Audiobyte Hydra: High-End USB interface

[preproman]

Will these dirvers work in windows 8?

 

[dan.gheorghe]

Quote:

Will these dirvers work in windows 8?

I have Windows 8 ( Pro 64 bit ) and it works perfectly. Also, Audiobyte just released the Asio drivers. I tested the 64 bit version (with the 64bit asio drivers checkbox checked in foobar2000) and it works just fine.
 

 

16.06.2013 - A few important upgrades regarding Hydra-X usb interface:

- native ASIO is now supported by Hydra-X. You can go to the 

product page

 and download the ASIO package. 

- DSD over PCM (DoP) support is now enabled on S/PDIF and AES/EBU outputs. DSD64 and DSD128 rates are supported.

- DSD256 and DSD512 native dsd output is now enabled via I2S/HDMI output (via ASIO driver).

 

[preproman]

Cool thanks,
 
I would really like to see it compared to some other TOTL converters.  

 

[dan.gheorghe]

Quote:

Cool thanks,
 
I would really like to see it compared to some other TOTL converters.  

I hope Adam will get it soon too.

 

[preproman]

A few other questions for ya.. 

 
What are you using to power the device?
 
Does it need the +5V power from the PC?

 

[dan.gheorghe]

Quote:

A few other questions for ya.. 

 
What are you using to power the device?
 
Does it need the +5V power from the PC?

It is completely isolated from the usb. It comes with a external power supply that recharges the battery when needed. The device only works from battery. 

 

[preproman]

Quote:

It is completely isolated from the usb. It comes with a external power supply that recharges the battery when needed. The device only works from battery. 

 
 
Cool,
 
Nowhere did I see it came with an external PSU.  That's a good deal..

 

[DarKu]

please welcome a new Hydra-X user..
Got it 3 days ago, first day I let it warm up for 2 hours and then sit for a long 4 hour listening...
Oh my...this thing changed my system quite drastically!
First thing that i noticed was a very black background, complete silence between audio notes, its like crowded music is not crowded anymore, now every single note has its own space in the soundstage, imaging is a lot better than using USB from my DAC.
Secondly DAT BASS, holy smokes I never thought my HD800 can be bass monsters with just a S/PDIF interface and not ever touching the EQ.
on LCD-3 is just yummy on some old and new rock.
Thirdly, sound became smooth like butter on the frying pan
Now I can finally forget what grain and sibilance mean.
I'm very pleased with changes brought to my system, it's really special to me.
 
I had few times M2tech HiFace EVO + battery supply (without the clock) and while it was nice, it is nowhere near the performance of Hydra-X.
 
...goes hunting for a good coaxial cable....

 

[preproman]

Interesting.  So what was your previous converter?

 

[DarKu]

M2tech Hi-Face, AD Labs Mars (the same guys form Audiobyte) and then M2tech HiFace EVO +  EVO Power battery supply.
EVO +battery supply was pretty nice, but it is not even close to Hydra-X

 

[preproman]

Good to know.  So what DAC are you using with the Hydra-X?

 

[dan.gheorghe]

Quote:

please welcome a new Hydra-X user..
Got it 3 days ago, first day I let it warm up for 2 hours and then sit for a long 4 hour listening...
Oh my...this thing changed my system quite drastically!
First thing that i noticed was a very black background, complete silence between audio notes, its like crowded music is not crowded anymore, now every single note has its own space in the soundstage, imaging is a lot better than using USB from my DAC.
Secondly DAT BASS, holy smokes I never thought my HD800 can be bass monsters with just a S/PDIF interface and not ever touching the EQ.
on LCD-3 is just yummy on some old and new rock.
Thirdly, sound became smooth like butter on the frying pan
Now I can finally forget what grain and sibilance mean.
I'm very pleased with changes brought to my system, it's really special to me.
 
I had few times M2tech HiFace EVO + battery supply (without the clock) and while it was nice, it is nowhere near the performance of Hydra-X.
 
...goes hunting for a good coaxial cable....

Hey Darku! Welcome to the club!  
 
It will get better with a good coax cable. It sure did for me. I bought this thick baby : http://www.hifi123.nl/nl/w-m-audio-dc-01-digital-interconnect.html
 
The bass gets even better with it, and not only that but details, dynamics, clarity, etc 

 

[DarKu]

Quote:

Good to know.  So what DAC are you using with the Hydra-X?

I have the same setup that Dan has: Burson Conductor (as DAC and Amp) + LCD-3 and HD800.
HIface 1 and Mars were maybe slightly better than USB input of the Burson, but Hydra smokes any s/pdif interface or other transports I have tried

 

[DarKu]

Quote:

Hey Darku! Welcome to the club!  

Thanks man!!!
That cable looks sexy, I should try it first at your place.
Funny thing is that I had that cable in my home for one week, but didnt have the Hydra to try it out, now I dont have it but I have the Hydra

 
Offtopic: I should learn how to do multiple quotes in one post..

 

[davidsh]

Have you tried optical vs coax?