Local DSD files load slow or skip

Roon Software Discussion
1

I have a nucleus b with internal storage and a Auralic s1 streamer. Any local DSD files 256 or above hang up and skip. All wired. I also have a Silent Angel Ethernet switch. What would cause content to load slow? PCM works fine.

2

I assume the Auralic is connected only via Ethernet, right? So, you’d use the RAAT protocol to stream from roon/nucleus.

The manual of the S1 states it can (in general) handle DSD up to 512. I believe you refer to this. As so often, manufacturers do not tell you what exact formats are supported via roon/RAAT which are often limited if it’s beyond PCM stereo.

But first, please show us your device settings in roon. Does it show e.g. “native DSD” or “DoP”?

Are you able to play DSD128 or DSD64 tracks? Is it only about stereo or also multichannel DSD?

3

Did you enable multicore support for DSD Processing? I think DSD is single core otherwise and the nucleus B might be to weak for DSD256

4

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I’ve enabled multi-core. It plays 64 and 128 just fine. I also suspect that the processor in the Nucleus is the problem. I was hoping that I had missed something in setting up my system.

5

I’d rather doubt that your nucleus is not capable of playing DSD >128. You even have disabled any DSP.

But check you signal path in roon while trying to play >128. Is processing >>1.0? Then, it’s not the nucleus.

I more believe that your S1 is not able to accept DSD > 128 via roon/RAAT, though it can through other ports. In doubt ask Auralic about their concrete roon support for the S1.

You have the latest firmware installed on your S1?

1 Like
6

I have no problem with DSD 128 and below.

7

No one doubts this. It’s about DSD > 128, as you wrote :slightly_smiling_face:

8

Play a problem file. Look at the signal path on Roon. If it does not indicate any processing speed or any speed < about 1.2 then this isn’t a Roon issue.

Next, you can look at network. You said everything is hardwired. Can you verify everything is running at gigabit, 1000 mbit/sec, and full-duplex? You shouldn’t technically need gigabit for DSD256 but I wouldn’t try to run high rates on 100mbit for a whole bunch of reasons. If in doubt, replace the switch just as a test. The other thing to look into is Ethernet flow-control. Sometimes this is required to make things work or you can overwhelm a streamer.

Then, look at the streamer. Put your DSD files on a flash drive and plug it into the streamer. Make sure the S1 and your DAC can handle those files locally.

Report back and we can keep troubleshooting.

9

I’ll try thanks