macOS and DSD: everything goes through DoP
CoreAudio, the macOS audio layer, only knows PCM. To send an intact DSD stream to a DAC, you therefore use DoP (DSD over PCM): the DSD bits are packed into 24-bit PCM samples, along with a marker the DAC recognizes.
The DAC detects the marker, understands it is receiving DSD and decodes it natively. Its display then shows “DSD” instead of a PCM sample rate.
| File | DSD rate | DoP rate sent |
|---|---|---|
| DSD64 | 2.8 MHz | 176.4 kHz |
| DSD128 | 5.6 MHz | 352.8 kHz |
| DSD256 | 11.2 MHz | 705.6 kHz |
Any processing (volume, mixing with another sound) breaks the DoP marker and produces noise. That’s why DSD playback requires exclusive access to the DAC and software volume turned off.
What you need
- A DoP-compatible DAC. Most USB DACs that list “DSD” in their specs are.
- For DSD128 or DSD256, a DAC that accepts 352.8 or 705.6 kHz input.
- DSF or DFF files, for example bought as downloads or ripped from SACDs.
- A player that can send DoP in exclusive mode.
Without a DoP-compatible DAC, DSD still plays, but the player has to convert it to PCM.
Setting up RustMusic for DSD on a Mac
- 1
Install RustMusic
The macOS build is universal (Apple Silicon and Intel), free and needs no account.
- 2
Select your DAC
In Settings → Audio, pick your USB DAC as the output.
- 3
Enable native DSD (DoP)
RustMusic then takes exclusive control of the DAC (“hog mode”) and sends it the DoP stream. Software volume is disabled: set the level on your amplifier or DAC.
- 4
Check the DAC display
It should show “DSD” (or DSD64, DSD128…). RustMusic’s status bar also shows a “Native DSD” badge.
If your DAC rejects DoP, RustMusic converts DSD to PCM so it still plays. The sound then goes through processing: it is no longer native DSD.
Good to know before you start
- Since RustMusic 0.2.8, native DSD over DoP can play consecutive tracks without gaps on a Mac with a compatible DAC. Version 0.2.9 also fixes consecutive playback of DSD converted to PCM on macOS.
- During DSD playback, the DAC is reserved for RustMusic: other Mac sounds no longer go through it.
- SACD ISO files aren’t played directly: extract them to DSF or DFF first.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free DSD player for Mac?
Yes: RustMusic is free and open source, and sends DSD over DoP to compatible DACs, on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
What is DoP?
DoP (DSD over PCM) carries a DSD stream inside PCM samples, with a marker. The DAC recognizes it and decodes the DSD natively. It is the standard method on macOS and Linux.
My DAC shows a PCM sample rate instead of “DSD”, why?
Either it doesn’t support DoP, or the stream was altered on the way: software volume, non-exclusive mode or DoP turned off. Check that native DSD is enabled and that the selected output is your DAC.
Does DSD sound better than hi-res FLAC?
Opinions differ. DSD has its fans, but a good 24-bit FLAC is already beyond what the ear can distinguish. What matters most is the quality of the master.
Sources and verification
RustMusic information checked for version 0.3.0.
Native DSD on a Mac, for free
RustMusic sends your DSF and DFF files to your DAC over DoP. Free, open source, no account.