Playing DSD files

Like I’ve said, it is not much you can do to your DSD files, once recorded (or downloaded), unless you want to compromise them by converting to PCM. One thing that you can do, however, is to cut them up. So, for example, if you have recorded one side of an LP, to one DSD file, you can cut it to separate the tracks, with no harm to the DSD format. Each track will be as good as the original.

I use VinylStudio from Alpinesoft to save my original full LP side recording into individual tracks. This is "enthusiast software" (even more than Audirvana Origin). The process takes time. Vinylstudio can do some things on auto (preliminary division of tracks) but so far I have had to adjust manually to get it right. It works very well, however, if you are willing to spend some time with it.

Audirvana problem: I cannot start a DSD file from Explorer, I have to start Audirvana itself, and then, make sure the DSD file is in the library (the folders that the program scans). It is not a dealbreaker but irritating. I would like to click my file and be done with it, so that .dff and .dsf files are started with Audirvana (easy to do with Foobar).

@o_holter Did you get DSD working in Foobar?  I've used it for many years and it hasn't failed me and it sounds wonderful.  I also have a DSD Direct capable DAC, the SMSL D-6, and I believe that mode offers the highest sound quality.  You might have to check the output device.  Mine has to be on DSD+ASIO: USB DAC ASIO.

@drewdawg999 - thanks, I actually did, right now! I did not find any output named "DSD+ASIO" etc, but tried some other Asio drivers at random. This one worked: "ASIO+DSD: DSD Transcoder". At least, I assume it works - the Topping Dac shows "5,6 mhz DSD" and the volume is fixed (not variable). It sounds like MP3...just joking! It does sound like DSD, and like the file sounds in Audirvana.

Oh well, only halfway there - Foobar plays my .dsf files ok, but not my .dff files.