The Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC

[skatbelt]

1 hour ago, Miska said:

 

Mola-Mola DACs convert DSD inputs to PCM. So if you use HQPlayer with those, it is best to always send highest possible rate PCM there and never DSD. (similar way as with Chord DACs)

 

I agree with never DSD on Chord DAC's but my DAVE likes PCM at native rates the best. So no upsampling in Roon or HQPlayer for me.

[skatbelt]

16 minutes ago, Miska said:

 

It depends if you like the digital filter it has or not, I don't know how many different filter options MM DACs offer. For example lot of Chord users still use HQPlayer upsampling.

 

 

I am not one of them. Everything I tried (including HQPlayer and even with redbook material) led to suboptimal results. My suspicion is that if Chord DAC users prefer upsampling before their DAC, it is because they have some kind of phase problem elsewhere in their system that gets somewhat masked with upsampling. Or that they simply prefer a more smeared and rounded sound signature.

[skatbelt]

19 minutes ago, Miska said:

 

Suboptimal in objective or subjective sense? I mean by measurement results or by listening?

 

 

In the sense that spatial clues, perceived depth or very small details (for example on stringed instruments) disappear or become less apparent. But yes, to my ears and taste, not by measurements. What I can say objectively is that you have a double hat on in these kinds of discussions.... :)