HQP backend settings Core Audio?

Audio Gear Talk HQ Player
1

I downloaded the networkaudiod exec to my M1 iMac. When I double clicked on the exec in the folder a Terminal window ran. I set up Roon and HQP and it’s working fine. But it only works if I set the backend as CoreAudio. Because if I choose NetworkAudioAdapter the device drop down doesn’t show my Qutest DAC. When I set the backend to CoreAudio, the Qutest shows up on the device drop down.

As I said, it’s working fine and shows that HQP is outputting the audio at the correct upsampled rate.

Everything I"ve read says I need to set the backend to NetworkAudioAdapter.

Since it’s working, do I just ignore this?

2

If you have networkaudiod and HQPlayer on the same computer, there’s no point in using networkaudiod. It only makes sense for network endpoints to allow running HQPlayer somewhere else.

3

Thanks Jussi!
I have used a SoTM SMS 200 Ultra, with the SMS500 power supply to feed my Qutest for the past 4 or so years. I think it sounds great with HQP. But I’m all about retesting my assumptions. So, I removed the SoTM gear and direct connected my Qutest to the USB output on my M1 iMac.

When using the SoTM streamer I used the built in NAA in the firmware. So, I assumed I needed to install a NAA on my iMac to use HQP on the iMac.

So, far… one day of listening… I’m not hearing a massive difference running directly out of the iMac through HQP to the Qutest. But I’ll give it some time.

Do you have any comment on Computer > USB > DAC vs Network Streamer > Usb > DAC?

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4

It depends so much on the system.

I run some of my servers in a separate office room because they are powerful and the cooling fans can get loud. NAA’s are then totally silent and in the listening space.

SoTM, Rendu, Holo Red and similar are good endpoints.

At least Mac Mini M1 is already a very good one box solution with direct connection. I don’t have any M1 iMacs yet, my current iMac is still Intel based 27" i9-9900K (loud under CPU load).

If you want to optimize direct USB connection, Intona USB isolator is good solution. It could be worth also with Qutest.

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5

Qutest already has USB ground isolation. Only the portables Mojo and Hugo don’t

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I would like to see measurements first. I have seen too many “isolations” vs isolation.

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I’ve measured Qutest USB ground isolation

Sure it doesn’t have the 5 kV isolation of my Intona

but there is no electrical continuity (beep) from its USB input to RCA output ground (unlike Mojo)

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Good test:

Use two regular desktop computers (3-pin earthed IEC power). Hook up DAC to one. Measurement gear to another one. Connect DAC through single ended (unbalanced) connections to the measurement system. Compare with/without Intona. Then repeat the measurement, but this time either computer being battery powered laptop.

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This is the kind of discussion I’m hoping for on this topic.

After a few days of listing with the direct connection to the computer, I’ll go back to the SoTM and review it once again.

I tend to get my system set up sounding good and then listen for years. Some times a decade. After a while I start wondering about my past choices and look to test things out and this has led to making improvements. (Which I then live with for years and years. Sigh)

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10

A few more tests took place. And, I’ve gone all the way back to using the SMS 200 Ultra and HQP outputting DSD256. After testing things with a direct USB from my iMac I tested the SoTM without upsampling and even via Roon > HQP without any upsampling.

I just wanted to re-confirm my choice of SoTM SMS200 Ultra > Roon > HQP DSD256 > Qutest and I feel prett confident now that this combo of hardware and software sounds the best in my room to my ears.

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