DSD multichannel playback via this chain? NUC+Rock HDMI out -- Oppo 103 HDMI in -- Marantz AV7704 HDMI in

[otinkyad]

@Rugby

That all depends. Some devices re-digitize analogue inputs, especially if there is a Dirac module involved in the output. You need to research your device carefully to make sure it is doing what you think it is doing.

@wklie

I think for most user setups of AVR, this is not correct. I think one brand of AVR has an Analog Direct function that does this. As for the more common ones having Pure Direct, I have some doubts that it bypasses the ADC.

Thank you to @Rugby and @wklie for clarifying this. Since yesterday I’ve been looking more into this, and I now gather that AVRs are rather black-boxish, with uncertainty about what processing is actually happening. I wasn’t aware of this – thanks! Presumably a solely music-oriented audio hardware chain offers greater control and clarity as to processing.

@Rugby

Yes. Go to the DSP setting and Enable Native DSD Processing. I just turned it on and was able to apply Various DSP options without a PCM conversion step. Turn it on and test the DSP options for yourself. Be aware, it will increase the needed computing power.

Interesting! I don’t see this option and I’m pretty sure I never have – presumably that’s because I don’t and have never had an output that Roon identifies as DSD-capable…

Now there’s one remaining part that I am still (even more) confused about. I’m having trouble reconciling:

@Burkhardt_Petermann

There isn’t any PC (doesn’t matter if it’s Windows or Linux) out, which can put native DSD out through HDMI.

and

@wklie

As others have mentioned, you cannot output DSD from PC on-board HDMI.

with this:

@mitr

So, if the OP sends MCH/DSD to the Oppo via HDMI , there will be analog multichannel output from it to the AVR. As for DLNA and local USB drive, yes, they too will work but, as you say, not with Roon.

Can someone clarify this for me? (Not trying to pit people against each other – just trying to understand) – TIA!