HQplayer 4 and Mac-mini M1

[Schafheide]

My music in on my NAS.

What about Roon?

[Schafheide]

@AudioDoctor

My present setup is - NAS > Wifi > Auralic Aries G2.1 > Singxer SU-6 (DDC) > Holo May KTE.

So in this scenario I would propose - NAS > Wifi > Mini M1 > Singxer SU6 (or Holo May KTE).

Seems OK?

[Schafheide]

@AudioDoctor

The SU-6 is only there because I think that i2S into the Holo sounds better (for me) than USB (even though the USB into Holo is fabulous}.

I am trying the HQP route because some folk say that it is better sounding than the Auralic Aries G2.1 route.

[Schafheide]

@MikePid

Thanks to you I have sound! But even though I think I have selected DSD output, my May says 384kHz (PCM).

Any chance you could publish a screenshot of your HQP Settings?

I am still trying to get HQPDControl 4 to work.

(I have left the Mini as it arrived, with Big Sur).

[Schafheide]

Thanks for the pic. - I'll give it a go.

No, it is the filters (I used @GoldenSound's settings - see earlier post).

My other slight concern is that HQP does not recognise my DDS (Singxer SU-6), but it does shake hands with the Holo May.

[Schafheide]

@MikePid

Success! Thank you.

Still to sort out HQPDControl and (maybe) the DDC.

[Schafheide]

@MikePid

I spoke too soon. Hiccups every 3-4 seconds.

Your advice?

[Schafheide]

Cancel that - add Buffer Time 250ms. All OK now.

[Schafheide]

@MikePid

Given all of the PCM & DSD default options, how does one chose each one? Is it just pot luck or is there some guidance that you take into account?

Also, the only way that my DAC was an option in Device, was if I selected CoreAudio in Backend. - Why?

Also, what is NetWorkAudioAdapter IPv6?

Sorry to bombard you with all these questions.

[Schafheide]

@pis99

Could you please elaborate on your thoughts re mini M1 with Holo May. Is it just Dop vs native DSD?

On my present Auralic based setup I cannot hear any difference between DoP & native.

Nor can I hear the difference between DSD256 & 512 & 1024.

[Schafheide]

@MikePid

I want to avoid, if possible another box + software + cable (a Raspberry Pi based solution is about AUD1000 - way too much at this stage).

My DAC will accept up to 512 DoP or 1024 native. In any case I cannot hear a sound improvement above DSD256 - 256 DoP should be fine. I am only doing this because some say that HQPlayer into Holo May is better SQ than Auralic Aries G2.1 - time will tell!

Thank you once again for your input.

[Schafheide]

Well it needs more listening but, considering the price difference (Mini M1 + HQP = AUD1500 vs Auralic Aries G2.1 = AUD7500) and even though the fact that the Aries is also more user friendly ( no setting up req'd + better interface) - Is it worth paying the extra AUD6000? At this stage the answer is no.

But still a few little things to sort out!

[Schafheide]

Elaboration - It sounds at least as good.

[Schafheide]

Actually I said "a Raspberry Pi based solution". This would consist of a Pi, HQP Embedded & a decent USB cable.

[Schafheide]

Has anyone compared the SQ of a Raspberry Pi NAA with that of a more expensive NAA such as ultraRendu?

[Schafheide]

Thank you.

Now that I am satisfied re SQ of HQP vs Auralic Aries G2.1 - I will turn my attention to a NAA.

Can you point to a review or two?

[Schafheide]

@MikePid

I have applied all of your recommendations. I now have WiFi access but no internet.

1. How do I reinstate internet

2. The buffer settings in HQP are greyed out.

TIA

[Schafheide]

Internet fixed.

Buffer time is grayed out under Output Device Settings, but is available under Input Device Settings (although it keeps going back to Default). I am connecting direct from M1 to DAC via USB.

Jussi has not yet answered my query re this.

[Schafheide]

So why can't I set Output buffer time under Output Device Settings, whereas @MikePid can?

[Schafheide]

Sonore says that, in order to setup the ultraRendu, it has to be connected via RJ45 to the router.

Does it have to remain there, or can it then be moved to the Mac (using RJ45) ??

Or can it be setup whilst connected to the Mac (which is WiFi connected to the router.

Does all of this apply to all NAA's ??

[Schafheide]

The problem is that all of my equipment is alongside where I sit (and listen through my headphones). The router is a couple of rooms away. My transport (or M1) is connected very effectively via WiFi to the router (as recommended by Auralic).

[Schafheide]

My mini is connected via wifi through a range extender (rather than ethernet cabling.

Could I plug the NAA into this same range extender or would the wifi be "overloaded" ??

[Schafheide]

This arrangement works perfectly sending files via wifi from my NAS attached to the router, to my Auralic transport.

[Schafheide]

The Auralic designer specifically recommends wifi connection for his equipment (less noise, I think). In fact it actually sounds better than having the files on an SSD inside the transport!

[Schafheide]

I am definitely not selling the Auralic. I am just fully investigating the claim by some, that the HQP into Holo May sounds better than Auralic into Holo May. But obviously I will not be going down the NAA route.