NSC222 and DSD

Streaming Audio
1

Hi community

Does NSC222 natively play DSD files or NSC222 converts them to PCM?

2

Converts to pcm,

3

So the output to the power amp is lossy. Isn’t it?

4

You’re a bit confused here. Amp outputs are never ‘lossy’; they are an analogue output capable,of driving ‘speakers, to put it simply.

DSD and PCM are means of digitally expressing an analogue waveform (source)

5

I meant that when NSC222 converts DSD to PCM before it transforms the signals to analog output , the quality of the digital input to the DAC chip degrades

6

That old chestnut! Perhaps theoretically, but audibly? DoP (DSD over PCM) has been a thing for a while.

Really excellent DACs like the T+A 200 have separate conversion processes for DSD and PCM. I must say, having heard DSD on this DAC, it really does shine.

DSD for most people is just not relevant. I’m not aware of any DSD streaming services. Files would have to be local or purchased and downloaded. That’s a tiny use set (but vocal in the ‘audiophile’ world :smiley:).

I still use DSD in that I have an SACD player, but that does the conversion in the player and I use the analogue outputs.