Coaxial RCA input supports DSD64 DoP?

[Dougiet]

It’s my understanding that the Devialet converts internally any incoming DSD signal to PCM! The signal might arrive via DoP as DSD, but that’s as far as it goes. Even though the display shows a DSD signal, the Devialet is just showing the correct flag reading via DoP. Or am l wrong here 🧐?

I see it that way too.
But we're fortunate that the Devialet has an extraordinary DAC, even though the Texas Instruments chip is ten years old.
DACs with the latest generation chips don't have the Devialet's DAC architecture, and even if they play DSD 256 (there's a lot of marketing about that), I don't think they'll improve on the Expert's sound with its exquisite PCM signal processing.
By the way, what about the T8? I have an A8 and I'm delighted with it, but I was thinking of replacing it with an A8 since I don't use its DAC or preamp. I've read that the T8's transformer hums a bit; is that true?

I had the A6 Gen 2 before l upgraded to the T8, and like you l to never used its Dac or preamp. If it “sounds” better is a discussion I’d rather not get into, I’m 65 and my hearing is certainly not the best anymore! But nevertheless l can vouch that, at least with my T8, the transformer is dead quiet! Even with my ear next to its chassis! Humming is something l’m usually very, very allergic too in my listening room☹️.
So why did l upgrade…..
1. It looks beautiful, that smooth glass front, an aluminum chassis, no knobs or dials, and no headphone jack. No antennas behind either, just clean aesthetics like the Devialet .
2. A true “stand by”, not just a “power off” option as with the DMP series of streamers. I have the T8 connected with a trigger cable to my Devialet, which is then sent to sleep AND, stays asleep. My Apple TV was in the past constantly waking the Devialet up again. Quite nervy!
3. The massive storage capacity of 16TB. (If one can afford it, prices are crazy atm 🤪). I let the Eversolo convert the DSD files l have on NVMe SSD to PCM directly! I was advised that sending the files via DoP was a waste of time and it’s better just to let the Devialet’s dac work directly with PCM files, one “unpacking process” less .
For me the T8 is perfect for the price, and my Devialet 440 is still, after so many years working beautifully. I won’t be upgrading anytime soon 😬.

[hardcore]

When I play back a DSD via my Devialet, the display will show "DSD64" as the signal format. I use the AES input, but all digital inputs would support DSD64.

[ray1234]

I'm not worried that it can't read DSD files larger than 64. I use JRiver to convert 128 and 256 files to 64, and that works fine. I used to have a McIntosh C53 preamp that supported those formats, and I confess there's no (or at least I don't notice) better sound quality, although the file sizes are considerably larger. That's why, I'll say it again, the Expert's DAC is far superior to others with more format support. I'm convinced that with current 24/192 streaming, the sound quality is unbeatable. Nothing more is needed.

It all depends on the DAC and type of music you play. On a modern and good DAC, I can still appreciate the difference between DSD128 and DSD64, although I have to say I don't hear much difference between DSD128 and DSD256.

The difference shows up most if one listens to classical music, I have a piece of orchestra music which I have DSD64, 128 and 256, all on the same recording and mixing, just different resolution. The DSD128 sounds more organic than DSD64, although not much difference is found between the DSD128 and DSD256. On normal vocals or modern music, difference between DSD64 and DSD128 may not be distinguishable.

[Dougiet]

When I play back a DSD via my Devialet, the display will show "DSD64" as the signal format. I use the AES input, but all digital inputs would support DSD64.

This is true to form, the Devialet is reading the DSD flag correctly, either as native DSD or DoP. That’s as far as that signal goes though, it’s then converted by the internal DAC into PCM and output is as such. Personally l see no problem with this, the sound is excellent regardless, my speakers are analog and what’s reaching my ears is sublime 🤘🏻