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[Neverfget]

Hello,

I used to enjoy 2xDSD native format output for flac, DSD64, DSD128 without any problems.
After something has happened (maybe windows update, JRiver update or so), significant playback interruptions started occur, so that currently I cannot use 2xDSD format anymore..

My configuration:
JRiver 25 on Dell XPS15 5530 on i7-4702HQ  16 Gb RAM + RME ADI 2 Pro FS (supports 2xDSD) with output through ASIOMadiface USB driver directly to dual mono Integrated amplifier or headphones.
I use "Audio only mode".

I tried to close all programs and processes which may burden CPU - small effect was noticed, but for a short period of time (1-2 minutes). Strangely, when I open Intel Graphics Control Panel, the playback starts to flow smoothly for another 2 minutes, and then again huge interruptions. Increasing buffers does not help.

On my newer laptop (i7-8750H and 16RAM) the playback flows smoothly with the same output format.

Does it mean that i7-4702HQ is not sufficient for 2xDSD native format output, however it used to play Ok previously? Or there is something I need to change in config?

Please help!

Thank you!

[dtc]

Playing 2x DSD in native or DoP format takes very little CPU. Your i7 is more than adequate.

What does Audio Path say? It is one of the three icons in the upper right of the display.  It is possible that some sort of conversion is being made. Is bitstreaming turned on? The other option may be slow access to your DSD files. Try placing the file on the system disk, if it is not there already, and see if that helps. 

FYI - I play 2x DSD with a 2009 Netbook. It has a JMark of about 450. So, CPU power is probably not your issue.

[Neverfget]

DTC, thanks for the answer!

Audio path says that this conversion is actually happening, 2xDSD native format from DSD64 or DSD128 at 64bit to 2xDSD at 32Bit, as my DAC supports 32 bit, not 64 (saying that, not enough output bitrate or so, I don't remember exact wording).
Bitstreaming is "None", as recommended
I put everything on local SSD.
I checked with CPU other time - yes, it was just 5-6% for JRiver process.

I reinstalled JRiver and installed from scratch, also I have third one Dell (yeah, I am kinda Dell fan ) with the same specs and video card as the one for my audio, and reinstalled Windows 10 - first it plays OK, but then huge interruptions start again.

Again, with the newer Dell everything works perfectly... I thought it can do something with video card... why it reacts on Intel Graphics Control Panel? just guessing

[dtc]

If you want the DSD to be sent directly with no conversion to PCM you need to enable bitstreaming for DSD.  Then the question is whether your device wants DoP or not. That is an option in the ASIO setup.

DSD is 1 bit, not 32 or 64 bit. You should not be seeing 64 bit anywhere when playing native DSD.

[Neverfget]

Yes, yes, that I saw when playing FLAC, absolutely! Now I recall it

I will try to enable when I am at home tonight... however on the newer book it worked without bitstreaming... I'll try and let you know

Thanks for your help, dtc, appreciate it!

[Awesome Donkey]

If bitstreaming was off, MC was likely converting DSD to PCM.

[Neverfget]

So, when 2xDSD native format is ON AND bitstreaming is ON - no conversion is being performed for DSD files, Audio Path shows no conversion, DSD 2 channels is in and out, no interruptions! Same Audio Path message appears without 2xDSD native format for DSD files. However, for FLAC files the conversion is being performed with the same config (2xDSD native + bitstreaming both ON), and this is where interruptions start. Setting bitstreaming OFF does not help. It used to play everything smoothly before (but now I realize, that there was no direct DSD playback without bitstreaming ON, like Awesome Donkey stated).

So now the question is - what should be the config, for FLAC (I guess PCM) ->2xDSD converted smoothly OR do I really need it? Psychologically, I preferred 2xDSD native format as ADI-2 Pro connected via balanced to dual mono sounds cool (at least words, like "I have 2 channel DSD sent via balanced to dual mono bla-bla-bla", not necessarily sound quality of music ) plus it allows effects like "Environment" and "Surround Field", which are not that bad

[Awesome Donkey]

If converting PCM to DSD is causing issues, I'd just recommend avoiding that completely (I personally see no reason to convert PCM to DSD, there's nothing gained and it's a lossy conversion). I'm assuming you went in DSP Studio > Output Format and set Output Encoding option to 2xDSD? If so, try setting it to None and see if it works fine then.

[Neverfget]

yes, I put this config in DSP Studio

After all, thanks to your help, I understand that there is no reason to use 2xDSD conversion, so I'will put None, as suggested.

thank you very much for the help!

(nevertheless, it's still strange that it used to work before, so I assume there is issue in engineering/compatibility somewhere)

[dtc]

If you like the sound of DSD you should try to do the PCM to DSD conversion.

I am surprised the i7 stutters so badly. What is the JMark of the machine?

You could also try doing PCM conversions to 1xDSD and see if that works.  You have to be careful when you set everything to convert to DSD. For example, when set to 1xDSD, a 2xDSD will convert to PCM and then to 1xDSD. There is not direct conversion for DSD to DSD.

Anyway, maybe try 1xDSD and see if it works. 

Has there been any update to the video driver?