MacBook Pro to EMM XDS1

Only downsides to me are:
a. it's not compatible with integer mode with Snow Leopard and Pure Music
b. there is no way to encode DSD audio via this interface which is a shame since the XDS1 uses a native DSD DAC>

Is the XDS1 "DSD-ready"? If so, which interface?

As can be inferred from my post, No.

I did ask EMM before and they said pretty much the same thing. The only way to get USB DSD is to get their USB DACs, i.e. MA-1 and DAC2X. But if you already have the XDS1, you are as they say S-O-L.

Good luck on this, I'd be curious too.
Of course, CDs are so cheap these days and the XDS1 just uses some alchemy to turns these cheap old discs into gold that almost sounds like SACD that it's almost not worth the trouble to me. I can't believe how often I'm amazed how the EMM extracts such goodness out of a $2 piece of plastic.

Yes, the XDS1 is a brilliant machine. If you don't require the last mile of neutrality, I also recommend the Playback MPS5. I've heard it in my system and it sounds beautiful too. Very similar to the XDS1 but perhaps a bit more oomph in the mid bass which is a nice characteristic. For the price though, it's a relative bargain compared to the XDS1.