[motberg]

I recently got a Master 7 (2016 version - non singularity) which I use together the DI20 interface connected via HDMI (I2S). I wanted to know what is the best procedure to bring this DAC to NOS by acting on the jumpers. I read both the instructions on the AudioGD site and some posts on the net but this only confused my ideas because they are often conflicting. Would you please tell me what is the procedure to follow? Which one do you use?
Thanks a lot
Alessandro

I agree best to send an email to Audio-GD, let them know the serial number.
Here is an old post from me, my Master 7 was bought April 2015.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aud...ced-dac-pcm1704.625793/page-215#post-12465383

 

[PeterCraig]

A great addition to the Audio-gd website is a collection of all the available firmware downloads.

Of special note the Master 7 firmware is made available to anyone who hasn't updated yet.

http://www.audio-gd.com/Firmwaredownload.htm

 

[DACLadder]

A great addition to the Audio-gd website is a collection of all the available firmware downloads.

Of special note the Master 7 firmware is made available to anyone who hasn't updated yet.

http://www.audio-gd.com/Firmwaredownload.htm

Yes, thanks... I see addition of original M7 firmware downloads at the bottom of the page. ‘V5’ was around for 7 years before ‘V7’ was available in 2016. ’V7’ is a huge improvement. Early 2017 introduced Singularity 7 and digital board change so ‘V7’ was short lived shipping from the factory.

 

[borrego]

Tonight I try playing CD first time from my Yamaha DVD-S1800 coaxle out to the M7S after doing the Accusilcon XO upgrade: Wow! I have never thought this player can sound this good! The asynchronous firmware is definitely doing the magic.

 

[DACLadder]

Kingwa is offering new HE 7 2021s. 8 x PCM1704UK DAC plus all the latest features like galvanic isolated USB and HDMI I2S, synchronous internal Amanero USB operation, and 10M clock input. 7.5% off during the annual end of year sale.

Once a year, HE 7 (2021 Edition) accept custom order
The top ranking 8 pcs PCM1704UK and regenerate power supply built in.
Leadtime: Ship the product at 20days after paid.
Price: USD3680 (Order now get 7.5% OFF, exclude shipping cost)

http://www.audio-gd.com/En audio-gd.htm

 

[Whitigir]

Kingwa is offering new HE 7 2021s. 8 x PCM1704UK DAC plus all the latest features like galvanic isolated USB and HDMI I2S, synchronous internal Amanero USB operation, and 10M clock input. 7.5% off during the annual end of year sale.

Once a year, HE 7 (2021 Edition) accept custom order
The top ranking 8 pcs PCM1704UK and regenerate power supply built in.
Leadtime: Ship the product at 20days after paid.
Price: USD3680 (Order now get 7.5% OFF, exclude shipping cost)

http://www.audio-gd.com/En audio-gd.htm

Nice! Does this one still use the same FPGA ? Or has there been upgrades ?

 

[jimmychan]

Nice! Does this one still use the same FPGA ? Or has there been upgrades ?

This one shares the same design of R7HE 2021 version of the digital parts.

 

[borrego]

I loaded the R-7_Parallel_DOP1.1 (Nov. 2020) firmware to my M7S this afternoon. Imaging tightens quite a bit. It actually reminds me about the V3A firmware. More intense, less relax

 

[DACLadder]

DoP1.1 sounds good on the M7S. Kingwa has made a lot of firmware progress (sound quality) since Asy was release. Namely in clocking and timing. Plus parallel data processing in the FPGA. Really compliments the Accusilicon XO change. Hard to believe the M7S is 8 yrs. old and sounding better than ever!

 

[REAN1MAT0R]

Kingwa is offering new HE 7 2021s. 8 x PCM1704UK DAC plus all the latest features like galvanic isolated USB and HDMI I2S, synchronous internal Amanero USB operation, and 10M clock input. 7.5% off during the annual end of year sale.
Once a year, HE 7 (2021 Edition) accept custom order
The top ranking 8 pcs PCM1704UK and regenerate power supply built in.

There is no sign "limited quantity", seems like it is new model for 2021 year, but 1704 are too rare to make so much DACs, how is that possible ?
To my mind 1704 cant play DSD, but it supports DSD, but how?

I have R7-HE 2020, using it with 10mhz clock and DI-20HE(+10mhz clock) via HDMI cable
Does 2021 model an upgrade or just another sound sign cause of 1704 ? There are very few improvements. Actually only several are interesting for me:
- HDMI apply the separate isolators and isolate pure class A PSUs
- The FPGA process data in the parallel mode. The parallel process and transmit mode can improve the sound quality on the transparency and detail but still analog. - Is it same option as for Di-20HE ?
- Full new configuration clock manage design built in, improved on the clock timing.

 

[JaMo]

There is no sign "limited quantity", seems like it is new model for 2021 year, but 1704 are too rare to make so much DACs, how is that possible ?
To my mind 1704 cant play DSD, but it supports DSD, but how?

I have R7-HE 2020, using it with 10mhz clock and DI-20HE(+10mhz clock) via HDMI cable
Does 2021 model an upgrade or just another sound sign cause of 1704 ? There are very few improvements. Actually only several are interesting for me:
- HDMI apply the separate isolators and isolate pure class A PSUs
- The FPGA process data in the parallel mode. The parallel process and transmit mode can improve the sound quality on the transparency and detail but still analog. - Is it same option as for Di-20HE ?
- Full new configuration clock manage design built in, improved on the clock timing.

The limited quantity of the HE-7 is a fact because of the very few PCM 1704UK left on the market. Small but very expensive amount seems to appear now and then but this is probably one of the last ever chances to get a refined 8x PCM1704 dac. The charactaristic of the PCM1704 is soft, smooth, the bass was earlier a bit bloated. This is surely cured by Kingwa's programming in this. The PCM1704 is not able to play DSD material.

Compared to the R7HE with DA-boards, the HE-7 should be softer where the R7HE 20/21 is more neutral and clean sounding. I think the HE-7 2021 is a collectors item for those who like the PCM1704 sound.

I am more than fine with my R7HE (21) and should most definitely be happy also with the HE-7. My take on getting the R7HE is because I like to play DSD material and I like the neutral presentation
/J

 

[REAN1MAT0R]

The limited quantity of the HE-7 is a fact because of the very few PCM 1704UK left on the market. Small but very expensive amount seems to appear now and then but this is probably one of the last ever chances to get a refined 8x PCM1704 dac.

I saw this quote in 2017 for the first time on audio gd website
I think there are no original 1704 today
It should be some clones
Because R7-HE 2021 model is not limited edition, they removed R7-HE 2020 from front page, 2021 is their main model now

I have had R7 Singularity with 8 pcm1704uk but it was not regenerative and does not have 10mhz input
How about comparing of R7-HE 2020 vs 2021 ?

 

[JaMo]

I saw this quote in 2017 for the first time on audio gd website
I think there are no original 1704 today
It should be some clones

2017. I know and it was true.
There may be clones out there today, but I know Kingwa good enough to ensure You, he would never take the risk of using other than the "real mcCoy". I know Kingwa is constantly watching the market for true chip batches to show up. Usually in small numbers these days when and if it happens.

I have had R7 Singularity with 8 pcm1704uk but it was not regenerative and does not have 10mhz input
How about comparing of R7-HE 2020 vs 2021 ?

I think You mean a Master 7 Singularity. I have also had that configuration and it sounds nice but compared to the R7HE2021 I have today... With a good masterclock connected to the R7HE2021, and with a DI20HE we are playing on another, higher level in performance. I use neutral speakers and Audio-gd's neutral Master 2's and Master 3 poweramps. The preamp is a HE-1. As You know, it is a serie of things working together so cables have to be matching the gear. I don't recommend expensive stuff. Try to lend or build different cables and try until You are pleased with the result. The best isn't always the most expensive ones.
/J

 

[DACLadder]

Kingwa has stock of a few PCM1704 DAC chips. After all, he warranties product for 10 yrs. Enough stock to sell some M7S/ HE 7s every year at this time.

As much as I like the M7S I would recommend buying the R7 unless you have the money to burn. The R7 will be supported longer and more upgradeable in the future. Several years ago you could immediately notice a difference between the M7S and R7 (2018) but not so easy today. Accusilicon XOs and firmware advances have benefitted both DACs and with the R7’s V2 DAC boards they now sound more alike than different. I can throw any DAC in my system and not worry or fret. I even forget which DAC is playing. And also the DI20-HE makes both DACs sound their best.

Apples/ apples comparison with both DACs (DoP1.1 f/w) the R7 has slightly more low level resolution and tad crisper highs. The M7S has a touch more bass and mid-range bloom. That is about it. Both DACs are very dynamic, highly musical, and balanced. The vocals/ highs on both DACs good. i can no longer say the M7S is just warmer and the R7 more clinical/ precise (but harsher with V1 DAC modules).

The old, old Master 7 had bloated bass and hissy vocals. The Singularity digital board upgrade firmed up its bass and the Accusilicon XOs did wonders for bass, vocals, highs, imaging.... The M7S sounds like a different DAC after installing Accusilicons.

I do not plan to upgrade the M7S to 2021 specs. Not sure it is possible and see no need at this point. But the M7S has been great value and 1000s of hours listening. Gets better every year. Kingwa says my biggest upgrade will be the HE power supplies. So, I have my eye on the R7HE 2021. But I can highly recommend the MS7 if that is what you really desire. The HE7 2021 should be the best ever of this series.

For the record... M7S means Master 7 (8x PCM1704uk) upgraded with Singularity digital board. S7 (2017) was a factory build with M7 analog boards and the Singularity digital board. I believe Kingwa did a transistor change on the S7 analog board transition to improve distortion. Kingwa calls the latest 2021 version ‘Master 7S’.

Master 7 specs.... http://www.audio-gd.com/master/master-7/m7en.htm
Master 7S 2021 specs.... http://www.audio-gd.com/R2R/M721/M721EN.htm

 

[PeterCraig]

Just finished burning in a DI-20. I feel like I have a brand new dac again.

Latest firmware, I2S over HDMI, PLL off, newest digital interface, gold aftermarket cables for the M7 and DI-20. Easily 5x better than the original sound when I bought this 7 years ago.