HQplayer 4 and Mac-mini M1

[Schafheide]

I am a newbie regarding HQPlayer.

Will this setup work (I only listen to files on my NAS) -

NAS - WiFi - Mac Mini M1 16GB (HQPlayer installed) - USB - Singxer SU-6 DDC - i2s - Holo May KTE - BHSE - Stax SR-009S.

Or do I need a NAA?

Thank you.

[Schafheide]

Miska

Thank you for your reply.

Basically I am just directly substituting the Mac/HQPlayer for my existing Auralic Aries streamer ie disconnect the Aries - plug the usb cable into the Mac.

I would hope to be able to control the Mac/HQPlayer from my Ipad Pro, using a Luna Display adapter, plugged into the Mac.

[Schafheide]

MikePid

Thank you for your info. I will give Screen Sharing a go (it's free!). Maybe the soon to arrive Apple Universal Control will be better?

[Schafheide]

I do not understand how the addition of a NAA will enable MacOS to play native DSD?

I must have a look at using a memory stick as NAA??? - or have I got it wrong?

[Schafheide]

MikePid

Have you tried a suitable TB to USB-C adapter for the Luna dongle?

[Schafheide]

MikePid

Some basic newbie questions -

Initially, to setup your Mini, you connected screen, KB & Mouse.

Then you setup Screen Sharing.

Then you turned it off & disconnected screen etc.

Now you can just turn it on & control it from your iPad?

[Schafheide]

Or Screens 4 ??

[Schafheide]

Does the amount of available RAM have any effect on dropouts? To be on the safe side I have ordered a Mini M1 16GB.

[Schafheide]

I would like to improve the HQPlayer screen quality on my iPad.

I assume that it is not possible to have HQPlayer on the Mini and have a control app on the iPad? Both devices are on the same wifi network, in sight of each other.

[Schafheide]

Thank you.

[Schafheide]

In anticipation of the imminent arrival of my new mini M1 (then HQP), my thoughts turn to the best settings for HQP.

The only info that I have at present came from @GoldenOne on another forum (see image). Do these settings agree with your listening experience?

Whilst I used to think that my May was best at PCM via USB, I now think it is best at DSD256 via i2s (using my SU-6 DDC). So I would mostly use DSD out from the HQP.

TIA

[Schafheide]

I am after a cheap NAA solution, that will work up to DSD512.

My first thought is a suitable Mac Mini with HQPlayer Embedded - what is the oldest (cheapest) one that would work for me?

My preference is for a commercial box, rather than a circuit board and a power supply.

TIA

[Schafheide]

Wow! The Raspberry Pi seems perfect. Any chance you can point me to a suitable Forum?

 

How would I use the Mele PC Stick?

[Schafheide]

Yes, for the Pi.

[Schafheide]

 

8 hours ago, BrownMagic said:

Just install linux and HQP NAA and you are good to go. That’s how I use it with my Holo May KTE. 

Do you just plug it into the mini which has HQP installed and then connect it via usb to your DAC? What are it's limitations ie will it work at DSD512?

[Schafheide]

Is it feasible to wipe MacOS on Mini M1, install Ubuntu 20.04 LTS with latest kernel 5.15. Then install HQPlayer?

Is so can someone explain how they did it?

Because it is Linux, I assume that it will play nativeDSD without the need for a NAA?

[Schafheide]

Thanks camott!

I guess that I will have to survive with HQP on MacOS and DoP DSD and be patient!

[Schafheide]

camott - Have you seen this

https://fedoramagazine.org/contribute-at-the-fedora-linux-36-test-week-for-kernel-5-15/

[Schafheide]

AudioDoctor

Thank you, I am now aware of this but, I just want to avoid another box in the chain.

[Schafheide]

43 minutes ago, camott said:

 

Sorry, no, and what does that have to do with the M1?

https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/06/28/apples-m1-now-supported-by-linux-kernel-in-version-513

[Schafheide]

See

https://communities.vmware.com/t5/Fusion-for-Apple-Silicon-Tech/Fedora-35-warning/m-p/2868128

[Schafheide]

If it works, it would probably overtax the CPU for the higher DSD rates?

[Schafheide]

My new M1 has arrived.

Can someone point me to install & setup instructions please.

I will be using HQPDControl. So do I just install HQPlayer4 desktop? What about the other files in the dmg?

[Schafheide]

@MikePid

 

Thank you for your most useful reply.

1. Can the install be done without using Roon?

2. What is "headless"?

[Schafheide]

@AudioDoctor

Don't get me wrong, I have not entirely dismissed the option of NAA on rasp.berry PI.

When you say "ok... but it sounds dramatically better." is this due only to DoP vs native DSD? Or is there something else?

I value your input.