Trouble Playing DSD128 on Melco N1Z > USB > PS Audio DirectStream

[beckphotonik]

(31-12-2017 16:12)GreenMtnGringo Wrote:  Thanks very much for performing the experiment and reporting back, beckphotonik. Since my last post, I had problems playing 24/192 PCM and DSD64 off of my Melco's internal HDD. As an experiment, I removed MinimServer. I am now playing 24/192 PCM, DSD64 and DSD128 without problems. Clearly, there was something about my MinimServer install (as opposed to MinimServer itself) that was getting my high-res playback bolluxed up. Perhaps MinimServer and Twonky were running simultaneously?

I am considering reinstalling MinimServer, as it does sound better than Twonky. I am interested by your reference to "Melco's internal DoPWav conversion." Are you referring to the "DSD over PCM priority mode" setting?

Thanks again and happy New Year to all!

Yes, I think that is the setting. I used to have an N1A MkI and had so much trouble with DSD that I eventually purchased a DSD to PCM converter app and henceforth listened only in PCM. I had different DSD stability results depending on which USB socket I used, what sort of USB cable, whether MinimStreamer was doing the DoP conversion or not, the list seemed endless so I gave up on DSD. Since getting the N1ZH MkII and a firmware upgrade to my Chord DAVE, I have started listening to DSD again. Whether that is down to the dedicated audio USB output or a more powerful processor in the MkII kit and the ability to switch off Twonky, who knows. I do get the impression that high rate DSD is still a bit bleeding edge for a lot of kit regardless of whether the spec says it is supposed to support it.