Accuphase dac with K30 native DSD through Squeeze

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I have a K30 sending local files via USB to a newly acquired Accuphase DC-37 dac. Using Squeeze/Squeeze. The dac is spec’d for DSD128 playback as well as PCM 384/32. When setting the K30 to NATIVE DSD handling, there is no output for my DSD128 files. The dac shows no sampling rate or bit depth on the display (just blanks) . The files with play fine with DoP setting and the dac displays the proper DSD parameters.

Any ideas?

Thanks guys

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Is there an explicit mention in the manual of your DAC supporting native DSD?

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Hi Kenny,

The specs mention DSD128 as the upper limit via USB, but it doesn’t specifically mention NATIVE DSD. I just assumed that the DSD spec would include a dedicated path but it seems that it may not - can’t take these things for granted.
Here’s what AI has to say;
Yes, the Accuphase DC-37 accepts DSD128 (5.6448 MHz) natively via its USB input.
Key details regarding DSD playback on the DC-37:

  • Native DSD Support: The USB input supports native DSD up to 5.6448 MHz.
  • DSD over PCM (DoP): It also supports DSD128 via DoP.
  • MDSD Converter: The device uses a proprietary MDSD (Multiple Double Speed DSD) circuit, which enables straight conversion of DSD signals into analog without converting to PCM first.

Looks like their description of the MDSD Converter should allow NATIVE mode

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Also via AI;

Technology:** The DC-37 features an MDSD (Multiple Double Speed DSD) type D/A converter, which uses a direct, straight conversion of the DSD signal.

Compatibility:** It supports both ASIO2.2 (native) and DoP protocols

Would it have something to do with the K30 compatibility regarding ASIO2.2 support? Maybe Mark can address this question.

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Natively supporting DSD and support for “Native DSD” may not be synonymous. I think the former means that it can accept DSD. There were many DACs that couldn’t back in the day. Then DoP appeared as it was a way to bring in DSD, but it was brought in over PCM. Finally some DACs added the capability to bring it in as DSD stream, and that was began to be called “Native DSD”.

I had asked if there was an explicit mention in the manual of your DAC supporting native DSD. If it’s not there, then I think it’s a safe bet that only DoP is supported.

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Ask your favorite AI app the following question: “If a DAC supports ASIO2.2, does that mean it can support Native DSD?”

Copilot said No, and explained why. Short answer:

“But ASIO 2.2 only defines the possibility of Native DSD.
It does not force hardware makers to implement it.”

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Yes, I think you’re right Kenny. Nowhere do the official Accuphase specs say NATIVE dsd. I guess it’s a matter of nomenclature.
May not be as efficient as NATIVE, but I don’t think there’s any sound quality compromises with DoP. This dac sound excellent.

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No there shouldn’t be. Native’s efficiency just allows support for DSD512 and higher.

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Glad to know you like the DAC. I am beyond impressed with the company. I recently acquired the A80 amplifier back in January and there are simply are no words. This amplifier has exceeded my highest expectations and cannot speak highly enough about it and understand that virtually everything Accuphase makes is top shelf. Congrats.

And BTW, well I am personally not a huge fan of DSD I respect that many people are, but when listening to my DSD files using PCM, like @kennyb123 said, I was hard pressed to discern much of a difference.

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