Thread: How Does DSD512 Engine Work?

My A+ has the R2R engine and also the separate DSD512 engine. Can someone describe how Lukas' DSD512 engine works? I think I've heard it described as "chipless" and that Lukas devised it himself. Do I have that right? What makes it special? I notice that it does sound different and better than the DSD run through the R2R. Do others agree? Mind you, I've never hear actual DSD512 played through the engine. Instead I use Audirvana to convert Tidal 16/44 files to DSD256. I would love to hear actual 512.

My new (used) GG has the new DSD512 engine (Amanero is a name attached). I don't have any DSD512 native files - I think there may not be any (or at least almost none) available. I do have a very large number of native DSD256 and lesser resolution DSD files (DSD128 and lots of DSD64). So far I prefer upconverting to DSD512 for all my DSD native files. I also have Lampi PCM R2R ladder unit in my GG and prefer the sound of the native PCM decoding for those files, no conversion or upsampling.

I don't know the details of the DSD512 engine, but am asking the Lampi Enthusiasts group if someone there knows. I'll post if I get a response. I'd like to know myself.

Larry

AFAIK it is just a low pass filter. No active D/A conversion for DSD.

Here is a more detailed explanation from Wisnon.

"I actually was the one who pushed Lukasz to do dsd for a year till he bit. He then took on the project with a vengeance and did it differently to most. He tried all tube filtering at first ...and then actuve and passive SS components and finally tube filtering at the end. Chipless does not mean no chips...it means no Dac chip. Luk basically filters the crud off the music signal in a process reminiscent of FM broadcast signal. R2R dsd is also chipless but is the smaller more compact version of the full blown discrete component chipless DSD which is only via USB."

I have the latter in my new (used) GG, installed in Poland last month before it was shipped to me. Larry