Aurender and native DSD output


For those out there that are using the Aurender N20 streamer in tandem with a DAC that has both AES/EBU and USB digital input, can you please let me know if you are able to play DSD files via the Aurender over the AES/EBU output when the "Use native DSD on USB" setting is on?

In my case, this does not work, if I have the "use native DSD on USB" on, I cannot play any DSD/DSF files over AES/EBU, I can only play them over USB.. Flac and other formats work fine.

In my case the Aurender N20 is connected via both the AES/EBU and USB interfaxces to the Chord Dave DAC.

thijazi

I think you already have your answer. Pretty sure native DSD can only be handled via USB or i2S, which is likely why it isn’t working over AES/EBU.

 

 

thijazi OP

2 posts

I did read all the manuals for both units, there is nothing there that explains it.

 

🐂 💩 because page 24 of 35 in the Chord DAVE manual explains the sample rate compatibility of each input. If you read it you would see that the AES/EBU accepts 44-96khz, 16 and 24bit. There’s more info on other inputs there.

From the Aurender user guide…

On some Aurender models (see "File Type & Resolution Support" comparison table below), "Native" DSD output is available via USB

Further more in the Aurender manual/user guide you have the following information…

 

Audio Specifications

Analog Outputs N/A
DAC Chipset N/A
Audio Word Clock OCXO
Analog Outputs Supported Format N/A
Digital Outputs USB Audio (Dedicated), AES/EBU (OCXO Controlled), BNC Coax SPDIF (OCXO Controlled), RCA Coax SPDIF (OCXO Controlled), Optical/TosLink SPDIF (OCXO Controlled)
USB Output Supported Format PCM up to 768kHz, DoP up to DSD256, up to DSD 512 Native for USB output
SPDIF & AES/EBU Output Supported Format PCM: Up to 32-bit / 192 kHz; DSD: Up to DSD64 via DoP

I understand the technicalities, let me explain what I am trying to understand here...

The "Use native DSD on USB" option, should only affect the USB interface, and should have nothing to do with the AES/EBU, Optical BNC, or SPDIF interfaces which the Aurender offers.

But, when I have the same setting On, and I listen via the AES/EBU out, why would AES not play the DSD files?.... Funny enough, the minute I turn the setting off, AES has no issues playing back all my DSD resolutions, from DSD64 to DSD256!

Something makes no sense here.