Best native DSD DACs for use with HQPlayer?

[Cameron_Rector (Banned)]

We just want a NAA network dac with DSD direct. And not the R26s 1bit Dsd dac!
Why is that basically non existent?!? Lol

[dabassgoesboomboom]

A26 fits.

Also T+A SD 3100 HV and SDV 3100 HV - $$$$

[Cameron_Rector (Banned)]

Well I cancelled the AH90 order.

I’ll look for a A26 on the used market. Just sold the R26 so I’m Dac less!!

[dabassgoesboomboom]

Sounds like a good plan.

Maybe next year affordable options will come up

[jussi_laako (Jussi Laako (Signalyst))]

@Cameron_Rector

“We may not necessarily add this feature because it deviates from the functionality of the all-in-one machine and volume adjustment is not available”

I said why even offer DSD if you can’t bypass the SDM modulator. Many more of us don’t need volume control.

They should just add analog volume control for the headphone output - problem solved…

@Cameron_Rector

We just want a NAA network dac with DSD direct. And not the R26s 1bit Dsd dac!

@dabassgoesboomboom

A26 fits.

Also T+A SD 3100 HV and SDV 3100 HV - $$$$

And iFi NEO Stream falls into that category as well.

[Daiyama]

@jussi_laako

They should just add analog volume control for the headphone output - problem solved…

and here we have the answer.
analog volume control costs money, digital volume control does not.

[jussi_laako (Jussi Laako (Signalyst))]

As an example, Ferrum provides both and you can choose which one you want to use…

iFi offers analog volume control, since the TI/BB chip doesn’t even provide any other option for DSD than direct…

One of the prices going for cost driven…

[hutchp (Hutch Palmer)]

Looking for an additional DAC, currently Chord Qutest at top of list. Will HQ Player “add” to Chord filters. Thanks

[jussi_laako (Jussi Laako (Signalyst))]

Yes, but it is not optimal in combination with HQPlayer.

With HQPlayer you’d preferably use a DAC that allows bit-perfect path straight to the D/A conversion stage.

Chord will always do some amount of it’s own DSP no matter what you input there.

[Cameron_Rector (Banned)]

@dabassgoesboomboom @jussi_laako
Looks like we bullied Gustard and the AH90
designers into a firmware update!!

[hutchp (Hutch Palmer)]

On a different post I received a suggestion from Mark_Kironnas regarding Chord Qutest, he suggested Gustard A26 which appears to be a good solution (especially since streamer/renderer is built in). It appears there are 3 options for ordering: 1) Direct from Shenzhenaudio, 2) Apos - preorder, 3) Amazon. Ordering from Shenzheaudio has 2 year warranty, Amazon is standard warranty. Any feedback were happy Gustard owners purchased from. Mahalo

[dabassgoesboomboom]

@Cameron_Rector

@dabassgoesboomboom @jussi_laako
Looks like we bullied Gustard and the AH90
designers into a firmware update!!

well done !!

[jussi_laako (Jussi Laako (Signalyst))]

Mine is from Amazon, since dealing with customs is rather painful, I rather order from somewhere within EU to avoid the extra hassle.

[Cameron_Rector (Banned)]

I just sold my R26 for the A26.
A26 arrived today. I’ll be that guy….Hey @jussi_laako what’s the best modulators and settings for the A26 and DSD256?

[Manish_Maharjan]

Moving away from the R26 as I want to go the PCM → DSD oversample route. With the new A26 firmware does DSD512 work fine via USB/LAN (both 44.1x & 48x)? How much of a jump is it going from the AKM DSD upsamplers vs the discrete ones like Holo spring/May or T+A Dac200?

[jussi_laako (Jussi Laako (Signalyst))]

@Cameron_Rector

what’s the best modulators and settings for the A26 and DSD256?

On A26, first is to check that it has the newest control firmware so data DSD Direct works. Then enable the DSD Direct mode and set DSD Filter to wide (they call it “Wild Bandwidth”). These are important things.

Then set HQPlayer to output 44.1k x256 using one of the ASDM7EC group of modulators.

[jussi_laako (Jussi Laako (Signalyst))]

@Manish_Maharjan

With the new A26 firmware does DSD512 work fine via USB/LAN (both 44.1x & 48x)?

The DAC chip in question (AK4499EX) only supports 128x and 256x rates. Thus DSD512 or DSD64 won’t be direct.

[hutchp (Hutch Palmer)]

Where did purchase from? Thanks

[Cameron_Rector (Banned)]

I went used market.

@jussi_laako yup it has the latest firmware.
Thanks!!

What’s everyone’s favorite modulators?

[Eminent_One]

Heylo.

Congrats.

This is personal conflict you should discover as I have tried many user favorites and they never align.
Since you ask, after recent Cuda revisit, he who remains shall be AMSDM7EC 512+ fs @1024 and poly sinc hires lp.