Popular Post Miska Posted January 8, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted January 8, 2023 Of AKM chip models, SMSL D-6 with the updated firmware is among cheapest doing DSD Direct up to DSD512. DuckToller and Yurii 2 Signalyst - Developer of HQPlayer Pulse & Fidelity - Software Defined Amplifiers Link to comment
GoldenOne Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 22 hours ago, Miska said: Too bad the NOS capability is not really useful due to max 192k input rate. Yeah it's a bit of a shame about that https://youtube.com/goldensound Roon -> HQPlayer -> SMS200 Ultra/SPS500 -> Holo Audio May (Wildism Edition) -> Holo Audio Serene (Wildism Edition) -> Benchmark AHB2 -> Hifiman Susvara Link to comment
airdog0988 Posted January 16, 2023 Share Posted January 16, 2023 Has anyone used the VEZZOSO DSD-NB Discrete dac? This is the optimized HQ DSC1. 33-level multi-level conversion -> 44-level Single -> balanced L7 LAB has a measurement report. Link to comment
audiofool Posted February 1, 2023 Share Posted February 1, 2023 What is frustrating are the terrible decisions being made regarding DSD modes, filter modes, decisions to upsample in XMOS, add dither, etc...... Is it possible to modify or replace the stock XMOS firmware in Topping, Fiio, etc dacs using AKM dacs? If not maybe it is time to build something :) Link to comment
Popular Post Jud Posted February 2, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted February 2, 2023 5 hours ago, audiofool said: What is frustrating are the terrible decisions being made regarding DSD modes, filter modes, decisions to upsample in XMOS, add dither, etc...... Is it possible to modify or replace the stock XMOS firmware in Topping, Fiio, etc dacs using AKM dacs? If not maybe it is time to build something :) Why would you want to go to the extent of replacing firmware rather than using software that will utilize the filters and modulators of your choice and a DAC that will for the most part (other than ultrasonic filter for DSD and final analog conversion filter) leave those choices alone? Yurii and semente 2 One never knows, do one? - Fats Waller The fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. - Einstein Computer, Audirvana -> optical Ethernet to Fitlet3 -> Fibbr Alpha Optical USB -> iFi NEO iDSD DAC -> Apollon Audio 1ET400A Mini (Purifi based) -> Vandersteen 3A Signature. Link to comment
audiofool Posted February 2, 2023 Share Posted February 2, 2023 There are some DAC that allow dsd bypass mode but lots that don't. Some dac like models for Fiio that convert dsd to pcm in the XMOS. Even RME AKM model disables the headphone jack for safety reasons when using dsd bypass mode, etc.... Without measuring it is very difficult to know what is going on. Using hqplayer I can use bypass mode in some dacs and maybe keep at least as dsd with akm chips but it would be nice to be able to modify the firmware. Just wondering if anyone has attempted it on retail products. Link to comment
Jud Posted February 2, 2023 Share Posted February 2, 2023 5 minutes ago, audiofool said: There are some DAC that allow dsd bypass mode but lots that don't. Some dac like models for Fiio that convert dsd to pcm in the XMOS. Even RME AKM model disables the headphone jack for safety reasons when using dsd bypass mode, etc.... Without measuring it is very difficult to know what is going on. Using hqplayer I can use bypass mode in some dacs and maybe keep at least as dsd with akm chips but it would be nice to be able to modify the firmware. Just wondering if anyone has attempted it on retail products. Sorry that I personally am unable to help, having no experience. I did extensive research to determine which DACs would not mess with my filtering and modulator choices, rather than spending money on something not quite fit for the purpose and taking a chance on potentially bricking it. If you have the money to spare and a desire to play, then there may be forums somewhere that can help, but I haven’t seen anything like that here. One never knows, do one? - Fats Waller The fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. - Einstein Computer, Audirvana -> optical Ethernet to Fitlet3 -> Fibbr Alpha Optical USB -> iFi NEO iDSD DAC -> Apollon Audio 1ET400A Mini (Purifi based) -> Vandersteen 3A Signature. Link to comment
firedog Posted February 3, 2023 Share Posted February 3, 2023 UD-701N USB DAC / NETWORK PLAYER https://teac-usa.com/reference-series/ud-701-n-usb-dac-network-player Instead of using a generic DAC IC, we incorporated a newly-developed TEAC ΔΣ (Delta Sigma) discrete DAC comprised of discrete circuitry that uses FPGA incorporating our original algorithms. Analog signals are output with high audio quality. DSD signals are transmitted as is, while PCM signals are transmitted after passing through a ΔΣ modulator and conversion to 1-bit signals. We can say that achieving this wide, perfectly clear sound field, which can be realized specifically because of the discrete design, is TEAC reaching the pinnacle of its sound objectives. With the TEAC ΔΣ discrete DAC, playback of 22.5MHz DSD and 384kHz/32-bit PCM is possible. Main listening (small home office): Main setup: Surge protectors +>Isol-8 Mini sub Axis Power Strip/Protection>QuietPC Low Noise Server>Roon (Audiolense DRC)>Stack Audio Link II>Kii Control>Kii Three BXT (on their own electric circuit) >GIK Room Treatments. Secondary Path: Server with Audiolense RC>RPi4 or analog>Cayin iDAC6 MKII (tube mode) (XLR)>Kii Three BXT Bedroom: SBTouch to Cambridge Soundworks Desktop Setup. Living Room/Kitchen: Ropieee (RPi3b+ with touchscreen) + Schiit Modi3E to a pair of Morel Hogtalare. All absolute statements about audio are false Link to comment
semente Posted February 3, 2023 Author Share Posted February 3, 2023 1 hour ago, firedog said: UD-701N USB DAC / NETWORK PLAYER It's been on the list since it came out: NOS PCM Capable DACs: - Aqua - Armature Asterion - Holo Audio (Excluding Cyan DSD) - Metrum Acoustics - Phasure NOS1 - Rockna - Sonnet Morpheus - Audio GD Native DSD Capable DACs: - Audiobyte Vox - Bricasti M21 and M3 - Esoteric (some models?) - Gustard DAC-A22 (maybe other models with AKM chips?) - Holo Audio Spring, May, Cyan DSD - iFi iDSD lineup - Singxer SDA-x family with AKM chips - RME ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 Pro ADC/DAC (AKM models only, must enable 'DSD Direct') - T+A (some models): DAC 8 DSD, SD 3100 HV, SDV 3100 HV, HA 200, DAC 200 - Teac UD-50x family, UD-701 - Topping E30, T70, T90 (AKM models only, must enable 'DAC mode', not 'Pre Mode') "Science draws the wave, poetry fills it with water" Teixeira de Pascoaes HQPlayer Desktop / Mac mini → Intona 7054 → RME ADI-2 DAC FS (DSD256) Link to comment
GoldenOne Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 On 2/3/2023 at 12:29 PM, semente said: It's been on the list since it came out: NOS PCM Capable DACs: - Aqua - Armature Asterion - Holo Audio (Excluding Cyan DSD) - Metrum Acoustics - Phasure NOS1 - Rockna - Sonnet Morpheus - Audio GD Native DSD Capable DACs: - Audiobyte Vox - Bricasti M21 and M3 - Esoteric (some models?) - Gustard DAC-A22 (maybe other models with AKM chips?) - Holo Audio Spring, May, Cyan DSD - iFi iDSD lineup - Singxer SDA-x family with AKM chips - RME ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 Pro ADC/DAC (AKM models only, must enable 'DSD Direct') - T+A (some models): DAC 8 DSD, SD 3100 HV, SDV 3100 HV, HA 200, DAC 200 - Teac UD-50x family, UD-701 - Topping E30, T70, T90 (AKM models only, must enable 'DAC mode', not 'Pre Mode') Schiit Yggdrasil+ and Bifrost 2/64 can be added to the NOS PCM capable list semente 1 https://youtube.com/goldensound Roon -> HQPlayer -> SMS200 Ultra/SPS500 -> Holo Audio May (Wildism Edition) -> Holo Audio Serene (Wildism Edition) -> Benchmark AHB2 -> Hifiman Susvara Link to comment
semente Posted February 5, 2023 Author Share Posted February 5, 2023 Update: NOS PCM Capable DACs: - Aqua - Armature Asterion - Audio GD - Holo Audio (Excluding Cyan DSD) - Metrum Acoustics - Phasure NOS1 - Rockna - Schiit Yggdrasil, Bifrost 2/64 - Sonnet Morpheus Native DSD Capable DACs: - Audiobyte Vox - Bricasti M21 and M3 - Esoteric (some models?) - Gustard DAC-A22 (maybe other models with AKM chips?) - Holo Audio Spring, May, Cyan DSD - iFi iDSD lineup - RME ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 Pro ADC/DAC (AKM models only, must enable 'DSD Direct') - Singxer SDA-x family with AKM chips - T+A (some models): DAC 8 DSD, SD 3100 HV, SDV 3100 HV, HA 200, DAC 200 - Teac UD-50x family, UD-701 - Topping E30, T70, T90 (AKM models only, must enable 'DAC mode', not 'Pre Mode') "Science draws the wave, poetry fills it with water" Teixeira de Pascoaes HQPlayer Desktop / Mac mini → Intona 7054 → RME ADI-2 DAC FS (DSD256) Link to comment
Norton Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 EC Designs Powerdacs R, S and B can be added to the PCM section Link to comment
GoldenOne Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 57 minutes ago, Norton said: EC Designs Powerdacs R, S and B can be added to the PCM section Those are delta sigma aren't they? https://youtube.com/goldensound Roon -> HQPlayer -> SMS200 Ultra/SPS500 -> Holo Audio May (Wildism Edition) -> Holo Audio Serene (Wildism Edition) -> Benchmark AHB2 -> Hifiman Susvara Link to comment
Norton Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 3 hours ago, GoldenOne said: Those are delta sigma aren't they? No - multibit via discrete resistor matrix. semente 1 Link to comment
Popular Post Miska Posted February 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted February 5, 2023 NOS on the Schiit are limited usefulness because the input options limit maximum input rate to 192k. I understand the EC Designs have similar limitation. semente and Exocer 1 1 Signalyst - Developer of HQPlayer Pulse & Fidelity - Software Defined Amplifiers Link to comment
semente Posted February 12, 2023 Author Share Posted February 12, 2023 Update: NOS PCM Capable DACs: - Aqua - Armature Asterion - Audio GD - EC Designs Powerdacs R, S, B - Holo Audio (Excluding Cyan DSD) - Metrum Acoustics - Phasure NOS1 - Rockna - Sonnet Morpheus Native DSD Capable DACs: - Audiobyte Vox - Bricasti M21 and M3 - Esoteric (some models?) - Gustard DAC-A22 (maybe other models with AKM chips?) - Holo Audio Spring, May, Cyan DSD - iFi iDSD lineup - RME ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 Pro ADC/DAC (AKM models only, must enable 'DSD Direct') - Singxer SDA-x family with AKM chips - T+A (some models): DAC 8 DSD, SD 3100 HV, SDV 3100 HV, HA 200, DAC 200 - Teac UD-50x family, UD-701 - Topping E30, T70, T90 (AKM models only, must enable 'DAC mode', not 'Pre Mode') "Science draws the wave, poetry fills it with water" Teixeira de Pascoaes HQPlayer Desktop / Mac mini → Intona 7054 → RME ADI-2 DAC FS (DSD256) Link to comment
Miska Posted February 12, 2023 Share Posted February 12, 2023 5 hours ago, semente said: - Gustard DAC-A22 (maybe other models with AKM chips?) Gustard A26 should be too and SMSL D400 EX which has the same chip set as Gustard A22. I'm planning to get either of these. 5 hours ago, semente said: - Topping E30, T70, T90 (AKM models only, must enable 'DAC mode', not 'Pre Mode') From SMSL family, D-6 (with updated firmware), M400. Likely also some other AKM based models. Same comment regarding DAC vs Pre mode. SMSL D300 which is based on the Rohm DAC chip. semente 1 Signalyst - Developer of HQPlayer Pulse & Fidelity - Software Defined Amplifiers Link to comment
semente Posted February 12, 2023 Author Share Posted February 12, 2023 1 hour ago, Miska said: Gustard A26 should be too and SMSL D400 EX which has the same chip set as Gustard A22. I'm planning to get either of these. From SMSL family, D-6 (with updated firmware), M400. Likely also some other AKM based models. Same comment regarding DAC vs Pre mode. SMSL D300 which is based on the Rohm DAC chip. Hope I've got this right. Update: NOS PCM Capable DACs • Aqua • Armature Asterion • Audio GD • EC Designs Powerdacs R, S, B • Holo Audio (excluding Cyan DSD) • Metrum Acoustics • Phasure NOS1 • Rockna • Sonnet Morpheu Native DSD Capable DACs • Armature Asterion • Audiobyte Vox • Bricasti M21 and M3 • Esoteric (some models?) • Gustard DAC-A22, DAC-A26 (maybe other models with AKM chips?) • Holo Audio Spring, May, Cyan DSD • iFi iDSD lineup • RME ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 Pro ADC/DAC (AKM models only, must enable 'DSD Direct') • Singxer SDA-x family with AKM chips • SMSL D-6 (with updated firmware), M400, D300, D400 EX • T+A (some models): DAC 8 DSD, SD 3100 HV, SDV 3100 HV, HA 200, DAC 200 • Teac UD-50x family , UD-701 • Topping E30, T70, T90 (AKM models only, must enable 'DAC mode', not 'Pre Mode') "Science draws the wave, poetry fills it with water" Teixeira de Pascoaes HQPlayer Desktop / Mac mini → Intona 7054 → RME ADI-2 DAC FS (DSD256) Link to comment
Yurii Posted February 12, 2023 Share Posted February 12, 2023 Over a year ago, I became interested in this topic and did a little research. I compared the sound of direct DSD with Topping E30 and DST1v2. As a player I used HQPLayer in DSD256 mode. The differences were at the most minimal level, practically not noticeable. Then the idea came to make a DAC on an AKM chip with the correct PCB topology and good body kit details. The software is also ready, all possible filters are used in direct DSD filter mode. Now I see that the AK4490 has appeared on Aliexpress at an inexpensive price. You can create a great-sounding device at minimal cost. The RME ADI-2 uses the same chip and sounds great. You can add Sabaj A10D on AK4497 to the list of DSD capable DACs. It has a direct mode with a fixed volume and a choice of color sound filters. Link to comment
semente Posted February 13, 2023 Author Share Posted February 13, 2023 The Sabaj A10D has an ESS chip: https://www.amazon.co.uk/SABAJ-Resolution-Balanced-ESS9038Q2M-Bluetooth/dp/B09YH2M345 "Science draws the wave, poetry fills it with water" Teixeira de Pascoaes HQPlayer Desktop / Mac mini → Intona 7054 → RME ADI-2 DAC FS (DSD256) Link to comment
GoldenOne Posted February 13, 2023 Share Posted February 13, 2023 NOS PCM Capable DACs • Aqua • Armature Asterion • Audio GD • EC Designs Powerdacs R, S, B • Hifiman EF400 • Holo Audio (excluding Cyan DSD) • Metrum Acoustics • Phasure NOS1 • Rockna • Schiit Yggdrasil +, Bifrost 2/64 and Modi Multibit 2 (192khz limit) • Sonnet Morpheus • SW1X (192khz limit) Native DSD Capable DACs • Armature Asterion • Audiobyte Vox • Bricasti M21 and M3 • Esoteric (some models?) • Gustard DAC-A22, DAC-A26 (maybe other models with AKM chips?) • Holo Audio Spring, May, Cyan DSD • iFi iDSD lineup • RME ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 Pro ADC/DAC (AKM models only, must enable 'DSD Direct') • Singxer SDA-x family with AKM chips • SMSL D-6 (with updated firmware), M400, D300, D400 EX • T+A (some models): DAC 8 DSD, SD 3100 HV, SDV 3100 HV, HA 200, DAC 200 • Teac UD-50x family , UD-701 • Topping E30, T70, T90 (AKM models only, must enable 'DAC mode', not 'Pre Mode') Additionally worth noting that available measurements of the Gustard R26 indicate it can do true NOS PCM but I'll need to check to be sure it's not just a ZOH oversampling filter ecwl 1 https://youtube.com/goldensound Roon -> HQPlayer -> SMS200 Ultra/SPS500 -> Holo Audio May (Wildism Edition) -> Holo Audio Serene (Wildism Edition) -> Benchmark AHB2 -> Hifiman Susvara Link to comment
Foggie Posted February 13, 2023 Share Posted February 13, 2023 1 hour ago, GoldenOne said: NOS PCM Capable DACs • Aqua • Armature Asterion • Audio GD • EC Designs Powerdacs R, S, B • Hifiman EF400 • Holo Audio (excluding Cyan DSD) • Metrum Acoustics • Phasure NOS1 • Rockna • Schiit Yggdrasil +, Bifrost 2/64 and Modi Multibit 2 (192khz limit) • Sonnet Morpheus • SW1X (192khz limit) Native DSD Capable DACs • Armature Asterion • Audiobyte Vox • Bricasti M21 and M3 • Esoteric (some models?) • Gustard DAC-A22, DAC-A26 (maybe other models with AKM chips?) • Holo Audio Spring, May, Cyan DSD • iFi iDSD lineup • RME ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 Pro ADC/DAC (AKM models only, must enable 'DSD Direct') • Singxer SDA-x family with AKM chips • SMSL D-6 (with updated firmware), M400, D300, D400 EX • T+A (some models): DAC 8 DSD, SD 3100 HV, SDV 3100 HV, HA 200, DAC 200 • Teac UD-50x family , UD-701 • Topping E30, T70, T90 (AKM models only, must enable 'DAC mode', not 'Pre Mode') Additionally worth noting that available measurements of the Gustard R26 indicate it can do true NOS PCM but I'll need to check to be sure it's not just a ZOH oversampling filter Aqua also handles native dsd, at least that is what I am seeing (La Scala MKII optologic) My rig Link to comment
semente Posted February 13, 2023 Author Share Posted February 13, 2023 1 hour ago, GoldenOne said: • Schiit Yggdrasil +, Bifrost 2/64 and Modi Multibit 2 (192khz limit) These ones do not meet the requirements: On 5/27/2017 at 10:29 AM, semente said: I have been unsuccessfully searching for a list of high-performance* commercial DACs that allow user to bypass digital filtering (NOS), leaving that task to a software music player such as HQ Player. It would be interesting if we could compile such a list in this thread. * - no TDA1543-based DACs please, only equipment that can take 24bit and sampling rates above 176.4/192kHz. "Science draws the wave, poetry fills it with water" Teixeira de Pascoaes HQPlayer Desktop / Mac mini → Intona 7054 → RME ADI-2 DAC FS (DSD256) Link to comment
Yurii Posted February 13, 2023 Share Posted February 13, 2023 6 часов назад, Семен сказал: Sabaj A10D имеет чип ESS: https://www.amazon.co.uk/SABAJ-Resolution-Balanced-ESS9038Q2M-Bluetooth/dp/B09YH2M345 http://www.sabaj.com.cn/en/productshow.asp?id=81 semente 1 Link to comment
semente Posted February 17, 2023 Author Share Posted February 17, 2023 Update (I've removed the Schiit models because they don't do high rates): NOS PCM Capable DACs • Aqua • Armature Asterion • Audio GD • EC Designs Powerdacs R, S, B • Hifiman EF400 • Holo Audio (except Cyan DSD) • Metrum Acoustics • Phasure NOS1 • Rockna Native DSD Capable DACs • Armature Asterion (discrete) • Audiobyte Vox (discrete) • Bricasti M21 and M3 (discrete) • Esoteric (BB/TI, AKM, discrete) - some models • Gustard DAC-A22, DAC-A26 (AKM) • Holo Audio Spring, May, Cyan DSD (discrete) • iFi iDSD lineup (BB/TI) • RME ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 Pro ADC/DAC (AKM) • Sabaj A10d (AKM) • Singxer SDA-x (AKM) • SMSL D-6 M400, D300, D400 EX (AKM) • T+A DAC 8 DSD, SD 3100 HV, SDV 3100 HV, HA 200, DAC 200 (discrete) • Teac UD-501 (BB/TI); UD-503 & UD-505 (AKM); UD-701 (discrete) • Topping E30, T70, T90 (AKM) "Science draws the wave, poetry fills it with water" Teixeira de Pascoaes HQPlayer Desktop / Mac mini → Intona 7054 → RME ADI-2 DAC FS (DSD256) Link to comment
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