[sajunky]

Curious would R-28 NOS be a bit forgiving given the R2R analog sound nature?

Yes, it does. NOS DAC specifically, backed up by non-feedback discrete amp. Any Audio GD R2R DAC. I rediscovered my old CD's after getting R2R-11.

 

[svmusa]

In a nutshell, yes! If you are an objectivist, the R28 will not pass the ASR cult stamp of approval as most R2R DACs don't measure to the same level as ESS DACs. However, A SNR of 120 is beyond human hearing. They show THD at .03%, which is way higher than most SMSL or Topping DACs. That being said, is it the good kind of distortion or the bad kind? Knowing Kingwa, it is the good kind and the DAC will perform admirably. It will be softer, more musical, slam harder and have better PRaT. But, it won't measure as well as your SMSL. Potato/Potata!

Thx, not too much into the measurement bandwagon as per say, I have the current ESS DAC mostly due to affordability and a bit before I discovered the R2R benefits. I prefer detailed sound but with smoother treble, a bit thick (non shouty/thin) vocals and good bass which I call warm sound for long listening sessions and R28 might be a good AIO option. My headphones are dynamic low impedance (24 to 70 Ohms) with 102db sensitivity so don't need lot of power as per say. I also switch between speakers and headphones so R28 meets that preamp aspects as well when needed to control gain.

 

[geoffalter11]

In a nutshell, yes! If you are an objectivist, the R28 will not pass the ASR cult stamp of approval as most R2R DACs don't measure to the same level as ESS DACs. However, A SNR of 120 is beyond human hearing. They show THD at .03%, which is way higher than most SMSL or Topping DACs. That being said, is it the good kind of distortion or the bad kind? Knowing Kingwa, it is the good kind and the DAC will perform admirably. It will be softer, more musical, slam harder and have better PRaT. But, it won't measure as well as your SMSL. Potato/Potata!

Also, I think it would be worth it to invest in one of their DDCs and use the R28 through the I2S. In my testing of this product, the best sound came from my Denafrips Iris and the R28's I2S. I think Kingwa's DDCs are even better.

 

[geoffalter11]

Thx, not too much into the measurement bandwagon as per say, I have the current ESS DAC mostly due to affordability and a bit before I discovered the R2R benefits. I prefer detailed sound but with smoother treble, a bit thick (non shouty/thin) vocals and good bass which I call warm sound for long listening sessions and R28 might be a good AIO option. My headphones are dynamic low impedance (24 to 70 Ohms) with 102db sensitivity so don't need lot of power as per say. I also switch between speakers and headphones so R28 meets that preamp aspects as well when needed to control gain.

Sounds like a winner. You will get to know the R2's low gain quite well at those sensitivity levels. The amp has a lot of power. I remember it being quite quiet though.

 

[geoffalter11]

In a nutshell, yes! If you are an objectivist, the R28 will not pass the ASR cult stamp of approval as most R2R DACs don't measure to the same level as ESS DACs. However, A SNR of 120 is beyond human hearing. They show THD at .03%, which is way higher than most SMSL or Topping DACs. That being said, is it the good kind of distortion or the bad kind? Knowing Kingwa, it is the good kind and the DAC will perform admirably. It will be softer, more musical, slam harder and have better PRaT. But, it won't measure as well as your SMSL. Potato/Potata!

As always, thank you Jonathan.

 

[Hengstenberg]

Also, I think it would be worth it to invest in one of their DDCs and use the R28 through the I2S. In my testing of this product, the best sound came from my Denafrips Iris and the R28's I2S. I think Kingwa's DDCs are even better.

The NOS version of the amp has galvanic isolation on all digital inputs incl. I2S, so i´m not sure whether it's worth the investment for a DCC.
What do you think?

 

[Jandu]

The NOS version of the amp has galvanic isolation on all digital inputs incl. I2S, so i´m not sure whether it's worth the investment for a DCC.
What do you think?

Give it a chance, you may be surprised.
My R28 and R8He benefit greatly from the addition of the Di20He. To the point that I would rate the Di20He has the highest price/performance ratio in my whole system.

 

[FredA]

Give it a chance, you may be surprised.
My R28 and R8He benefit greatly from the addition of the Di20He. To the point that I would rate the Di20He has the highest price/performance ratio in my whole system.

I don't know with the R1 NOS, but the di20he transforms the r2r 11mkii into a 2K+ dac.

 

[Hengstenberg]

I don't know with the R1 NOS, but the di20he transforms the r2r 11mkii into a 2K+ dac.

I can see no magic here, cause 1K for the di20he and 800 Bucks for the 11mkII are roundabout 2K

 

[FredA]

I can see no magic here, cause 1K for the di20he and 800 Bucks for the 11mkII are roundabout 2K

Well I got both for 1500. In today's prices, make it 3k for the DAC. And you have to get the best 3k dac. With the r2r 11 mkii, you get an hp amp as a bonus.

 

[E8ArmyDiver]

Seasons greetings head-fiers..Anyone looking for a gently used 2022 version give me a shout...MAJOR downsizing...

 

[geoffalter11]

The NOS version of the amp has galvanic isolation on all digital inputs incl. I2S, so i´m not sure whether it's worth the investment for a DCC.
What do you think?

It is a personal preference. I used the R28 USB with a USBe Perfect USB cleaner and re-clocker to great results. But, I also tried the I2S with a Denafrips iris and found the sound to be quite fantastic. I can't honestly answer which is better or what one should do. I try not to make those decisions for others, but will certainly give advice based on my experience. I always used the USB with my USB cleaner.

 

[svmusa]

I snagged a 2022 version from @E8ArmyDiver, will report back my thoughts once I have it in on my end.

My source is digital or optical input via my CD player and spotify streaming from my windows laptop via USB.

 

[svmusa]

Quick question on setting up for R28 2022 in windows 10 to connect my laptop via USB and Spotify streaming...

I do need to install Amanero drivers (http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/Amanero/AmaneroEN.htm)

Anything else I need to do in Windows 10 for Spotify to use these drivers or it is all set?

 

[FredA]

Quick question on setting up for R28 2022 in windows 10 to connect my laptop via USB and Spotify streaming...

I do need to install Amanero drivers (http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/Amanero/AmaneroEN.htm)

Anything else I need to do in Windows 10 for Spotify to use these drivers or it is all set?

There options available, asio, wasapi and perhaps others. So you need to configure either Spotify or Windows. I would not know where to go but it is the same as for any usb device.