Blake Posted May 23, 2020 Share Posted May 23, 2020 @barrowsthanks for posting your Roon oversampling settings! This is a great improvement in SQ and I am very appreciative. On 5/17/2020 at 5:42 PM, barrows said: You already have Roon, it does a good job oversampling to DSD 256. Yes, HQPlayer is better with the EC modulators, but Roon does quite well with the D-90 at DSD 256. So if HQPlayer is even better than Roon for oversampling, I think I will go ahead and do a trial of HQPlayer. Would you mind posting your HQPlayer settings with the same step by step instructions (like you did for Roon)? TIA Speaker Room: Lumin U1X | Lampizator Pacific 2 | Viva Linea | Constellation Inspiration Stereo 1.0 | FinkTeam Kim | Revel subs Office Headphone System: Lumin U1X | Lampizator Golden Gate 3 | Viva Egoista | Abyss AB1266 Phi TC Link to comment
barrows Posted May 23, 2020 Share Posted May 23, 2020 13 minutes ago, Blake said: @barrowsthanks for posting your Roon oversampling settings! This is a great improvement in SQ and I am very appreciative. So if HQPlayer is even better than Roon for oversampling, I think I will go ahead and do a trial of HQPlayer. Would you mind posting your HQPlayer settings with the same step by step instructions (like you did for Roon)? TIA I do not normally run HQP (I do not have a powerful enough machine) so i do not remember my settings really... I stuck mostly with defaults, with EC7 modulator and poly since ext2 filter, I think? The filter is recommended by Jussi. The EC modulators are only possible up to DSD 256, and one needs a very powerful computer to run the, I-9 9900K is basically recommended. If you go into the HQP threads here there is plenty of discussion on settings! SO/ROON/HQPe: DSD 512-Sonore opticalModuleDeluxe-Signature Rendu optical with Well Tempered Clock--DIY DSC-2 DAC with SC Pure Clock--DIY Purifi Amplifier-Focus Audio FS888 speakers-JL E 112 sub-Nordost Tyr USB, DIY EventHorizon AC cables, Iconoclast XLR & speaker cables, Synergistic Purple Fuses, Spacetime system clarifiers. ISOAcoustics Oreas footers. SONORE computer audio | opticalRendu | ultraRendu | microRendu | Signature Rendu SE | Accessories | Software | Link to comment
Blake Posted May 23, 2020 Share Posted May 23, 2020 46 minutes ago, barrows said: I do not normally run HQP (I do not have a powerful enough machine) so i do not remember my settings really... I stuck mostly with defaults, with EC7 modulator and poly since ext2 filter, I think? The filter is recommended by Jussi. The EC modulators are only possible up to DSD 256, and one needs a very powerful computer to run the, I-9 9900K is basically recommended. If you go into the HQP threads here there is plenty of discussion on settings! Ok, thanks for the additional info. My MacBook Pro (2011 i7 2.2Ghz) won't be up to the task then. But your Roon settings sound great anyway so I am a happy camper! Speaker Room: Lumin U1X | Lampizator Pacific 2 | Viva Linea | Constellation Inspiration Stereo 1.0 | FinkTeam Kim | Revel subs Office Headphone System: Lumin U1X | Lampizator Golden Gate 3 | Viva Egoista | Abyss AB1266 Phi TC Link to comment
barrows Posted May 23, 2020 Share Posted May 23, 2020 10 minutes ago, Blake said: Ok, thanks for the additional info. My MacBook Pro (2011 i7 2.2Ghz) won't be up to the task then. But your Roon settings sound great anyway so I am a happy camper! Yeah, this is why I ma not using HQP, but do not listen to it if you do not want to get a new computer/server capable of running it! I just do not have time/money right now to have a custom server built, but the EC modulator with dSD 256 sounded sooo good! At some point i have to figure out set up for it.... Blake 1 SO/ROON/HQPe: DSD 512-Sonore opticalModuleDeluxe-Signature Rendu optical with Well Tempered Clock--DIY DSC-2 DAC with SC Pure Clock--DIY Purifi Amplifier-Focus Audio FS888 speakers-JL E 112 sub-Nordost Tyr USB, DIY EventHorizon AC cables, Iconoclast XLR & speaker cables, Synergistic Purple Fuses, Spacetime system clarifiers. ISOAcoustics Oreas footers. SONORE computer audio | opticalRendu | ultraRendu | microRendu | Signature Rendu SE | Accessories | Software | Link to comment
Miska Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 The regular modulators like ASDM7 are not bad either... And not particularly heavy, with -2s filters and regular modulators one can run DSD256 output even from some Intel Atom models. Signalyst - Developer of HQPlayer Pulse & Fidelity - Software Defined Amplifiers Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 4 hours ago, Miska said: The regular modulators like ASDM7 are not bad either... And not particularly heavy, with -2s filters and regular modulators one can run DSD256 output even from some Intel Atom models. That sounds interesting - would be great if someone could translate that into Roon settings Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
Miska Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 40 minutes ago, OldBigEars said: That sounds interesting - would be great if someone could translate that into Roon settings It cannot be, HQPlayer has it's own algorithms. Signalyst - Developer of HQPlayer Pulse & Fidelity - Software Defined Amplifiers Link to comment
w1000i Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 There is a new AKM4499 DAC could outperform D90 with great Preamp section. Gustard A18 Link to comment
w1000i Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 On 5/24/2020 at 12:07 PM, Miska said: The regular modulators like ASDM7 are not bad either... And not particularly heavy, with -2s filters and regular modulators one can run DSD256 output even from some Intel Atom models. Is there any guidance/explaine for modulators differences ? Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 55 minutes ago, w1000i said: great Preamp section Just a question, what makes it great? Da Horsey 1 Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
w1000i Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 1 hour ago, The Computer Audiophile said: Just a question, what makes it great? What I understood from Topping designer, some DACs uses passive LPF path for the preamp like SMSL M400. This Gustard has active LPF as per their advertisement. Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 1 minute ago, w1000i said: What I understood from Topping designer, some DACs uses passive LPF path for the preamp like SMSL M400. This Gustard has active LPF as per their advertisement. OK. Just wondering how you decided it was great. No worries. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
ambre Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 33 minutes ago, w1000i said: What I understood from Topping designer, some DACs uses passive LPF path for the preamp like SMSL M400. This Gustard has active LPF as per their advertisement. What does this mean and how can you underpin this kind of statement? Advertsiments are mostly marketing driven Subjective comparing both dacs is first step and would be nice if this can be underpinned with objectieve measurements and blind tests. Would be great is this manufacture outperforms the imo very good Topping 90 which supports Direct native Dsd. Just curious and itwould-be a bargain.🌞 Da Horsey 1 Quote Ethernet::4x Bonn Silent Angel 8P, Afterdark Emperor Doublr Crown Masterclock and Cybershaft 75 Ohm,Mini Circuits convertor,Uptone EtherRegen with 75Ohm. SOTM Cat CAT 7. Audio: Auralic Vega G2.1, Cambridge Edge W, Kef Reference 3 speakers. Power: Farad super 3 (2x) , Keces P8 ( 2 Uptone LPS1.2 ) Afterdark 5V: Cables:Meicord Opal, SOTM Cat7 with filtering, Ghent Audio DC , Farad Level 2, Sharkwire speaker cable Link to comment
barrows Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 42 minutes ago, w1000i said: What I understood from Topping designer, some DACs uses passive LPF path for the preamp like SMSL M400. This Gustard has active LPF as per their advertisement. Both the Topping and the Gustard have active output sections. The Gustard you refer to does not equal the performance of the Topping by its measurements. I have no comment as to whether this indicates either one will sound better than the other, which would be up to the individual listener to determine, but the Topping does measure better... BTW, DACs do not have "preamps" on board. Virtually all DACs (yes, there are some esoteric exceptions) have an active buffer stage at their output to drive the output, but calling such a "preamp" is confusing and not really meaningful. Saying a DAC has a "preamp" onboard makes it seem like it has something extra, which is not present in other DACs. w1000i 1 SO/ROON/HQPe: DSD 512-Sonore opticalModuleDeluxe-Signature Rendu optical with Well Tempered Clock--DIY DSC-2 DAC with SC Pure Clock--DIY Purifi Amplifier-Focus Audio FS888 speakers-JL E 112 sub-Nordost Tyr USB, DIY EventHorizon AC cables, Iconoclast XLR & speaker cables, Synergistic Purple Fuses, Spacetime system clarifiers. ISOAcoustics Oreas footers. SONORE computer audio | opticalRendu | ultraRendu | microRendu | Signature Rendu SE | Accessories | Software | Link to comment
Popular Post jabbr Posted May 27, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted May 27, 2020 On 5/23/2020 at 5:26 PM, Blake said: Ok, thanks for the additional info. My MacBook Pro (2011 i7 2.2Ghz) won't be up to the task then. But your Roon settings sound great anyway so I am a happy camper! Consider that the price of HQPlayer + powerful computer is about the price of a pricey cable and the cost of HQPlayer should be really a bargain! 4est and Blake 1 1 Custom room treatments for headphone users. Link to comment
BobSherman Posted May 28, 2020 Share Posted May 28, 2020 15 hours ago, barrows said: Both the Topping and the Gustard have active output sections. The Gustard you refer to does not equal the performance of the Topping by its measurements. I have no comment as to whether this indicates either one will sound better than the other, which would be up to the individual listener to determine, but the Topping does measure better... BTW, DACs do not have "preamps" on board. Virtually all DACs (yes, there are some esoteric exceptions) have an active buffer stage at their output to drive the output, but calling such a "preamp" is confusing and not really meaningful. Saying a DAC has a "preamp" onboard makes it seem like it has something extra, which is not present in other DACs. They seem pretty similar. The Gustard output stage is different, it does has higher output, and is cheaper. Worth a listen. w1000i 1 Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted May 28, 2020 Share Posted May 28, 2020 17 hours ago, BobSherman said: They seem pretty similar. The Gustard output stage is different, it does has higher output, and is cheaper. Worth a listen. the gustard a18 states it also has linear power supply which i have heard makes quite a difference...does the topping have a linear power supply do you know? Link to comment
BobSherman Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 1 hour ago, beerandmusic said: the gustard a18 states it also has linear power supply which i have heard makes quite a difference...does the topping have a linear power supply do you know? Yes it does. Link to comment
barrows Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 1 hour ago, beerandmusic said: the gustard a18 states it also has linear power supply which i have heard makes quite a difference...does the topping have a linear power supply do you know? And, do not believe that switching power supplies cannot be excellent as well, although doing so does require fairly advanced engineerino. For example, the EMM labs DV-2 DAC, reviewed here: , by Chris uses a SMPS, as does the the SOTA Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC. SO/ROON/HQPe: DSD 512-Sonore opticalModuleDeluxe-Signature Rendu optical with Well Tempered Clock--DIY DSC-2 DAC with SC Pure Clock--DIY Purifi Amplifier-Focus Audio FS888 speakers-JL E 112 sub-Nordost Tyr USB, DIY EventHorizon AC cables, Iconoclast XLR & speaker cables, Synergistic Purple Fuses, Spacetime system clarifiers. ISOAcoustics Oreas footers. SONORE computer audio | opticalRendu | ultraRendu | microRendu | Signature Rendu SE | Accessories | Software | Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 26 minutes ago, barrows said: And, do not believe that switching power supplies cannot be excellent as well, although doing so does require fairly advanced engineerino. For example, the EMM labs DV-2 DAC, reviewed here: , by Chris uses a SMPS, as does the the SOTA Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC. It's all about implementation. barrows 1 Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
barrows Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 4 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said: It's all about implementation. Indeed! SO/ROON/HQPe: DSD 512-Sonore opticalModuleDeluxe-Signature Rendu optical with Well Tempered Clock--DIY DSC-2 DAC with SC Pure Clock--DIY Purifi Amplifier-Focus Audio FS888 speakers-JL E 112 sub-Nordost Tyr USB, DIY EventHorizon AC cables, Iconoclast XLR & speaker cables, Synergistic Purple Fuses, Spacetime system clarifiers. ISOAcoustics Oreas footers. SONORE computer audio | opticalRendu | ultraRendu | microRendu | Signature Rendu SE | Accessories | Software | Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 1 hour ago, BobSherman said: Yes it does. Can you point me to a link that states it has a linear power supply? Even in their marketing I don't see it indicate that? I am wondering if i should wait on the gustard A18 or just jump on the Topping D90... Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 1 hour ago, BobSherman said: Yes it does. I found this:: Power: The DAC has a built-in switchable power supply 110-120 50/60 Hz and 220V-240V 50/60 Hz and uses a standard IEC Power Cable. Here:: https://forum.headphones.com/t/topping-d90-dac-official-thread/5334 Link to comment
barrows Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 2 hours ago, beerandmusic said: Can you point me to a link that states it has a linear power supply? Even in their marketing I don't see it indicate that? I am wondering if i should wait on the gustard A18 or just jump on the Topping D90... I had a D-90 here for a few weeks, I opened the chassis and confirmed it has a linear power supply. Being a rather compact DAC (tiny) the power supply is rather small and limited, but it certainly is a linear power supply. There is a switch on the underside of the chassis for changing the input voltage from 115 VAC to 230 VAC. SO/ROON/HQPe: DSD 512-Sonore opticalModuleDeluxe-Signature Rendu optical with Well Tempered Clock--DIY DSC-2 DAC with SC Pure Clock--DIY Purifi Amplifier-Focus Audio FS888 speakers-JL E 112 sub-Nordost Tyr USB, DIY EventHorizon AC cables, Iconoclast XLR & speaker cables, Synergistic Purple Fuses, Spacetime system clarifiers. ISOAcoustics Oreas footers. SONORE computer audio | opticalRendu | ultraRendu | microRendu | Signature Rendu SE | Accessories | Software | Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 I don't want to take away from the Topping thread, so I started another one about the Musician Pegasus. Exocer 1 Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
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