Compressed DSD output (DST encoding) with 3 different strategy options - SAVE 50-60% DISK SPACE Join over 500,000 subscribers. Subscribe for our newsletter with best Mac offers from MacUpdate. The latest version of DSD Master is 1.0 on Mac Informer. It is a perfect match for the Audio & Video category. The app is developed by BitPerfect. Colibri is a Lossless Mac Music & Audio Player for Apple Mac macOS with BS2B support for multiple headphones, 10-band EQ (Peaking Equalizer), Gapless Playback and Bit-Perfect Stereo Balance. M4A, AAC, ALAC, MP3, MIDI, MOD, TTA, DSD, WV, CUE Sheets and other popular formats. Important notice for Mac users. Consequently, playback of native DSD files will not be possible with updated Mac computers and Hegel HD12, HD30,.
DSD player software is designed to playback Direct Stream Digital audio files (.dsf, .dff, sacd iso, DoP). Look how to play DSD files via free software (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS for iPhone, iPad), about sound quality, comparison list, F.A.Q. at this page - explanation by audio software developer Yuri Korzunov.
HD audio file conversion
DSD player list
WARNING: This table can contain errors. It is not an offer or advertising. We are not affiliated with listed products. We guarantee nothing. If you found wrong information, contact us, please. To get exact information, contact with the software developers and/or vendors.
DSD player audio software list [See FREE audio players for hi-res]
Audio player | Operation system | License | Supported file types | Sample rate | DAC interface | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DSD players Windows, Mac, Linux | ||||||
Amarra Luxe | Windows, Mac | Commercial | DSF | |||
Audiogate | Windows, Mac | DSF, DFF | up to DSD128 | DAC limitation for the software activation | ||
Audirvana | 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 | ||
Foobar2000(with sacd input plugin) | Windows | Free | DSF, DFF (including DST), SACD ISO | up to DSD512 | ASIO, DSD to PCM | |
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 | Need additional hardware and pre-conversion DSD files to PCM DoP files. How to adjust and use the software. | ||
Media Player Classic | Windows | Free | DSF, DFF | |||
moOde audio player | To run on Raspberry Pi | Free | Here information about DSD settings | |||
Pine Player | Mac | Free | DSD to PCM (up to 768 kHz) | Mac App Store | ||
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 DSD128 | USB driver | 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 | up to DSD256 | net driver (Dropbox / DLNA / LAN) native DSD, DoP, DSD to PCM | |
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 |
HD audio file conversion
Download FREE DSD converters >
Check FREE DSD music downloads >
Read about DSD DACs >
Read more about mobile device connections to DSD playback here.
How to play DSD files
To play DSD files, audio player software should be configured properly. DAC may be either DSD or PCM.
There is no general rule, that is the best sound quality for every case.
When PCM DAC is used, the conversion of DSD to PCM format is used.
DSD DAC may get an audio stream natively ('native DSD' stream via ASIO driver) of DoP (DSD over PCM).
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
DSD files may be played back in bit-perfect modes:
- DSD file (DSF, DFF, SACD ISO);
- DoP (DSD over PCM) file (FLAC, WAV, AIFF, other lossless PCM files).
Bit-perfect means transmitting of audio file content to DAC without altering.
What is gapless playback
When uninterrupted albums (operas, concerts) listen, non-gapless playback can cause clicks at track borders.
Dsd For Mac Pro
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 the 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 the processing.
Many digital audio players (DAP) capable of playback at stereo headphones. But some of your records may be multichannel.
Dsd Master For Mac
When DAP play 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 putting more songs at hard disk.
If file 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
Sd Formatter
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.
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 to resolution conversion and other processing.
Real-time playback conversion DSD to PCM on mobile devices consume additional battery charge and part of the device CPU performance. It can cause a lesser time of 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 lifetime. Because a mobile device performs lesser calculation number.
Also pre-downmix, pre-conversion DSD to PCM, pre-downsampling save free space at the hard disk of the mobile device.
DAC interfaces
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 to coding DSD into 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 the 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
What is DSD player? How do I listen DSD 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.
Is DSD better than FLAC?
It is matter of recording quality and playback tool implementation. Read about DSD and FLAC comparison...
Is DSD audio worth it?
DSD allow to simplify a playback system and solve some issues of analog filter, theoretically. But implementation of the system makes actual result. See more...
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 list here...
Can VLC play DSF?
Looks like, VLC can't play DSF. Follow current state here...
Can iPhone play DSD files?
Yes. iOS player software can play DSD files. See here...
How do I play DSF files with foobar2000?
Yes, you can. Read foobar2000 DSD playback guide here...
Can Windows Media Player play DSD?
No. Windows Media Player can't play DSD. But, you can use other software...
What is DSD music file?
DSD audio files are files, that capable to contains DSD audio content: DSF, DFF, SACD ISO and DoP FLAC, WAV, etc. Read details here...
What is DSF audio file?
Read DSF file quick guide here...
What is DFF audio file?
DFF file is one of DSD files. Its audio data content is identical to DSF by the sound quality. Read DFF file details here...
How do I open DFF file?
DFF file is supported by software...
How do I play DFF files?
DFF files are played back via auio player software...
How do I play SACD ISO file?
You can play SACD ISO at hardware and software players.
However, SACD ISO may contains stereo and multichannel album variant. And it consume additional place at hardware player.
You can extract SACD ISO to DSD or PCM files. You choice PCM vs DSD is matter of your music player and hardware ability.
See more:
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...
What is native DSD support?
DSD files may be played back 3 ways:
- on-fly conversionDSD 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.
September 15, 2020 updated | since May 01, 2018
From The RadioReference Wiki
Overview
Digital Speech Decoder is an open source software package that decodes severaldigital speech formats. It uses the mbelib library (a separate open source package)to synthesize the decoded digital speech. It does not allow decoding of encryptedcommunications. It can save the compressed digital audio bits to 'mbe' data files(.imb and .amb extensions) and play back those saved files. It's discussed in this forum.
The latest version (1.6) supports the following formats and modulation types:
- P25 Phase 1
- ProVoice EDACS Digital voice
- X2-TDMA - Motorola public safety TDMA system with P25 style signaling (mostly based on DMR)
- DMR/MOTOTRBO - Digital Mobile Radio standard
- NXDN - 9600 baud (12.5 kHz) NEXEDGE and 4800 baud (6.25 kHz) NEXEDGE/IDAS
- D-STAR - The Github version of dsd/mbelib can parse and play back D-STAR traffic.
- C4FM modulation
- GFSK modulation (including GMSK and other filtered 2/4 level FSK)
- QPSK modulation (sometimes marketed as 'LSM')
The following formats are currently under investigation or development:
- P25 Phase 2 - standard not finalized yet, vocoder is supported by mbelib
- OpenSky - four slot format vocoder may be supported by mbelib. Will not be supportable if it is determined that voice encryption is standard
- Other formats will only be considered if high quality samples of the signals are made available for download by the developers. Samples must be from a discriminator tap, .wav format, 48000Hz, 16 bits per sample, mono.
DSD and mbelib should compile on Linux and *BSD operating systems. Any linuxdistribution should work as long as it has support for your audio devices.DSD version 1.3 and later requires mbelib 1.2 or later.
The forum for discussion of this package can be found here.
Copyright License
DSD and mbelib are both released under a BSD style copyright license. This means that as far as copyrights are concerned it can be freely copied and used, including for commercial products as long as the original copyright notice is included. (However, see important patent issues section below.)
Patent Issues with mbelib
While DSD was intended to be patent-free, mbelib describes functions thatmay be covered by one or more U.S. patents owned by DVSI Inc. The source code itself shouldnot be infringing as it merely describes possible methods of implementation.Compiling or using mbelib may infringe on patents rights and/or require licensing.It is unknown if DVSI will sell licenses for software that uses mbelib. If you donot have a license and are in a jurisdiction protected by the DVSI patents you shouldnot compile or use this source code.
Help Page for Windows
GitHub Wiki
Downloads
dsd-1.6.0 source download in zip format |
mbelib-1.2.5 source download in zip format |
Windows executables and support files, zipped |
- Note: You'll need cygwin1.dll for all but DSD+. Go to cygwin.com and install it.
- Note: Cygwin 1.7.26 is broken (/dev/dsp audio device doesn't work)
- DSD on Github Currently 1.7 version
Known Working Hardware Setups
If this list gets large enough I will move it to its own page so as not to detract from the overview of DSD.
Discriminator Source | Input | Input Sound Device | Output Sound Device | Operating System/Linux Distro | Computer Specs | Audio Successfully Decoded |
GRE PSR-500 Direct Tap | iMic mic port | iMic | Onboard audio | Ubuntu 10.04 | Dell Mini 1012 netbook N450(1.66GHz) | ProVoice |
TV28T DVB-T (R820T)/SDR# * | VB-Audio | Soundblaster Audigy (PCI) | Onboard Audio | Windows XP Pro | Intel DG41TY w/ Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q9400 (2.66GHz) | P25 Phase 1, MotoTRBO |
TV28T DVB-T (R820T2)/SDR# * | VB-Audio | Nvidia HD Audio | Nvidia HD Audio | Windows 7 | Intel DG41TY w/ Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q9400 (2.66GHz) | P25 Phase 1, MotoTRBO |
RadioShack Pro-97 Direct Tap | Line In | Realtek HD Audio | Realtek HD Audio | Ubuntu 10.04 | Acer Aspire One Netbook D150 (1.7 GHz) | P25 Phase I |
RadioShack Pro-95 Direct Tap w/10k Resistor | Line In | iMic & Realtek HD Audio | iMic & Realtek HD Audio | Ubuntu 10.04 | Custom Built/ Gigabyte Motherboard | P25 Phase I, Provoice |
RadioShack Pro-95 Disc Tap | Line in | G110 Keyboard | G110 Keyboard | Windows 7 | EVGA x58/i7 920 | Provoice |
RadioShack Pro-94 Direct Tap | Line In | Realtek HD Audio | Realtek HD Audio | Ubuntu 10.04 | Custom Built/ Gigabyte Motherboard | P25 Phase I |
RadioShack Pro-90 Disc Tap | Line In | AC97 | AC97 | Ubuntu 10.4 | 3 GHz 1.5MB | P25 Phase I |
RadioShack Pro-79 Direct Tap | Line In | Analog Devices ADI 198x Integrated Audio/SoundBlaster Live!32 | Analog Devices ADI 198x Integrated Audio/SoundBlaster Live!32 | Xubuntu 9.10/Ubuntu 10.04 | Dell GX270 (P4 2.6 GHz)/Lenovo Thinkpad X61 (Core 2 Duo)/Dell Precision 300 (P4 3.2 GHz) | P25 Phase I, ProVoice, MotoTRBO |
RadioShack Pro-2067 Direct Tap | Line In | Analog Devices ADI 198x Integrated Audio | Analog Devices ADI 198x Integrated Audio | Ubuntu 10.04 | Dell GX520 (2.8 GHz - 3.4 GHz) | MotoTRBO, ProVoice |
RadioShack Pro-433 Disc Tap | Line in | Intel HD Audio | Intel HD Audio | Ubuntu 11.04 | Dell Inspiron 1525 Core 2 Duo | MotoTRBO |
Icom IC-PCR1000 Packet out w/100k ohm resistor and 10uf capacitor built into cable | Line In | AC97 | Diamond XS71 | Ubuntu 10.04 | Amd Athlon 64 (1.8 GHz - 2.4 GHz) | P25 Phase I, MotoTRBO |
Icom IC-PCR1000 Packet output | Line In | AC97 | Sound Blaster X-Fi | Debian Lenny | Athlon 64 3000+ (2.0 GHz) | Provoice, MotoTRBO, P25 Phase I |
Uniden BCT15X | Line In | AC97 | Sound Blaster X-Fi | Debian Lenny | Athlon 64 3000+ (2.0 GHz) | Provoice, MotoTRBO, P25 Phase I |
Uniden BCT-15X Disc Tap | Mic In (DC Bias removed) | C-Media CM108 ($1.87 on eBay) | C-Media CM108 ($1.87 on eBay) | Windows 7 Pro | IBM x336 dual Xeon 3.0GHz | ProVoice, DMR, P25 Phase I |
Uniden BCT-15 Disc Tap | Mic in | ATI | Sound Max | Ubuntu 10.4 | 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo 4.0MB | P25 Phase I |
Uniden BCT-8 Disc Tap | Line In | Realtek HD Audio | Sound Blaster X-Fi | Windows 7 | i7-3960X 3.30GHz | MotoTRBO |
Uniden BC796D Disc Tap | Line in | Sound Blaster X-Fi | Sound Blaster X-Fi | Windows 7 | HP Pavillion Elite, Intel i7 quad core | P25 Phase 1, ProVoice, MotoTRBO |
Uniden BC350A Direct Tap | Line In | RealTek HD Audio | RealTek HD Audio | Ubuntu 10.04 32-bit | AMD Turion 64 X2 (2.0 GHz) | MotoTRBO, NXDN 4800 |
Uniden BC246T Disc Tap w/100k ohm resistor and 10uf capacitor built into cable | Line In | AC97 | AC97 | Ubuntu 10.04 on flash drive | Dell Dimension 2400 (2.4 GHz - 2.8 GHz) | P25 Phase I |
Uniden BC245xlt Direct Tap | iMic mic port | iMic | Onboard audio | Ubuntu 10.04 | Dell Mini 1012 netbook N450(1.66GHz) | ProVoice |
Uniden BC235xlt Direct Tap | iMic mic port | iMic | Onboard audio | Ubuntu 10.04 | Dell Mini 1012 netbook N450(1.66GHz) | ProVoice |
Yaesu ft857 packet socket | Line In | snd_hda_intel | snd_usb_audio | Ubuntu 9.1 32bit | AMD Athlon 64x2 8400+ (2.1 GHz) | MotoTRBO |
Yaesu FT8800 Disc Tap | Line In | AC97 | AC97 | Debian (no GUI) | 1.7 GHz Athlon | MotoTRBO, P25 Phase I |
AOR AR-2515 Disc Tap | Line In | AC97 | AC97 | Ubuntu 10.4 | 3 GHz 1.5MB | P25 Phase I |
Kenwood TH-F6A 9600 baud out w/100k ohm resistor and 10uf capacitor built into cable | Mic in | AC97 | AC97 | Ubuntu 10.04 | Acer Aspire One | P25 Phase I, MotoTRBO |
Uniden BCT15X Disc Tap 10k ohm resistor and 10uf capacitor | Line In | SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio | SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio | Windows 8 Pro | Athlon 64 6400+ (3.1 GHz) | P25 Phase I NXDN 9600 |
Uniden BC346XT Disc Tap 10k ohm resistor | Line In | Realtek HD Audio | Realtek HD Audio | Windows 7 64 | Intel i5-2500 (3.3 GHz) | Provoice, P25 Phase I, DMR |
ICOM IC-7100 USB Sound output | USB | USB Audio Codec | Realtek HD Audio | Windows 7 32 | Intel P9700 (2.8 GHz) | P25 Phase I, DMR |
DVT-SDR with , Unitrunker 1.0.27.19,or SDR# | USB | VB Audio Virtual Cable | Onboard Audio | Windows 8.1 Pro | Microsoft Surface Pro (first gen). Intel i5. | MotoTRBO, P25 |
- also tested using the DSD+ plugin from Vasili Beliakov's SDR# plugin collection
Frequently Asked Questions
Dd For Mac
Q: Do I need a radio with discriminator tap?
A: Yes, if you want to listen live or save mbe data files, and are using a scanner for input. No radio or discriminator tap is required to play saved mbe data files.
Q: Where can I get information on the discriminator tap for my radio?
A: Wiki information is available here for the Discriminator_output.
Q: Will this work on Windows?
A: As of December 7, 2011 binaries for Windows have been added.
Dsd For Mac Os
Q: Will this work on a Mac?
A: No, because OS X does not use the traditional Unix-like /dev/audio interface. It shouldbe easy for someone familiar with Mac audio programming to port it to the Mac.
Q: Will you support decryption if I lawfully posess the encryption keys?
A: From the Readme file:
Q: Who are the author(s)?'
A: The author(s) are anonymous but PGP keys are provided inside the packagesso future releases/communications can be verified.