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Originally Posted by kostalex  Is it possible to feed HDP DAC output to external amp (WooAudio 3 in my case) and then back to HDP audio input (from WooAudio 3 preamp output in my case)? If I plug headphones to HDP then, I would have kind of hybrid amp.
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No, you can't do this because only one input can be active at one time.
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Originally Posted by eneloquent Not to add to much to the clamoring horde, but I wanted to second this with a more specific angle.
I'm curious as to a comparison of its driving abilities. If the uDac didn't have quite enough muscle to really push some of the more inefficent cans (i.e. 300ohm Senns), is the HDP enough of a step up to make an audible difference, to act as an adequate substitute for a dedicated SS amp (like a Caliente?) I'm assuming so, but I'd like your opinion on this gap specifically, if you have the time to do so.
uDac
Power output: 80mW x 2 @ 16-Ohm
HDP
Headphone Output: 6.3mm headphone output jack drives headphones up to 600-Ohm (80 mW@600-Ohm)
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As far as the driving ability specs, I think they were stressing or implying that the intended market for the uDAC is the computer-source/IEM people (or with easy to drive phones); whereas the HDP is aimed at the stand alone source/computer/full size phone market which demands more power. So far it seems both DAC/amps are suited for the typical or most commonly used IEM and full size phones, at least among those I posted that I have tried). I don't believe that phones like the HE-5, K1000 and 600 ohm AKG K240M (or highly dampened modded orthodynamic phones) are in the uDAC's target market.
Thus, the uDAC is considerably less powerful than the HDP with the very inefficient 25 ohm HE-5 that require large current reserves and power, and the uDAC barely gets by driving the HE-5 while the HDP actually drives them to levels similar to the WA6 (which is very adequate but still not enough for blasting).
The uDAC will play the more efficient 32 ohm HF-2 louder than it can the HE-5, but it will still clip much sooner with the HF-2 than the HDP will. I can actually max out the volume with the HDP with HF-2 and instead of it getting fuzzy and distorted at max, the bass just goes a little flatter as it runs out of current. Like many desktop amps the HDP is better behaved as you reach the power limits.
The uDAC is also less powerful with the HD600, but it has adequate power levels for most people to still really enjoy these 300 ohm cans (similar to the most power portable amps). However, with infected Mushroom "Dancing with the Kadafi" the HDP can drive the HD600 to very loud levels, make my ear lobes start to vibrate, and do it at max volume right at the edge of clipping. This is desktop amp power, not a 5v portable amp.
Getting off topic of the power specs, but while I'm talking about HF-2 - The sound signature of the HF-2 is also better suited to the HDP than the uDAC - the uDAC is more forward sounding than the HDP with HF-2, while the HDP is more open and unfettered sounding with them. This is one of those times when I really wish I hadn't sold my re-cabled RS-1 which are more detailed and open than the HF-2, as they would come in handy with my reviews. I am also noticing the HDP sound signature changing a little with burn-in and the highs are a little less present at 36 hours, but this is less of a problem with HF-2 than HD600. I expect more sound changes with time, so I would like to avoid commenting a lot about the sound until my 10-day burn-in is done.
Note - I have not compared the HDP to other desktop amps yet, nor it's 300 ohm performance to my other desktop amps yet, and I have not tried the 600 ohm AKG or the K1000 yet. I'm still very early in the evaluation process.
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Originally Posted by Blackwheel Could you also compare this to the uDac please and let us know whether or not you believe the price difference is equivalent to the performance boost? I understand that this has more ins/outs, but purely from an audio quality frame of reference, is the HDP worth the extra $$$. Thanks.
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I expect that I will compare HDP to more DACs than just my two more expensive desktop DACs.
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Originally Posted by A_Dying_Wren Gah... $399 I can possibly budget for but $499 puts it way over the top.
Any chance of a head-fi introductory discount?  |
They said they will try to shoot for $449 if possible, but I agree that an introductory $399 price for the first 10 or 20 head-fi members sounds like a good way to get more people to listen to the HDP and post their thoughts.
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Originally Posted by Blackwheel I'm actually more interested in the opposite scenario . How do the HDP and uDac compare as a preamp when using a dedicated amp?
Please address both situations. Thanks  |
See above.
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Originally Posted by estreeter Larry, you clearly have your work cut out for you with this one - you need to make it all things to all men AND convince Jason that cheapskate Head-Fiers cant possibly afford a $499 amp. As one of those cheapskates, I accept that Jason has to make a profit on this thing - I just want him to make the shipping date. The 499 price might actually improve my chances of getting one before the dreaded 'Out of Stock' icon appears on the product page.
Thanks in advance for the review. As I posted elsewhere, my decision will largely be based on your review, and I suspect that many others feel the same way - no pressure, dude  |
Sorry, I don't have that much influence on them, but if there is ever a problem with the sound then they confirm it and don't argue about correcting things.
