T+A Music Player Media Streamer player si-sw

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The Music Player Balanced is both a CD player and a DAC with several digital inputs. The digital inputs include a Streaming Client (wired Ethernet, wireless LAN, USB disk, iPod/iPhone), FM Tuner, CD player, and five S/PDIF inputs (3 coaxial RCA supporting 192 kHz maximum, 2 optical TosLink supporting 96 kHz maximum). (Note: There isn't a USB audio input to use this unit as a USB DAC). The MPB contains a single coaxial digital output for those interested in using the MPB as a transport or Ethernet to coaxial converter. The internal DAC consists of fully symmetrical dual mono TI PCM1795 chips. The chip itself is capable of both PCM and DSD conversion but according to T+A, "The hardware of the MusicPlayer is designed to support all kinds of PCM files from compressed to high resolution PCM but no DSD. As DSD has lower resolution compared to HD PCM, a higher high frequency noise floor and poorer dynamics we do not see any advantage in DSD. We prefer a straight PCM signal path without the risk of degrading the PCM performance by adding additional circuits and longer signal paths for DSD." Computer Audiophile readers considering a network streamer should take this opinion into account when researching their purchases. Some manufacturers support native DSD or DoP, while others support converting DSD to high resolution PCM prior to playback. There is no single correct or better way to which everyone agrees. I highly recommend listening and also looking at one's music collection to see if DSD playback is a requirement. Some listeners don't even care about high resolution PCM let alone DSD. It comes down to each individual's requirements and prioritization of features and sound quality. There isn't a right or wrong answer with respect to DSD and PCM.