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Author Topic: JRiver Plays 128 DSD but not 256 DSD on My McIntosh 2600  (Read 2200 times)

Shamboola

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JRiver Plays 128 DSD but not 256 DSD on My McIntosh 2600
« on: August 19, 2018, 02:24:12 pm »

Hello JRiver Experts!

I have a problem and seek guidance. I can play my 128 DSD files through my McIntosh 2600 but the same files in 256 DSD quad will not play.

Here is my setup. (I am less than technically proficient in DSD and JRiver and I ask for your understanding if this is simply copied down by rote.)

Hardware:

McIntosh C2600 Preamp
MacBook Pro running Mac OS High Sierra 10.13.6

Software:
JRiver version 24.0.45 (64-bit)

My JRiver settings: (They work perfectly for the 128 DSD (It is recognized on the McIntosh 2600 as a 128 DSD. The owner's manual for the C2600 also indicates it will recognize 256 DSD)

Tools

DSP Studio - I have selected nothing under output format.

Playback Options

Audio Device - MacIntosh-HD USB (Core Audio)

Device Settings - (These are both checked)

Open Device with Exclusive access.
Integer Mode

Under Audio MIDI Setup Utility
McIntosh - HD HS USB Audio
Format: 2 ch 32-bit integer 384.0 kHz

Bitstreaming: Yes (DSD)

Under my MacBook System Preferences under Sound:
Output: McIntosh - HD HS USB Audio.

If I can get this to work at all and will notice a better "sound" is another question but I would love to be able that least have it play to hear it for myself.

That's all I have. Does anyone have any thoughts on what I might be doing wrong?

Thanks in advance,
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Shamboola

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Re: JRiver Plays 128 DSD but not 256 DSD on My McIntosh 2600
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2018, 03:17:02 pm »


Forgot to add the JRiver error message that I receive when I attempt playback for the 256 DSD:

Playback could not be started on the output “Core Audio” using the format “DoP 11.3 Mhz 2 ch"

Thanks again!
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Shamboola

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Re: JRiver Plays 128 DSD but not 256 DSD on My McIntosh 2600
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2018, 09:34:03 pm »

I found out that JRiver 256 DSD is not supported by OS on my MacBook Pro. End of story. Only will run on Windows. At least I have an answer and can stop clicking all of those settings hoping for a sound.
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sejrednets

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Re: JRiver Plays 128 DSD but not 256 DSD on My McIntosh 2600
« Reply #3 on: October 23, 2018, 06:41:59 pm »

Hi,
I'm having a similar issue with an iFi nano iDSD BL.

DSD256 will only play if I use no DSD bitstreaming and set output encoding to 2xDSD in DoP, but that causes the app to crash pretty often.

I keep finding contradictory reports about whether Macs can output DSD256.

Where did you find your answer?

BTW I used the Conversion tool (Tools>Library Tools>Convert Format) to convert the files to DSD128 and I can play them using DSD bitstreaming. I figure given a few more years this will all sort out. Until it sounds pretty awesome.

Details:
15" MacBook Pro Retina Mid-2015 2.5 Ghz 16G RAM
Mojave 10.14
JRiver 24.0.53
Files: Truth, Liberty & Soul by Jaco Pastorius 11.28Mhh DSD256

When trying to play the files, using a) DSD bitstreaming and no output encoding or b) no bitstreaming and output encoding 4xDSD in DoP results in an error that DSD 11.2MHz cannot be started.

Using  no bitstreaming and output encoding​ 2xDSD in DoP allows me to play the files, although it has a tendency to crash the app.

I then used the JRiver converter to convert the files to 5.6Mhz DSD128 files and they play fine using either a) DSD bitstreaming and no output encoding or b) no bitstreaming and 2xDSD in DoP.

Running Audio Midi Setup and selecting the ifi device shows a maximum 384khz.

Based on the Audio Midi Setup results, I would expect that DSD256 would require a setting for a rate > 700khz
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Awesome Donkey

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Re: JRiver Plays 128 DSD but not 256 DSD on My McIntosh 2600
« Reply #4 on: October 25, 2018, 06:25:52 am »

Keep in mind that if you're converting from one DSD format to another, the conversion process goes through a PCM stage. So for example DSD256 > PCM > DSD128.

It's very well possible the DAC (or macOS itself) doesn't support DSD256 on macOS. I'm not sure though, since I don't have a DSD256-capable DAC or any DSD256 files to test that with. But I suppose if DSD256 works on Windows and not macOS, that could be why. MC crashing though is kinda alarming which might be something worth looking into.

Since you're on macOS Mojave, make sure this is setup for MC or else it *may* crash: https://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php/topic,117643.0.html
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chrisc

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Re: JRiver Plays 128 DSD but not 256 DSD on My McIntosh 2600
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2018, 09:49:46 am »

My main amp is a Devialet.   This won't resolve anything higher than DSD64

I also use a Topping DAC. This can handle up to DSD512

Have 2 Macs. One running High Sierra and the other Mojave.  Both work 100% (with the Topping)
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