Direct Stream Digital (DSD) is a digital audio encoding technology that captures sound in a way that closely resembles analog recordings. It uses a one-bit format to represent audio signals, sampling them at a very high rate, typically 2.8 MHz or 5.6 MHz. This high sampling rate allows for a more detailed representation of sound, which can result in a more natural listening experience. DSD is often used in high-resolution audio formats and is popular among audiophiles who seek superior sound quality. It is commonly found in Super Audio CDs (SACDs) and can be played back on specialized DSD-compatible devices or software.