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[kmmcd]

I am considering acquiring an Hegel H390 integrated amplifier. The H390 internal DAC accepts up to DSD256, but over DOP. I have DSD files up to the DSD256 rate that I play.

Up to this time, I have been using JRiver Media Center as a source for DAC's using up to DSD256 directly (not DOP), via USB to the DAC. Media Center is running under Windows 10. In most cases, the integrated amplifier or standalone DAC required that the host run an associated driver (presumably ASIO) that was provided by the respective hardware vendor. However, the manual for the H390 indicates that no additional USB driver, other than that which is implemented natively in Windows 10, is required.

I have never used DSD over DOP before, or a DAC that does not require a driver. Is there something that I need to know? Or furthermore, is this going to work?

[dtc]

Native DSD sample rates are 2.8 MHz and multiples of that. DSD 256 is 11.2 Mhz.  You need an ASIO driver to deliver those sample rates.

DoP tannsmits the DSD bits in a PCM format, with 2.8 Mhz DSD using 176 KHz PCM. DSD256 uses 4 times that or 705 KHz. DoP does not require an ASIO driver, since WASAPI can deliver those sample rates.

The 390 documentation I found says it support up to 32/384 KHz + MQA + DSD256(DoP) over usb, which is a little confusing. If it support DSD256 (DoP) that requires 705 KHz at 24 bits. So, I would check with Hegel to confirm that it does DSD256 using DoP over usb.

Other than that, it should just work with Windows 10.

[kmmcd]

I queried Hegel as advised, and their prompt reply was essentially to ask JRiver whether DoP for DSD256 was supported, or to try Audirvana instead, which they know works (Audirvana is not an option for me). It seems to me that Media Center supports DSD256 via DoP, and the H390 supports DSD256 via DoP, but I would be the only person whom I know to actually try this, which makes acquiring an H390 a bit if a risk.

If I were to set up Media Center to support the above (presumably, I can stumble through this, but pointers would be helpful), would all my lower rate DSD files and PCM files play "transparently," or would I have to reconfigure Media Center separately to play those files?

[dtc]

The only thing you need to do on MC is to use Audio Setup to enable Bitstreaming for DSD up to DSD256 and select usb WASAPI for your 390. . That will send DSD up to 256 as DSD (DoP) and convert DSD512 to PCM.

I am pretty sure JRiver will supply Hegel a test copy of MC if they are willing to test it. Or Hegel can just try the 30 day trial.

[kmmcd]

Thanks for your help. Media Center configuration seems very straightforward.

Has anyone actually used Media Center to transport DSD256 using DoP? How did JRiver validate this functionality? Would I be the first to do this outside of the lab?

I ask these questions to increase my comfort level with taking the (possibly minor or non-existent) risk on a relatively expensive H390.

[dtc]

Sorry, I do not have a DSD 256 DAC so cannot comment of any issues with DSD256 and DoP.

[JimH]

I am pretty sure JRiver will supply Hegel a test copy of MC if they are willing to test it. Or Hegel can just try the 30 day trial.

Of course we will.

[kmmcd]

I have alerted Hegel to this opportunity. Obviously, it would be a great assurance to me to verify this interoperability, as this is a very expensive amplifier (although a good value!), and I don't relish having to return it in the unlikely chance that it does not work.

Meanwhile, it would be helpful to hear anyone's stories of using Media Center for DSD256 using DoP and USB in any other scenario.

[Awesome Donkey]

Uhhh, DSD256 over DoP works fine in MC (in Windows, macOS and Linux), as I can output DSD256 over DoP with my DAC just fine, as long as the DAC you're using supports it.

[Manfred]

I have rme ADI-2 DAC FS in my Home Office. It supports a sample rate of 768kHz. DSD over DoP as well as native DSD works fine under Windows. Drivers are rock stable. DSD over DoP is the only possibility on macOS to play DSD. Works also without problems.

[kmmcd]

Manfred and Donkey, your testimonials are very reassuring regarding Media Center's DoP implementation. I am still awaiting a reply from Hegel to my request that they verify USB DSD256 DoP interoperability with Media Center. Maybe I am being too impatient, but the sudden cessation of responses from Hegel, when I mentioned this test, causes me to have cold feet about making this huge (for me) investment. Am I being too suspicious? Are my expectations too high?

[kmmcd]

Perhaps coincidentally, just moments ago, I received a reply from Hegel. They very kindly and politely declined and alternatively suggested that I depend on this forum and on my local Hegel dealer for support. I was perhaps expecting too much. Thus ends this thread for me; thanks to all who participated, and no need to respond to my previous rhetorical questions.