Audiobyte Hydra Stack: Hydra.Vox + Hydra.Hub + Hydra Zap

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Yeah maybe they are refreshing for some of the new products..

On Tafos Audio, they have other things on their price list other than the Super Hub.


https://www.tafosaudio.com/s/Tafos-audio-Price-list-Audiobyte-2122.pdf

 

[elf21400]

I have asked with Audiobyte and would like to share something here for your reference:

-> Reason for discontinuation of Hydra stack?
It was due to the discontinuation of key components.
However, on the other hand, they also aimed to address the issue of the previous Hydra stack being bound to ZAP.

I'm a standalone Hydra Hub user, even though I use Farad super3 as the power supply of Hub, the power-related controls in the Audiobyte official app apply to Hydra ZAP and not to Hydra Hub. Therefore, I am unable to utilize the power-related control features of the Audiobyte official app.

This issue will no longer be present in the new Superhub, as it is a new version with built-in power that can be independently controlled.

Although they say they will continue to provide updates to the old Hydra stack.
But I just bought Hydra HUB last year, and I still hope that the official can launch a plan such as increasing the price to exchange the old one for a new one...etc.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

When I saw that the Super.HUB had its own PS, and seeing the problems of the Hydra.HUB users (like you) regarding powering it. I then knew they will have gone to this direction (separate PS). It would be a bit expensive for newer users since now, it will include a PS. But then then again as you said it will not be tied up with ZAP and be a more standalone equipment. But then again we will miss an opportunity to have a sophisticated PS powering them (just see the pics of the former ZAP and the one in the Super.HUB).

Yeah hoping for the updates. Specially with the Hydra.VOX.

 

[elf21400]

Yes, you are right.
I heard the new Audiobyte stack will be :
Streamer(Super.HUB)
DAC
Headphone Amp

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

The HP amp think would be called "NIX"

 

[nikolaindigo]

Hello everyone!
First of all I want to say that I have read the entire AB gear thread before I post some questions here for help.
It also took me a few days to get around to reading everything because I work quite long during the day.
In short...I came into possession of a used AB trio stack about a 2 weeks ago and I decided to buy it because one of my friends has ZAP/VOX equipment and there was no doubt that the sound was excellent.
So I reached out to buy it because I seemed like a good opportunity.
Unfortunately, problems with incompatibility and the impossibility of using some options appeared and only then did I start reading the Internet to find out as much information as possible.
I also communicated several times by email with AB.
My biggest problem isn't even the HUB, which isn't such a bad component...although it's not a real streamer in my opinion and the biggest negative is that you can't connect an external music storage to it.
I would probably get rid of it..but I also have other problem with the VOX DAC.

Namely, for 7 years I have been using exclusively I2S connection and Rpi-based streamer as a source.
And I had no problem with any DAC that has an I2S input.
A year ago I even put together a newer reference of Ian Canada system/streamer with even better modified clocks and invested a lot of time and money into it.
And now I can't establish that VOX works and recognizes the I2S connection from the RPi.
Answers from AB (although they answer an email quite promptly) are drop by drop.

First I was advised to try some specially made HDMI cable because the pinout I got from them is different.
It was only after reading the whole topic that I came across that some owners of VOX have a small dip switch in them which when turned off/on VOX can recognize other devices even outside the AB gama.

Again I did the other day exchange emails with AB and I was advised to move the switches from OFF to ON but still nothing.
Strange is that no matter what position the switch is...in VOX in its I2S menu when changing the mode...Rockna/PS Audio/Others....VOX still plays...which leads me to conclude that either the switch is not working or there is a problem in something else.

Since I'm used to playing music from Rpi I'm wondering if anyone managed to get VOX to play with an Rpi-based streamer.
Or did he succeed perhaps by getting a specially designed HDMI cable with pins for AB on one side and for that device on the other...so that it all works in the end.

Even though the sound is superb I'm still after 2 weeks more than frustrated and unhappy that I can't use it the way I planned.
Friends who have or had a VOX/ZAP combination laugh at me because according to them I'm making a problem over nothing.
And they advise me to play music by connecting a laptop and a good USB cable... but I simply don't want to accept that compromise, regardless of the benefits in sound . I'd rather in the end if I can't make it work sell it all and look for something more reliable and with less problems.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Nikola

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Why not use (in my case) HUB as your Streamer/Interface and connect i2S from Hub to VOX.

From HUB using LAN (Roon, UPnP streamer) and SPDIF (from PC, upto DXD/DSD128) and I upsample everything to (before PCM768, now testing DSD512) and send it thru i2S to VOX.

Before the HUB, I was (and still) using SU-6 via I2S (via dip switch coonfig) to my VOX.

 

[nikolaindigo]

Hi Mickey!
And thank you for your ansver.
I'm using it just like that for now.
But I'm annoyed by the way I have to connect, i.e. send music to the HUB and that's the only way...either via USB connection or optics with my laptop.
And I hate cables running across my floor.
I forgot to say that I don't have a headphone system, but listen to music on speakers.
My question and therefore dissatisfaction (and cause of a lot of frustration) is only that I would like to be able to connect my Rpi base streamer via I2S to VOX.

And...I also can't connect to HUB via LAN cable...It is telling me on info button where it shoud be IP address "check update". I have tried to update but it does not go...sayin error. Numbers on my HUB are 1.05 1.04. 1.07 0.99
I actually don't need or want HUB...just want Rpi to work on VOX but it seems mission impossible.
Regards
Nikola

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

In your HUB if there are no IP address displaying meaning it is not connected to the network. Check LAN connections. Mine is 1.05 | 1.04 | 1.08 | 1.40

Before the HUB came in I bought a Singxer SU-6 digital interface. Its has configurable I2S via DIP switches knowing Audiobyte/Rockna has a particular pin-out. And would be easy for me to integrate with it (Audiobyte).

Least expensive interface with configurable I2S i know is Matrix Audio. Ask in the Rockna/Wavelight thread also for help witht the I2s.

 

[nikolaindigo]

I have managed today 1 hour ago to get IP address on HUB but still says : update error for all.
I have tried to put IP in Audibyte app but it can not manage connection.

Good news is that Nicolae finnaly reached me with email about I2S compatibility so maybe they will solve my probem.
I will also look in Rockna/Waveligh thread.
Thank you again!
Regards

 

[Franco66]

However, it seems absurd to me that you need a degree in computer engineering to listen to music.
Considering the price paid, it would have to work perfectly.
But by now I have realised that they are garage technicians and will remain so.

 

[ncampos]

Hello,
Please find in the attached file the pinout specification used by Rockna / AudioByte as well other vendors. Original file from here https://audiophilestyle.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=29238
Check the remark about the power required by the Vox to detect the input, in a quick look looks like Ian's Canada I2S have their issues too, besides his limitations in sample rates, the can you look on that side too? Also looks like Moode is less troublesome than RooPie.
Check here also https://community.roonlabs.com/t/raspberry-pi-i2s-ian-canada/205627, there is one user with a PI connected to a Rockna WD.
Network, check if DHCP is enabled on your network with available leases, check if you have some kind of whitelist for mac addresses, or if a static ip is set on the HUB.
Hope it helps!
Kr,

 

[nikolaindigo]

Thank you Nuno,
Have a nice evening!
Nikola

 

[fcdvpds]

Thank you Nuno,
Have a nice evening!
Nikola

I am using the Magna Mano Ultra mk3 streamer which is pi based with HDMI out. I works with the VOX.

 

[fcdvpds]

Hi everyone. I have now used my Audiobyte VOX for 1 year. The sound quality is absolutely amazing. By far the best I have herd in my system.
But I have an issue that annoys me...I have drops in the digital connection...via HDMI it happens once in a while, like one time per week or less. But via coaxial, no matter the source or the cable, it happens almost every day and I normally only use the day 2-3 hours daily. My sources: Audio Note CD/Zero via coaxial. Magna Mano Ultra mk3 via coaxial and HDMI. Never tried the USB input.

Anyone else experiencing drops in the digital connection? This happens very fast and I listen the click from the relays and a gap in playback, like 0.1s or so.

Would appreciate if other users could share their experience.
Thanks