Best native DSD DACs for use with HQPlayer?

Audio Gear Talk HQ Player
1779

Sorry for my ignorance, for DSC1/2, does it have any readily made solution? or you have to somehow DIY?

1780

I donā€™t have it written anywhere, but I believe it likely has been ASDM7ECv2.

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1781

Nope, unless someone is selling their used unit.

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1782

Hi Jussi, thanks very much for the technical measurements of the Teac UD 701N. Iā€™m looking for a real direct DSD DAC to include in my listening chain which is based on a good quality tube integrated amplifier (Jadis I50) and good speakers (AQ Pontos 6 which use Scan Speak speakers plus AQ Pontos W sub-woofer).
The weak point of my listening chain is definitely the Topping E30II which I purchased as a replacement for the SMSL DO300 (ES9039PRO) because I found it too rough and drilling. the E30II sounds better than the DO300 but I donā€™t think it is able to make the most of the financial investment made.
HQPlayer Desktop 5.6.1 runs in Ubuntu 22.04.3 environment and the endpoint is a SOtM 200 ultra neo and the result is acceptable.
I am thinking of purchasing this TEAC UD 701N to replace the small Topping but I would like to ask you two questions which I hope you will kindly answer:

  1. Do you think an RPI4 with NAA could be able to replace the SOtM 200 ultra neo? This would save me some money on the purchase of the Teac (around ā‚¬800)
  2. This is a delicate question but given the amount of money at stake it is important: Better Teac UD701N or Holo Cyan2 or Spring? T+A is too expensive even though I know it would probably be the better buy.
    Thank you very much in advance for your help
    Regards
    Gerardo
1783

Given above, I think youā€™d like Holo Audio or the TEAC. T+A is closer to ESS in itā€™s sonic character, so it may not be what you are looking for. Holo is more like AKM and the TEAC is more like TI/BB.

With Holo DACs, yes, certainly. TEAC is not as good in that respect. It is unfortunate that TEACā€™s network interface doesnā€™t support HQPlayer NAA protocolā€¦ But the good thing is that you can turn it off to reduce noise leakage inside the DAC.

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1784

Thanks so much for the suggestion. I donā€™t want to make costly mistakes and end up with an unsuitable item.
I think I will try to sell the SOtM and buy a Rpi4 4Gb with NAA on SD, also I will order a Holo Cyan 2 from Magna HiFi.
Wow! Iā€™m very happy :slight_smile:
Thank you very much again for your help
Best Regards
Gerardo

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1785

The Teac UD 701N with NAA protocol would be the ultimate all-in-one headphone solution.

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1786

Is the headphone amp part good as well?

For these measurements, usually people do it with the headphone out or LO? (I bet should be LO)

1787

Why selling the SOtM device? Youā€™ll not save much money in substituting it with a RPi (for using NAA, you donā€™t need 4GB).

1788

Usually Teacā€™s headphone outs have high impedances and so they are not the best for current (mostly low impedance) cans.

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1789

I have not measured the headphone output, but it has both balanced and unbalanced ones. My measurements are from the XLR line outputs.

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1790

A new SOtM 200 ultra neo costs around ā‚¬1500 and mine is only 2 years old. Also I would sell it with the 9V linear power supply. I can think of making ā‚¬900 SOtM+LPS.
Rpi4 4Gb + SD + Power supply + metal case costs around ā‚¬100.
Holo Cyan 2 from Magna HiFi costs ā‚¬1389 and therefore with less than ā‚¬600 I could do the operation and have an excellent dac.
The Rpi 4 works well and I have already tried it.
After all, many network players are based on Rpi4 completely or partially.
Thatā€™s why I decided to do this

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1791

Yup, you have nailed it!!!

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1792

Yes, I made the decision! I just ordered the Rpi4 and as soon as it arrives I will put the SOtM on sale.
Next I will order the Cyan2 :slight_smile:

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1793

Would be a great upgrade from the A26 too!

1795

? My comment wasnā€™t directed at you

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1796

Sorry for misunderstanting

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1797

The audio out is 180 Ohm (unblanced) and 220 Ohm balanced.

Supported headphone impedance is 16-600 Ohm. There is no impedance value given for the headphone out.

Teac.jp

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1798

Teac never specifies the impedance for the headphone out (and this is also a sign :wink:), but (for example Post in thread 'Teac UD 503 DAC (2015 New Release, DXD, DSD256) ā€™ Teac UD 503 DAC (2015 New Release, DXD, DSD256) | Page 32 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org)
itā€™s normally not nearly 0 Ohm, more in direction to 10-20 Ohm.

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1799

But then, to specify the use of headphones down to 16 Ohm is a bit optimistic. :slight_smile: