Two fundamentally different ways of storing digital audio.
PCM: standard digital audio (CD, FLAC, WAV)
DSD: high-frequency 1-bit stream (SACD)
| Feature | PCM | DSD |
|---|---|---|
| Data type | Multi-bit samples | 1-bit stream |
| Sample rate | 44.1 kHz – 192 kHz+ | ~2.8 MHz (DSD64) and higher |
| Precision | Higher per sample | Lower per sample, compensated by frequency |
| Common formats | WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF | DSD, SACD |
| Editing | Easy and widely supported | Limited, often converted to PCM |
| Use cases | General audio, streaming, production | Audiophile playback, niche mastering |
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) represents audio as discrete samples, each with a defined bit depth. This is the standard approach used in CDs and most digital audio formats today.
Think of PCM as: taking precise snapshots of sound at regular intervals.
DSD (Direct Stream Digital) uses a 1-bit signal sampled at a very high frequency. Instead of storing exact values, it tracks whether the signal is increasing or decreasing.
Think of DSD as: tracking the direction of the waveform at extremely high speed.
PCM dominates real-world usage due to compatibility, flexibility, and efficiency.
Both can represent audio at extremely high quality when implemented well.
The quality of the recording and mastering is usually more important than whether PCM or DSD is used.