McIntosh C48, Internal DAC, and External DSD Digital Source

[Projectman]

I have my C48 connected to a Sony HAP-Z1 and outputting DSD (DOP) over a USB connection. When I try to play a DSD 64 or 128 file the C48 goes silent. It works fine when I play wav and FLAC files.

I have had my Sony HAP connected to an Auralic Vega and had no problems with any DSD file. Of course I use the balanced outputs to the C48.

My question is McIntosh's website only discusses processing DSD files using a Mac/PC via Jriver, is this the only way I can use the internal DAC on the C48 for DSD files? Is anyone else streaming DSD files via USB to the C48 using a device other than a Mac or PC?

The C48 is on firmware 2.10

Thanks in advance for any assistance

 

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum Projectman, thank you for joining.

 

[Dr Tone]

C48 doesn't do DSD you will need to convert to PCM.

 

[crwilli]

Try setting your HAP to do the conversion from DSD to PCM before outputting to the C47.

Also, in order for your HAP to work outputting native DSD, you would need a DAC that does NOT need ASIO drivers to work.

 

[Projectman]

Thanks for the info. Does the C47 work the same way meaning it requires a driver?

 

[Dr Tone]

Thanks for the info. Does the C47 work the same way meaning it requires a driver?

C47 will do up to DSD128 DSD DOP from macOS or Windows.
C47 will do DSD256 ASIO on windows but only works well using JRiver. Or at least that's what McIntosh keeps repeating. So IMO it's pretty broken.

 

[Projectman]

So you can't send a DSD DoP stream to the C47 unless your source is a PC or Apple computer?

 

[Dr Tone]

Linux should be fine as well. USB is what is needed for DSD.

 

[Projectman]

I have a Sony HAP Z1 and like it a lot. I understand the McIntosh D1100 can do what I want, but I'm not shelling out more money for that. I do like my Auralic Vega so it isn't a big deal.

 

[Dr Tone]

I have a Sony HAP Z1 and like it a lot. I understand the McIntosh D1100 can do what I want, but I'm not shelling out more money for that. I do like my Auralic Vega so it isn't a big deal.

Your Sony is a player with an internal DAC not an endpoint to a USB DAC. How would the D1100 possible be different? It clearly states the same requirement as the C47.

The USB input accepts up to 32-bit/384kHz signals and supports DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz playback[SUP]1[/SUP]. All the other inputs accept up to 24-bit/192kHz.

 

[Jack]

It is highly unlikely that a "DAC board" inside of a full function preamp is up to the level of the Vega, so if it sounds good with the Vega stick to it.