Articles in this section

See more

Playing DSD Files in BluOS

Updated

DSD Playback

The 2024-generation NODE devices make integrating DSD into your audio system effortless, thanks to their advanced DSD to PCM conversion technology. These models will do the DSD to PCM conversion as they play them:

  • NODE NANO (N030)
  • NODE (N132)
  • NODE ICON (N530)
  • NODE (N130)
  • NODE X (N131)
  • POWERNODE (N330)
  • POWERNODE EDGE (N230)
  • PSB Speakers Alpha IQs with MQA QRONO dsd

DSD is only supported from files indexed in the Local Library or from USB drives connected to the player directly.
When playing through digital outputs, the converted DSD file will be delivered as a PCM signal. DoP is not supported.
Non-DSD players can be grouped with a DSD capable primary player and receive the converted DSD file for playback.
Only the models listed above do the conversion automatically. For models not listed above, you still have to use the conversion tool.

Conversion Using Older Models

Initial DSD Playback requires the BluOS Controller app for Windows or macOS. Choose a folder containing the DSD files local* to the computer (internal hard drive or USB-connected hard drive). The selected DSD file collection is copied and converted to 24-bit FLAC files and made available to all BluOS Players in the network.

Notes:

  • The original DSD files are not altered.
  • * Selecting a network-mapped drive instead of an internal/USB-attached drive results in an error.

To playback DSD files on older BluOS Players (not listed above) perform the following steps:

  1. Download and install the BluOS Controller app (Desktop version) on a Windows or Mac.
  2. Launch the BluOS Controller app and select Settings > Playback.
  3. Toggle Enable DSD Playback to the On position (highlighted blue)
  4. Click the Browse button and choose the folder containing the DSD files.
  5. Click Select.
    BluOS automatically copies and converts all .DSF and .DFF files to .FLAC files in the same location.
    Note: The original .DSF and .DFF files are not deleted or altered.
  6. Click Settings > Music library > Local Shares
  7. Click Add Folder > Browse and choose the folder containing the DSD files selected in Step 4.
    Note: If the Folder is already mounted, select Reindex music collection to add the recently converted FLAC files.
  8. Click Browse and choose the music folder selected in Step 4; click Select.
  9. Click Next.
  10. Click Authenticate.
    (Select Yes when prompted - Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?)
  11. If authentication is required, enter the password and click OK.
  12. Click Finish. The Player connects to the local share and begins indexing.
    (Note: To monitor indexing progress, under the left Navigation Drawer, select Settings > Music library.)
  13. The converted music files are in the Library under the left Navigation Drawer.

Related articles