Channel Classics announced 14 February availability of DSD downloads, albeit at a premium price. This studio records in DSD and have some of the most exquisite audiophile classical recordings on the market. Others are expected to follow. They have launched their new download serice by referencing the Mytek DAC and two software apps, but not JRiver. In the Windows space Signalyst HQDesktop is the only software which curently plays native DSD (Using the dCS packing schema) on the Mytek DAC. HQDesktop is strong on signal processing for PCM and does surround etc but is completely outclassed by JRiver when it comes to file management, UI, tagging, searching, etc. Nonetheless it is frustrating that JRiver can only play DSD by transcoding to PCM if you are a Mytek user (Because of limitations in Mytek ASIO driver and probably the lack of equipment to test this. We know that the Signalyst team have the Mytek DAC). I know there are benefits for people who want room correction, time delay etc and want to fiddle. But, DSD to PCM conversion comes with a sonic penalty compared to native DSD playback (of DSD originated recordings even moreso) on high performance systems and sing ground to other windows apps and even to the Apple Mac platform. We urgently need to see playback parity with Signalyst HQdesktop i.e. ability to send dCS packed schema over ASIO or WASAPI drivers for the Mytek. Signalyst Desktop is a significant premium price wise over JRiver so there is scope to charge DSD playback capabilities at a higher rate to help recoup development costs. ANother option is to embed the HQDesktop signal processing engine (via their SDK license) inside JRiver and pass on the costs to those who want DSD playback. Please approach the Mytek Digital team, request a loaner DAC and get alongside of them like the Signalysts team have.
http://www.channelclassics.com/dsd.html
