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[maxxzaxx]

Hi, I am a newbie getting into DSD Multichannel playback via PC using JRiver.  Am looking at ESI Maya 44 EXhttp://www.esi-audio.com/products/maya44ex/.  It supports  MME, WDM, DirectSound, and ASIO 2.0 support. Anyone having used this card may help me out.  Am looking for a low cost integrated solution!  Thanks in Advance!

[Awesome Donkey]

I don't see anywhere in the specs where it says that sound cards supports DSD output. In fact, I've never seen a PCI-E sound card that supports DSD - if you got that card, you'd probably end up having to convert DSD to PCM.

The only DACs I see these days that support DSD are USB DACs. There are lost cost USB DACs which support DSD, example being: https://hifimediy.com/Sabre-9018-DAC

Of course I'd stress not just buy the first DAC you see that supports DSD. Do some research on this and choose carefully! I'd do a search on Google (or your search engine of choice) for USB DACs which support DSD, and find one that meets your basic needs, has the inputs/outputs you need, supports the bit-depths/sample rates/DSD output you desire and of course, your price point. Then search for any reviews.

[maxxzaxx]

Thanks for the quick reply!  I have seen external DACs supporting multi channel DSD but the price tag is very steep.  Just wondering if JRiver can convert DSD to PCM on the fly and use ESI Maya 44 EX? Or Should I convert DSD to PCM first in a compatible format say FLAC?

[Awesome Donkey]

Yes, it can convert DSD to PCM on-the-fly.