foo_input_sacd ~ Foobar2000 Super Audio CD Decoder

Posted by tom2tec on

The Super Audio CD Decoder adds SACD ISO, DSF, DSDIFF/DFF and DSD WavPack support to foobar2000. It can play DSD as PCM or send DSD to compatible output hardware. Related components provide DSD processing and conversion.

Current project: Super Audio CD Decoder on SourceForge

Version checked: foo_input_sacd 2.0.25, released June 22, 2026, with a separate package for foobar2000 1.6.x dated June 24, 2026. SourceForge labels the project Inactive, although its archive lists these June 2026 packages. Its prominent “Download Latest Version” button currently points to 2.0.24, so use the versioned 2.0.25 download links below or inspect the complete file archive. Recent files do not guarantee ongoing maintenance or support.

Installation

  1. Download the package matching your foobar2000 version: foo_input_sacd 2.0.25 for current foobar2000 versions, or the separate package for foobar2000 1.6.x.
  2. In foobar2000, open File → Preferences → Components, install the downloaded component package, and restart foobar2000 if prompted.
  3. Open a supported DSF, DFF/DSDIFF or SACD ISO file to confirm that it is recognized.

Keep a copy of your existing foobar2000 configuration before changing components or output settings. Component packages and compatibility can differ between foobar2000 versions.

Choose an output method

The right configuration depends on whether you want conventional PCM playback or DSD output to a compatible DAC. Start with PCM if your immediate goal is simply to play your files.

Option 1: PCM playback

PCM conversion is the straightforward choice when you want broad output compatibility or need foobar2000 DSPs, meters and visualizations to operate on the decoded audio.

  1. Open File → Preferences → Tools → SACD.
  2. Under Output (per device), select the PCM output mode.
  3. Choose a PCM sample rate supported by your output device. Do not assume 384 kHz is necessary or supported.
  4. If the decoder offers DSD-to-PCM converter settings, begin with the default settings. Change the conversion mode or filter only when you have a reason to do so.
  5. Apply the settings and play a track.

The original article used DSD+PCM, 384000 Hz and Direct (64fp, 30kHz lowpass). Those are settings from one particular setup, not universal requirements. The appropriate mode and sample rate depend on the decoder version, output device and desired processing.

Option 2: DSD output

Direct DSD playback requires a compatible output path and DAC. Support for DSD files by the decoder does not, by itself, guarantee native DSD output to your hardware.

  1. Confirm that your DAC supports the DSD rates and output method you intend to use.
  2. In the SACD decoder’s Output (per device) settings, select DSD where appropriate.
  3. Select an output device and driver that support the intended DSD path.
  4. Play a known DSD track and verify the format reported by the DAC or its control software.

The standard foobar2000 ASIO Output component is not universally required for SACD playback. foobar2000’s own documentation recommends its default output modes unless ASIO is needed for a particular device or driver.

For a compatible DAC requiring an alternative native-DSD path, see foo_out_asio+dsd. Its project documentation describes it as a substitute for the standard ASIO Output component and identifies native DSD playback as its purpose. Do not install multiple output components merely because they are available; choose the path appropriate to your hardware.

DSD, DoP and PCM are different output paths. DoP transports DSD data within a PCM-framed stream; it is not the same as converting the audio to PCM. Actual support depends on the component, driver and DAC. If you need native DSD, verify what your DAC reports rather than relying on a foobar2000 setting alone.

Stereo, multichannel and SACD tags

SACD ISO images may contain stereo and multichannel areas. In the decoder’s SACD input settings:

  • Choose the preferred area according to what you want to play. Selecting Stereo limits playback to the stereo area where available.
  • Enable editable tags if you intend to edit metadata.
  • If using the decoder’s ISO-associated tag storage, understand where those tags are stored and back them up.
  • Linked stereo/multichannel tags can help share metadata between the two versions of an album, but choose this according to your tagging workflow.

Do not assume that every SACD contains both stereo and multichannel material, or that all tag options behave identically across versions. Check the available areas and test tag changes on a copy or a non-critical file first.

Extracting tracks to DSF or other DSD formats

For conversion or extraction, use the separate foo_dsd_converter component. Version 1.0.1 was released June 23, 2026. The project’s readme states that this converter is for non-commercial use only; review the current terms before using it in a commercial context.

  1. Download and install the converter component using foobar2000’s Components preferences.
  2. If needed for the source type or sample rate, install and configure foo_dsd_processor. Consult the converter’s current readme for its requirements.
  3. Select the tracks you want to convert.
  4. Open the Convert context-menu options and choose the DSD conversion function.
  5. Select DSF or another offered output format, set the destination and naming pattern, and run the conversion.
  6. Check the resulting files for correct track boundaries, channel count, tags and playback.

Conversion options can vary with the installed component versions and source material. Keep the original ISO or DSD files until the extracted files have been checked.

About DSD

DSD stands for Direct Stream Digital. Unlike conventional PCM, which represents audio as multibit samples, DSD uses a one-bit stream at a much higher sampling rate. The commonly encountered DSD64 rate is 2.8224 MHz; higher DSD rates also exist. DSD files are not automatically better-sounding than PCM files: mastering, source quality, conversion and playback equipment all matter.

Further reading and downloads

Personal note: I originally followed an earlier version of this procedure to play DSF files and SACD ISO images on an S.M.S.L M500 DAC. That successful setup is useful historical context, but the instructions above distinguish the available output paths rather than assume that one device’s settings will work for everyone.

Last reviewed: October 23, 2026. Component versions and supported output configurations can change; consult the linked project readmes before installing or changing a working system.

Comments welcome