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

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

Think you could disable the HP output thru: Settings > HP Detect "OFF"

 

[DrDen]

Has anyone tried this with another streamer using i2s? From what i understand there is no standard for i2s at the moment and i wanna know if these play well with other streamers.

I’m using it with Cayin iDAP-6 through I2S, PS Audio standard.

 

[rynopr]

I would also echo that DSD 512 upsampling always seems to sound compressed. Upsampling to PCM 768, I dont lose details in the music and is always more enjoyable. I’m very confused by it, since DSD 512 is supposed to be the bees knees.

I had something strange happen with the Vox today. Instead of displaying DSD 512, it was displaying DSD 1024. There was no sound, but never the less… The Hub was not showing DSD 1024, but the VOX definitely was. I had to reboot the Hub in order to get it to correct which is a normal procedure with using the stack for me. Hub is the epitome of a glitch box in my system. Had anyone ever had the Vox display DSD 1024?

 

[Franco66]

In mine never happened. Yes, I confirm it all sounds better without any upsampling and the filters in linear.

 

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

My Hub, no (DSD1024). But the other day I have discovered that the HUB could support only upto DSD256 via USB (LAN knew it from the start). With VOX its DSD512 (USB).
Need to ttest further.

DSD sound somewhat "closed".

 

[DrDen]

You might also try the Shanling ET3, people report it sounds the most spacious when upsamples to DSD — up to 512. I use it with PCM192 upsampling via coaxial so far (custom I2S cable needed since ET3 supports Holo audio pinout only).

 

[Beanieboo1113]

Hi all. I am a new owner of a Zap/Vox unit who has been thoroughly enjoying it for the past few days. What a unique DAC with a wonderful sound! I do have to admit that my decision to purchase was influenced by this seasoned thread. 4 years of discussion is indeed, in my opinion, a testament to the unit's relevance. That is aside from the fact, of course, that it is still in production.

As a new owner I have a few questions which I hope to answer with your help.

Now that I have the Vox, I became curious about the Hub, largely for its reclocking and upsampling function. I stream using an Aurender N200. Do you think that Hub has a place in my stack, or it will be a redundant piece in this case? If it does have a purpose, perhaps someone here is thinking of selling one? .

Also, I have been using Direct DSD "on" function to bypass pre and headphone. Is this a preferred mode when one uses speakers? Pardon my ignorance. I am not very technical.

Best regards. And thank you in advance.

 

[uncola]

I recently got the triple stack and am really loving it. I thought directdsd and dsd512 upsampling would be the way to go but I'm preferring the pcm 705/768 upsampling instead

 

[Beanieboo1113]

I recently got the triple stack and am really loving it. I thought directdsd and dsd512 upsampling would be the way to go but I'm preferring the pcm 705/768 upsampling instead

So the Hub does the upsampling and you keep Direct DSD "off"?

 

[Franco66]

I also have the 'hub and after many trials the best solution is: with filters in Linear, DSD off and Upsampling off, so native signal.

 

[nikolaindigo]

I had HUB for abut 6 monts. That is the only product from AB that I think did not like. First of all it did not have USB external storage input. Second..DSD upsampling option was sounding bad an much worse than higher numbers of PCM upsampling. I had it compared with my Rpi based streamer with Ian Canada gear & Aurender n100l. At the and I have sold it. I must say that HUB did really good job upsampling my old CD player. With your Aurender model I really think you don't need any better. On the other side I think that AB ZAP+VOX combo is one of the most exciting DACs for money in SH. I also like and use Direct DSD ON with stereo system & speakers.

 

[DrDen]

I also have the 'hub and after many trials the best solution is: with filters in Linear, DSD off and Upsampling off, so native signal.

Seems like my Shanling ET3 with its upsampling on is really good. PCM192 via coaxial sounds much better than native CD 44.1.
Some ET3 users reported CD is the best, USB input is slightly worse, and streaming is the last in terms of sound quality.

 

[Beanieboo1113]

I also have the 'hub and after many trials the best solution is: with filters in Linear, DSD off and Upsampling off, so native signal.

Thank you Franco. I noticed that DSD "on" sounds more constricted than off. I thought maybe it was my perception and wanted to hear opinions of others. You are confirming my impressions. Thank you

 

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

@Beanieboo1113

I you want upsampling...suggesting go to Roon + HQplayer or JPlayer IOS + HQplayer route. And ditch the HUB.

With updates, VOX via USB or I2S can go DSD512/PCM768. With USB is just straight from your computer. With I2s you need a DDC that could support Rockna I2S protocol. Like an Singxer SU-6.

For USB, a reclocker/regenerator would be good like LHY Audio's UIP or a used Innuous Phoienix USB (better).

 

[Beanieboo1113]

I had HUB for abut 6 monts. That is the only product from AB that I think did not like. First of all it did not have USB external storage input. Second..DSD option was sounding bad an much worse than higher numbers of PCM upsampling. I had it compared with my Rpi based streamer with Ian Canada gear & Aurender n100l. At the and I have sold it. I must say that HUB did really good job upsampling my old CD player. With your Aurender model I really think you don't need any better. On the other side I think that AB ZAP+VOX combo is one of the most exciting DACs for money in SH. I also like and use Direct DSD ON with stereo system & speakers.

Ahh I appreciate it. I will just stick with my Aurender unit. It sounds fantastic. Not sure yet whether to go Coax or USB. Some suggest that the Coax on my aurender is better than the isolated USB. But that is beside the point.
So DSD on? I will try both ways again. I went the DSD "on' rout only because it makes sense to eliminate the redundant features to achieve theoretically best sound quality. Having had the unit for a few days and my ears along with my preferences haven't settled yet. Not enough time spent comparing. On the one hand I gravitate to DSD 'on" on the other Off sounds more open. I could very well be confusing openness with something else.