Quote:
Originally Posted by audio bill
The high resolution data on an SACD is in DSD format which is not output through conventional SPDIF digital outputs (which include RCA or BNC, Toslink optical, and AES/EBU.) Hybrid SACDs also have an additional data layer of CD resolution PCM data which can be read by most CD players and that digital PCM data can be output via SPDIF. The PS Audio DirectStream Memory Player is able to be connected to their DirectStream DAC via an HDMI cable which transmits the high resolution DSD data via an I2S connection made between the matching transport and DAC. Conventional SACD players are only allowed to decode the DSD data and output it via their analog outputs, not by conventional digital SPDIF connections. There are some other companies offering similar digital connectivity which provide a method of decoding the DSD data from an SACD with their own DACs, such as the McIntosh you mentioned, Bryston's BDA-3 DAC via HDMI connection from an SACD player, and some other matching transport/DAC combos.
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Thanks Audio Bill, much appreciated.