HQP and NOS DACs

[jussi_laako (Jussi Laako (Signalyst))]

I saw a couple of DAC chips, like CS4398 and AK4490, when DSD signal is input there a path called ‘Direct DSD’ that goes directly to the switch cap DAC output. There’s also another path that goes to the SDM then to the switch caps DAC output. Both are DSD signal. What is the difference?

The other one goes through extra processing to provide digital volume control. If you don’t need that, you better go with the direct path.