names and paths, non-Latin and forbidden characters (created from metadata) for successful output file writing. Third-party utility decode SACD ISO for additional processing with AuI ConverteR. Read whole page carefully.
* If .iso supported in the purchased configuration. When you convert first time read about (auto codec downloading and installing).
** If it's available in the purchased configuration
*** All prices at this page in the 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.
WARNING: ISO (1-bit audio, aka SACD ISO only), DSF, DFF are supported in price configurable Modula-R and all-included PROduce-RD
For ISO tracks, DSF, DFF with length more 3 minutes FREE demo mute 2-second silence in the output middle
Converted stuff is placed in the target directory
Dithering is ignored when extracting ISO to DSF.
Select target format to convert ISO to DSF
Album artwork panel
Sound quality
SACD ISO is file-container with tracks (songs) included in a musical album. The file-container may contain mixes (variants) of album: stereo and/or multichannel.
The file-container has sample rate 2.8 MHz and bit depth 1 bit sigma-delta modulation / DSD (the author have no information about higher sample rates in the containers).
The file-container's stuff may be extracted in bit-perfect mode (without altering). There is binary content the container and extracted stuff is identical. It is possible at 2.8 MHz sample rate only.
Also, the container's stuff may be resampled so that playback at D128 and higher DAC or digital music player. Equipment has several playback modes (audio resolutions), that can cause individual distortion level of each mode. Using mode with minimum distortions can improve sound quality. Read details here >
In the ideal case, should not be noise in audible band. Lesser noise (darker background) is higher sound quality.
We can compare noise with sea waves.
Lesser noise is like smaller quieter waves.
We can listen music clearer when waves are quieter.
A multichannel variant may be played back at a multichannel system or downmixed 5.1 in 2.0 to playback at stereo equipment or headphones.
Downmixing may be performed inline ("on fly" into player) or offline (convert ISO to DSF 2.0 - with/without downmixing - before playback via music converter). Offline stereo extraction/conversion save disk space at portable musical device's hard disk. Therefore you can place more music at a digital music player or mobile phone.
Also, read some sound quality issues below.
Conversion ISO to DFF is not recommended. Because DFF doesn't support metadata (song, album names, performer, year, artwork) standard way. Theoretically, metadata may be built into DFF technically as non-standard information block. However, playback software/hardware will ignore it, as rule.
If the target sample rate is D128 / D256 / D512 / D1024, resampling processing is used. Resampling processing based on filtering. These filters have several settings.
At Settings > General tab:
- Filter mode list:
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"Optimized resampling filter" cut frequencies upper 20 kHz (eliminating of intermodulation distortions by ultrasound);
-
"Non-Optimized resampling filter" cut frequencies upper 20...24 kHz (depend on input/output sample rates) - eliminating intermodulation distortions by ultrasound, wider signal band;
- "Non-Optimized wide resampling filter" cut frequencies upper 20...100 kHz (depend on input/output sample rates).
At some equipment "Non-Optimized..." filters can cause audible noise: see the video.
Watch and share: Noise when playback some high-resolution recordings (at some hardware)
"Optimized..." filter is recommended for most cases.
Check/uncheck Use minimum phase filter switch for minimum/linear phase filter respectively. "Non-Optimized..." filters have linear mode only.
Pricing for ISO to DSF conversion
AuI ConverteR has several price/functionality options that allow saving your budget for the required functionality. You can expand Modula-R abilities later via purchasing new modules.
* All prices at this page in the 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.
[MOST RECOMMENDED, ALL-INCLUDING] configuration PROduce-RD
TOP SELLER
You can either buy unlimited-time license and pay for major updates (... 10.x > 11.x > 12.x > ... versions).
[MINIMUM PRICE Modula-R's module kit]
unlimited-time license, paid major updates(... 10.x > 11.x > 12.x ...);
convert SACD ISO to DSF (DSD64 only, without audio processing),
fix long path name and non-Latin symbol issues in target files
BEST SELLER
[RECOMMENDED Modula-R's module kit]
unlimited-time license, paid major updates(... 10.x > 11.x > 12.x ...);
convert SACD ISO, DSF/DFF(up to DSD128) to DSF/DFF(up to DSD128), FLAC and other PCM (up to 192 kHz, 24 bit, 32 bit float)
with parallel processing, true gapless mode, level normalization, album artwork assigning, anti-click SmoothDC.
How to save disk space and energy at portable devices
SACD ISO files may contain 2 album variants: stereo and multichannel.
Portable devices (DAP, mobile phone) have:
- limited hard disk space;
- limited battery charge (time of autonomous work).
As rule portable device is intended for stereo playback.
An audio player software has 2 options:
- extract stereo album variant from SACD ISO;
- extract multichannel (5.1) variant and downmix it to 2.0.
In case #1, excessive hard disk space of mobile devices is consumed. And lesser music file number may be placed at the mobile device.
In case #2, additional computing resources (and energy too) are consumed. Additional energy consuming reduce autonomous-work time.
To solve cases #1 and #2, the extraction of stereo DSFs may be used.
If ISO contains multichannel variant only, downmix 5.1 to stereo may be applied.
Tips
a) Don't open content of mounted iso file. Open *.iso file instead.
b) To view ISO content (album name, performer, year, stereo/multichannel variants, track number):
- Push "Open files" button and open .iso (sacd iso only).
- In AuI ConverteR's main window Source files tab, hover mouse cursor under ISO file row.
- Tooltips window appears. Information about ISO is shown there. In round brackets, track number of each of album veriants is displayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SACD ISO?
SACD ISO is DSD audio file, that is image of SACD optical disk. Read more...
What is DSF format? What are DSF music files?
DSF format is audio file type that contains DSD stuff. Read details...
What are DSD music files?
DSD music files are audio files in format SACD ISO, DSF, DFF. Read more...
Where can I download DSD music for free?
You can download DSD music files here:
What is SACD DSF?
SACD is optical disk. It may be ripped to SACD ISO (.iso file) or .dsf file.
SACD ISO may be converted to DSF files.
If you rip SACD optical disk directly to DSF, it can cause issues of long path/name and others. Read more...
Is SACD the same as DSD?
Yes. SACD optical disk and its ISO image are one of DSD audio files.
SACD may be converted to other DSD files without losses.
How do you convert SACD to DSF?
Optical SACD may be ripped to .iso or .dsf/.dff files. However, some issues with DSD file creation may happens.
If you rip SACD optical disk to .iso (SACD ISO), it can be extracted to DSF/DFF with solving the issues...
When SACD ISO is extracted, some click/pop issues may be there. Read what to do...
How do I open a DSD ISO file?
DSD ISO file may be open
How do I open a DSD ISO file?
DSD ISO file may be opened:
- played back;
- converted:
- edited.
How do I extract music from SACD ISO?
You can extract music from SACD ISO to:
Can you rip a SACD? Can you rip SACDs? Can I rip an SACD?
Yes, you can. To rip SACD optical disk you need:
- Special hardware,
- Special software.
Read more information...
How to rip SACD ISO file read here...
How do you convert SACD to DSD?
SACD optical disk may be converted to DSD files directly.
However, file name is formed by metadata. It can cause file-creating error due to:
- non-Latin and forbidden symbols,
- too long pathname.
In this case you can convert the optical disk to SACD ISO and extract DSD files with auto fixing of these issues.
How do I open SACD ISO file?
You can open it:
- via audio player software;
- convert to DSD or PCM files.
SACD ISO may contains stereo and multichannel variants of an musical album. It consume additional space at hard disk. It is significant factor for mobile devices.
To solve the issue, stereo variant may be extracted or multichannel one is downmixed.
Sound quality of SACD ISO to PCM extracting is defined by implementation. So, qualitative extraction may be used for further bit-perfect PCM playback.
Also, sampling rate and bit depth may be matter for sound quality.
How do I extract a SACD ISO file?
You can extract SACD ISO file to:
Is DSD a SACD? Is DSD and SACD the same?
DSD is common name of an audio coding way. DSD-coded audio data is stored in a SACD optical disk, SACD ISO file (image of the optical disk), DSF, DFF files.
Read more:
Is DSD a SACD?
SACD is optical disk that contains audio in DSD format.
Read details...
Is DSD the same as DSF? What is DSD and DSF?
DSF is audio file format containing DSD-coded audio.
Read more...
Is DSD better than FLAC?
Sound quality
In a recording/playback audio system, DSD format allows passing some stages theoretically. So it may be a way to reduce distortions. However, the audio-system design is matter.
Other issues
However, DSD causes some issues:
- big file size,
- more complex preparing for editing.
Read more...
Can I rip SACD to FLAC? How Rip SACD ISO to FLAC?
SACD optical disk may be ripped to SACD ISO. SACD ISO may be extracted to FLAC.
How do I convert ISO to FLAC?
You can convert ISO to FLAC via audio converter software. See details...
How do I extract tracks from SACD?
You can rip SACD optical disk to SACD ISO file.
Read how to extract tracks from SACD ISO:
How do I extract audio from an ISO file?
SACD ISO may be extracted to:
How do I convert ISO to DSD?
Read how to convert SACD ISO to DSD...
Can SACDs be ripped? How do I rip a SACD layer?
Yes. SACD optical disk may be ripped to ISO or DSF. Ripping Super Audio CD to .iso is recommended. Read more...
How do I burn a DSF file?
You can burn DSF files on any size-capable optical disk with standard CD/DVD-burner.
However, these files will be visible at the disk as usual computer files.
To create SACD optical disk, special licensed equipment and authoring software (in instance, "Philips SuperAuthor") are need.
Here the discussion...
How do you create a SACD?
You can create SACD optical disk via an authoring software (as example, "Philips SuperAuthor") and special licensed apparatus.
Read the discussion...
How do I rip SACD to my computer? How do you rip SACDs?
Read how to rip SACD optical disk to computer files...
What is DFF file?
DFF file is DSD audio file format by Philips. As rule, it used in pro-audio applications. Have DSF-format-identical sound quality.
Can you rip SACD audio?
To rip SACD optical disc, some hardware is need. See details by links below...
How do I convert DSF to FLAC?
See DSF to FLAC user manual...
How do I convert audio to DSD?
You can convert audio to DSD several ways:
Can PCM be converted to DSD?
PCM may be converted to DSD files this way...
How do I convert ISO to DSD on Mac?
Read user guide How to convert ISO to DSD on Mac...
Are SACDs still being made?
Yes. You can buy SACD at online stores...
Does is there a difference between SACD ISO to DSF converters?
- If such conversion software item works in bit-perfect mode and without glitches, there is no difference for sound quality.
- If resampling or any audio processing (gain, filtering, EQ, etc.) is there, it can cause a sound quality difference.
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When ISO is extracted, an output file may be named according to the text ISO metadata. If the metadata are too long, file path+name length may be excessive for an operating system.
Also, the metadata can contain non-Latin or forbidden symbols (*, ', etc.). These things cause (can cause) error. And extracted audio file cannot be created.
For example, AuI ConveteR fix these issues automatically.
Are extracted DSF / DFF files have sound quality identical original SACD ISO?
Yes, when you use bit-perfect extraction mode and target sample rate DSD64.
Why stereo / multichannel extraction needs?
Multichannel extraction is recommended for multichannel audio systems only.
For stereo musical systems (especial portable ones) stereo extraction or downmix of multichannel to stereo is recommended. Read details...
What DSF/DFF sample rate is recommended to extract from SACD ISO?
Read recommendations for target sample rate choice...
When you oversample to DSF/DFF, is it necessary to extract to DSD64 first?
No. If you use AuI ConverteR, select any target format, sample rate, bit depth once, without any intermediate conversions.
Can I use batch ISO extraction with minimum configuration of AuI ConverteR?
Yes. You can use batch ISO conversion with minimum AuI ConverteR configuration.
However, it must be remembered that batch ISO extraction demands many free temporary hard disk space.
You can set hard disk for temporary space in AuI ConverteR settings > Misc > "Directory of temporary files". After it's changed, restart the software.
Do AuI ConverteR has built-in codec for SACD ISO extracting?
Third-party sacd_extract codec or other utility, compatible with AuI ConverteR, connected as command line utility, decodes SACD ISO for further processing with AuI ConverteR. Read more about codecs...
Where can I read about SACD to FLAC, WAV, mp3 and other PCM extraction?
Read this tutorial...
Where can I read the full SACD extract tutorial?
Read the full SACD extract tutorial...
Can you play SACD on computer?
You can't play SACD optical disk on a computer. However, as the author know, some SONY VAIO laptops can play SACD.
SACD may be ripped to an audio files to playback on ordinary computer.
Read details...
Can Foobar play DSD? Does Foobar play DSD?
Yes. Read guide...
Can Foobar play ISO file?
Yes. Foobar 2000 is capable to play SACD ISO files. Read guide...
How do you play SACD on Foobar?
You cannot play SACD optical disk on foobar2000. But, you can rip the SACD to audio files and play it on Foobar.
Read guide...
Can Audirvana play ISO files? Can Audirvana play SACD ISO?
Yes. Audirvana can play SACD ISO files. Read details...
Read more F.A.Q. about SACD ISO extraction >
Does Roon play ISO?
As the author know, Roon can't play SACD ISO files (discussion).
However, you can convert SACD ISO to DSD files to listen with Roon.
Preparations for сonversion
- Launch AuI ConverteR 48x44 (see ISO to DSF converter configurations)
- Open Settings > CD ripper/ISO tab
- Select stereo 2.0 / multichannel (SACD 5.1) track extraction
- Skipping pause before first track: check "Skip pause for first ISO track" switch
- Skipping pauses between tracks: check "Skip pause for all tracks" switch
- Click OK button in the Settings window
- (Optionally) Continuous-album extraction (opera, concert, show or same ones): the main window > Parameters tab check "True gapless mode"**
- Binary identical (bit-perfect) extraction mode: the Settings window > General tab check "Don't make DSP ..." switch. The target sample rate must be 2.8 MHz (D64)
Convert ISO to DSF: Settings
How to rip SACD optical disk
SACD optical disk ripping cannot be read on an ordinary CD/DVD drive of a computer. The ripping requires special hardware to read a Super Audio CD.
To rip a SACD optical disk, the hardware is used in connection with sacd_extract utility.
The ripped DSD stream may be saved as .iso (SACD ISO) or .dsf/.dff files.
DFF files may cause issues with storing metadata.
DSD files in the ripping may cause issues with long path names and others. If using ripping software can't solve the issue, ripping to SACD ISO (.iso) files is recommended.
After it, ISO to DSF conversion may be applied...
SACD ripping ways:
Read more about ISO converters
May 23, 2022 updated | since May 04, 2017
