From my understanding, it's just another high rez audio file, like a 24/48 file only with 1 bit and high sample rate. Yes?
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_Stream_Digital
 
So...
 
Why does anyone prefer it?

We developed DSD support in partnership with TASCAM's expertise in this area. We'll post more data about DSD in the future but some facts:

DSD (Direct Streaming Digital) is a 1-bit format that captures the audio at very high sample rates in a way that bypasses the part of a PCM (regular) converter that has pre-designed compromises in it. By replacing a hardware decision with a software process, the quality of the conversion can be upgraded at will.

One typical use is for archiving high resolution masters of recordings. Subjects in blind tests have found that DSD files played through DSD capable equipment sounds better than equivalent standard PCM files.
 
Note that today SONAR supports import and export of DSD formats. No DSD editing - depending on interest we may support that in the future. Note - To play DSD files at their native sample rate, you need DSD capable playback equipment such as the TASCAM DA-3000. Otherwise SONAR will downsample to the available sample rate. Users can still export to DSD sample rates without having DSD playback hardware however.
 

Cool.  I'm hoping for a Tascam multi channel DSD recorder and the ability to edit on SONAR.  We don't need serious DSD editing (yet!), but organizing and cutting in alt takes - that kind of thing.  Analog editing like tape, only without the razor (baby steps at first).
 
With the little I've heard of DSD it is smoother - more analog.
 
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Thanks, Noel.

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AT
Cool.  I'm hoping for a Tascam multi channel DSD recorder and the ability to edit on SONAR.  We don't need serious DSD editing (yet!), but organizing and cutting in alt takes - that kind of thing.  Analog editing like tape, only without the razor (baby steps at first).
 
With the little I've heard of DSD it is smoother - more analog.
 
@

To clarify you can edit as normal after importing a DSD file since it's a normal wave file at that point. What you can't do is edit the raw dsd data directly. The main advantage with what we have currently is that you can export your masters to native DSD.

 
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mike_mccue
 
DSD to PCM to DSD and the DSD sounds better in listening tests?

I know you know, but he didn't say that (I'll bite).
"Subjects in blind tests have found that DSD files played through DSD capable equipment sounds better than equivalent standard PCM files."

DSD is converted to "DXD" PCM resolution traditionally for editing.  It is currently impossible to add effects or edits to a RAW 1 bit file stream, so even super expensive editors rely on PCM conversion.  Pyramix, for example retains the DSD resolution for sections of audio that are not affected by an edit, retaining as much of the original format as possible.
 
The truth is, unless all the effects were handled in the analog domain without editing,  every single SACD release has been converted to PCM at one point.  
 
DSD isn't exatly "smoother" than PCM, which, when converted back to analog is a perfect waveform, exactly what came in.  DSD uses a super high frequency carrier wave much like FM radio to piggy back the audio signal as a modulated sequence of 1's and 0's.  It avoids a few pitfalls of PCM such has harmonic "ringing" on fast transients, but it also has its own noise and distortion issues.  One is not really arguably better than the other.  DSD is the format for Super Audio CD's which is copy protected and extremely difficult for a customer to play on non-specialized equipment.  Great for major labels, and not a problem for audiophiles.  

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