[Tysun]

These DACs (in particular 9038S) has gotten good review from Amir from Audiosciencereview. I am no expert in any of these but I am loving my PDV2 and 9038S. Below are the brief summary of each of the current E1DA products with specs from official website listed in spoilers:
[ Link to Audiosciencereview 9038S thread ]

Who and What is E1DA?
E1DA (E1 = Ee-one, Ivan in Russian pronunciation, Da = Yes, in Russian) is basically a 3-men show family business with -
1. Ivan Khlyupin: The chief designer and engineer, heart and soul behind E1DA products. Russian in origin, based in Shenzhen, China. Close to 20 years of knowledge and experience in audio industry, was behind some products of major ChiFi/international brands including Wharfedale Typhon series [ link ].
2. Artem Khlyupin: a.k.a Tyoma, Son of Ivan. If Ivan is the hardware magician, Artem would be the software magician. He is the heart and soul of HPToy, the companion app for PDV2. PDV2 would not be as magical without his touches.
3. Sunny: The powerful lady handling the marketing side of E1DA on Aliexpress.

Currently the channels to purchase E1DA DACs are Aliexpress [ link ] and Linsoul [ link ].


PowerDacV2

(Status: available)

A fully digital DAC (Texas Instruments TAS5558)with power of >600mW@15ohm/ch with no feedback loop. Designed to drive full sized planars in a small form factor. recommended for transportable desktop/mobile use. Not really convenient for attaching to mobile. From my experience, it sucks my 5+++mAh Huawei M5 tablet battery 1% per minute or so. Needs a Y split cable (can be bundled with PDV2 purchase) attaching to a power bank to be properly used with mobile setup, while some Android and definitely all iOS will not power up PDV2 due to the power sucking nature of it. iOS usage requires Camera Adapter Kit to work. Desktop/laptop Mac/PC setup only requires USB A-USB B printer cable to work.

What is a Y spilt? [ link ]
It is a cable to be used along with PDV2 and 9038S/D so that the DAC can receive power from power bank and not to drain the mobile battery.

DO NOT USE 2.5mm BAL(male)-to-3.5mm SE(female) ADAPTER!!!

Specifications:

Spoiler: SPECS

Status: production
Retail cost: $55 (without Y split cable) $59 (with Y split cable)
Materials: sandblasted/anodized aluminum, mirror polished stainless steel with laser marking.
Dimensions: 75x45.5x19mm
Weight: 68g
Power: USB 5V power rail no internal battery, 250mA idle current, the device contains up to 5000uF of capacitance and IOS/Android devices can start OTG operation only with Camera_Adapter and USB OTG Y-splitter cable respectively.
Input: USB PCM up to 24b/192kHz
Output: digitally generated PWM 384kHz + passive LC demodulation
balanced output 2.5mm jack 5mm shaft stopper, A&K pinout
Output impedance: 1.5Ohm@1000Hz FFT flat top -6dbFS 32Ohm/open load, -.4db drop
Output power: >320mW@32Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
Output power: >580mW@16Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%

measured in 24b/44.1k mode +.6dbFS level, typical PC USB2 port powered. In case USB power-splitter aka USB-C Y-cable used i.e. USB data goes from Android and 5V power rail from 5.2V 2A charger the max power will be seriously higher see tech plots in the appendix.

Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz +/-.2db(+/-.15db typical)
10Hz-30kHz +/-.5db(+/-.3db typical)
2.5Hz-46kHz +/-3db
S/N ratio: -108db(A) (-109db(A) typical)
THD+N@1kHz@0dbFS <.05%
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.03%
THD+N@1kHz@-6dbFS <.02%
THD+N@1kHz@-10dbFS <.01%
THD+N@6.3kHz@-10dbFS .01% typical
THD+N@100Hz@-10dbFS .03% typical(depends on USB power quality)
THD+N@1kHz@-20dbFS .01% typical
IMD 19kHz(-10dbFS)+20kHz(-10dbFS) -80db typical (THD and IMD measured with 32ohm load in 24b/44.1k mode)
Crosstalk: <-92db@1kHz

[ Link to official PDV2 page ]
[ Link to Aliexpress PDV2 page ]

Zeos' review:


BGGAR's review:





HPToy iOS/Android App

(Status: available on iOS App Store and Google Play Store)

Designed to be the companion app for PDV2, it is the Robin to Batman, the Luigi for Mario, and Chewbacca to Han Solo. It can adjust volume, loudness, compressor and most importantly it has 7-band pEQ feature to enhance the functionality of PDV2. Currently the favorite combo with TinHiFi P1, able to bring its enamic bass to brain-rumbling level, and bring its famous clarity to approaching TOTL level.

Connected to PDV2 using Bluetooth Low Energy protocol from mobile, regardless the source of audio whether it is from mobile or PC. Ivan's justification of not having a PC/Mac HPToy app is that no matter you are using mobile or PC, you will always have your mobile by your side, hence there is no need to invest further resources to create a PC/Mac app for that purpose.

Some presets for popular headphones are available in the app (eg. HD600,650,6XX,800S, HE400i,560,1000, LCD2,3,4,X, PM1,2, MDR EX1000, Utopia, M1060, P1 and more). Presets are meant to bring your headphones to Harman curve.

Artem has made a tutorial video on how to use the HPToy pEQ on youtube:





9038S

(Status: available)
Caution: Loses volume control in Macs and Android USB Audio Player Pro, UAPP bit perfect mode.
Workaround for Mac is in FAQ, post #2.

A portable 2.5mm BAL OUT USB C DAC housing ESS latest ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC chip, without the "Sabre shrill".

Gen1 and Gen2 exist. Everything between these two generations are the same except Gen2 has "soft start" feature assisting in mobile single cable (USB C to USB C) usage, as well as an "IEM" low power mode to not blast your IEM off when paired with a more sensitive IEM. Currently only Gen2 is on sale on E1DA Aliexpress page. However, all iOS devices and some of the Android devices may not be able to provide USB power enough to drive 9038S G2 to max power. Don't be surprised to see messages like this: "USB OTG device requires external power source", that's why Ivan always suggests Y-splitter.

Methods to connect 9038S Gen2 to your device:
Android: a short type C-to-C cable or with Y-splitter to preserve battery life.
iOS: Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter + short USB A-to-C cable. (verified) OR a third party Lightning to USB C adapter (not verified). [ Link ]

4 modes of operation are available:
1) Normal Mode - LED is always On, no flashing.
2) Performance Mode – To eliminate "ESS hump" and higher order harmonics. LED flashing 2Hz when no signal detected, THD performance optimized for Fs 44.1-48kHz but PLL lock slower and the first-second signal is muted.
3) SE Tube Mode – LED flashing 1Hz when no signal detected, 2nd harmonic artificially increased to emulate SE tube behavior.
4) IEM Mode - LED always off. Limited max output power at -15dbfs level for safe operation with low-impedance and high sensitive In-Ear Monitors up to 4ohm

To switch between modes you need to interrupt #9038S power during its startup when LED very fast flashing. Then next turn on #9038S will be started in the next mode(1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4.. cycling)

DO NOT USE 2.5mm BAL (male)-to-3.5mm SE (female) ADAPTER!!!

Specifications:

Spoiler: SPECS

Specifications:

Status: production
Retail cost: $78 (bundled with type C cable) $79 (bundled with Y split cable) $89 (bundled with MMCX cable) [Aliexpress]
Materials: sandblasted/anodized aluminum/ES9038Q2M/AD8397
Dimensions: 48x22x9mm
Weight: 10g
Power: USB 5V power rail no internal battery, 90mA idle current, the device contains up to 4000uF of capacitance and IOS/Android devices can
start OTG operation only with Camera_Adapter and USB OTG Y-splitter cable respectively
Input: USB-C, PCM up to 24b/192kHz
Output: balanced output 2.5mm jack A&K pinout
Output impedance: .05 Ohm@1000Hz Agilent U1733C
Output power: >340mW@32Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
Output power: >550mW@16Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
measured at +.5dbFS level, typical PC USB2 port powered
Frequency response: 10-85kHz +.05/-.2db@ 24b/192kHz
S/N ratio: -122db(A) referenced to 3.399VRMS @32ohm THD+N = 1% @
+.5dbfs typical PC USB2 port powered
DR AES17 120db unweighted
THD@1kHz@-3dbFS .0002% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0004% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0009% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@16Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0004% typical for Normal Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS .25% typical for SE Mode 24b/44.1kHz, almost only 2nd harmonic
Crosstalk: -125db@1kHz

Aliexpress page:
[ link ]
Official 9038S page:
[ link ]




9038D

(Status: To launch in "near future")

3.5mm jack unbalanced output DAC+HPA 600mW@16ohm in the same case like #9038S with additional 5th operation mode, HOME DAC mode with constant 3.5VRMS output. Also 9038D will bake in hardware volume control using accelerometers.

Specifications:

Spoiler: SPECS

Specifications(TBD):

Status: proto
Retail cost: TBD(***)
Materials: sandblasted/black anodized aluminum/laser mark/ES9038Q2M/AD8397
Dimensions: 48x22x9mm
Weight: 15g
Power: USB +5V/-5V power rails no internal battery, 170mA idle current, the device contains up to >4000uF of capacitance but IOS/Android devices. Start OTG operation without Camera_Adapter and USB OTG Y-splitter cable respectively.
Input: USB-C, PCM up to 24b/192kHz
Output: standard unbalanced output 3.5mm jack
Output impedance: .05 Ohm@1000Hz Agilent U1733C
Output power: >340mW@32Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
Output power: >600mW@16Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
measured at +.5dbFS level, typical PC USB2 port powered.
Frequency response: 10-85kHz +.05/-.2db@ 24b/192kHz
S/N ratio: -123db(A) referenced to 3.399VRMS @32ohm THD+N = 1% @ +.5dbfs typical PC USB2 port powered.
DR AES17 121db unweighted
THD@1kHz@-3dbFS .00025% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0004% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0015% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@16Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0004% typical for Normal Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS .25% typical for SE Mode 24b/44.1kHz, almost only 2nd harmonic
Crosstalk: -125db@1kHz

Official 9038D web page: [ Link ]

9038X:

(Status: in Prototype stage)

Basically, everything 9038S is, with additional XMOS XU208 USB bridge. 2.5mm BAL out.

HiFiToy:

(Status: Prototype stage)

"That's the most challenging model with an impressive list of breakthrough features. ..Stop, I've promised: no any marketing BS over here ))

Ok, I've noticed last years getting popular the small footprint class D amps with external power supply and 1.5m thin cable between. I was surprised at how that absurd idea comes true because technically it is obviously stupid, many of us remember audio magazines/ DIY forums discussions about the role of accurate and solid rail power supply in the audio amplification. So, today $4 power brick for LED purpose with 1.5m of noodles-cable is ok to power HiFi? No way, my little friends, hands off from audio! that's why I decided to design a compromise-less power supply and Fully Digital Amplifier(FDA or Power DAC) in the same tiny housing with a lot of inputs formates, and DSP controllable by iOS/Android app for extensive Bi/Tri-Amping crossover filtering/phase alignment. 125Wx2ch 154x108x36mm In fact, you can hold it on your palm. To turn it on need just touch the bevel on the front panel, to change volume slide your finger left or right." - (Official website description)

Specifications:

Spoiler: SPECS

Specifications:

Status: proto
Retail cost: TBD($150)
Materials: sandblasted/anodized aluminum
Dimensions: 154x108x36mm +3mm legs-pads
Weight: TBD
Power: 230VAC/110VAC regulated LLC SMPS with the custom controller. 11000uF on the 33VDC rail.
Inputs: USB, PCM up to 24b/192kHz, SPDIF optical or analog from the same 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth APTX stream
Outputs: banana jacks, SPDIF 3.5mm jack for coworking with multiple HiFiTOY's Bi/Tri-amping
Output impedance: TBD
Output power: 125W@4Ohm@1kHz@THD=1% and -.5db for 20Hz
Output power: 70W@8Ohm@1kHz@THD=1% and -.5db for 20Hz
Frequency response: 10-45kHz +.5/-.5db@ 24b/192kHz
S/N ratio: -107db(A) referenced to 23VRMS @4ohm THD+N = 1% @ +.5dbfs
DR AES17 105db unweighted(TBD)
Crosstalk: -100db@1kHz(TBD)

Official HiFiToy web page: [ Link ]

 

[Tysun]

[FAQ] :

(About PDV2/9038S)

Q: Which one do I choose, PDV2 or 9038S? Both have 2.5mm BAL OUT. What is the difference in SQ between these 2?
A: Both have similar max power output according to the spec sheet.
Choose PDV2 if you want a chameleon to transform any of your headphones to sound as how you like, and you don't mind the transportable but not so portable friendly application. SQ is 'fuller' and slightly 'warmer' than 9038S comparatively, without pEQ. With HPToy pEQ, it can be anything you want it to be!
Choose 9038S if you need absolute potability in a smallest form factor. A short type C-to-C cable (for Android) or Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter (for iOS) connected to your device and 9038S will solve your no-headphone-jack problem! SQ is more 'neutral' and 'analytical' compared to PDV2. Also, 9038S is NOT compatible with HPToy app.


Q: How do I switch modes in 9038S?
A:
1. Stop all audio playbacks.
2. Plug in 9038S.
3. Turn off 9038S during first 1~2secs fast LED flashing period by unplugging.
4. Wait for a few seconds and plug in 9038S again. It will be in the next mode.

Modes of 9038S in order (during no audio playback):
1. Normal mode = LED always On,
2. Performance mode = LED flashing 2 times/s,
3. SE Tube mode = 1time/s.
4. IEM mode = LED Off


Q: Can I use PDV2 / 9038S with 2.5mm TRRS BAL male to 3.5mm TRS SE female adapter to connect to a 3.5mm SE headphone cable?
A: No. Only 2.5mm TRRS cables can be used. A BAL to SE adapter will short circuit and fry your DAC. If you don't have BAL cables and not intending to buy one, consider waiting for upcoming 9038D with 3.5mm SE output.

By Head Fier @ClieOS :

You SHOULD NOT plug a single-ended headphone to a balanced source using an adapter. The adapter in this case will short-circuit the balanced output in the source. It might seem to work in the short run, but you are on borrowed time as you are slowly damaging the balanced circuit on your source and can lead to a burn out of the circuit

Q: Can I use a 2.5mm TRRS BAL male to dual XLR 3-pin male interconnect to connect PDV2 / 9038S to a power amp (eg. Massdrop THX 789)?
A: If you need to ask this question, then NO. GND pins from the dual XLR male have to be properly grounded in order to prevent frying of your DAC. Reserved for seasoned DIY-ers who really know what they are doing. Consider waiting for upcoming 9038D with 3.5mm OUT to connect to non-balanced IN of your power amp.
The only safe interconnect for plug-and-play is 2.5mm input of some portable amplifiers.
(eg. Venture Electronics Runabouts 2.0BL).


Q: How about 2.5mm male to dual RCA male interconnect?
A: Do not use 2.5mm to RCA cable, you will KILL your PowerDAC V2/9038s. RCA negative pin is GND. This will short circuit the L-, R- together. Consider waiting for upcoming 9038D with 3.5mm OUT to connect to RCA in of your power amp.
(Answer provided by BobbyL2K)
The only safe interconnect for plug-and-play is 2.5mm input of some portable amplifiers.
(eg. Venture Electronics Runabouts 2.0BL).


Q: What 2.5mm connector is recommended?
A: if you are 9038S owner, it doesnt matter. If you are a PDV2 owner, check before you purchase your BAL cable, whether it has a 5mm shaft stopper, or you can't insert your 2.5mm plug properly.
✔

✔
x

x


Q: I plugged in a pair of cans with 2.5mm BAL but no audio/only right channel is heard, help!
A: There are different standards of 2.5mm TRRS out there. R-R+L+L- TRRS is the most popular Fiio/A&K standard, and this is the standard which E1DA employed. generally 2.5mm cables sold in China (Ali/taobao) will be cabled in that standard. 2.5mm is a relatively new concept that is why there is no global standardization. 4.4mm Pentagon is an even newer concept but Sony actually cared to have a protocol before opening their standard up, while 2.5mm is all over the place.

If unsure, ask your seller before making cable purchase.

Q: What is a Y-splitter and how do I use it?
A: Y-splitter is meant for ANDROID users to use their devices with PDV2 or 9038S without draining the battery excessively. iOS and PC/Mac users DO NOT need Y-splitter.
There are 3 ends on the Y-splitter. If you did not get a bundle from E1DA, here is the Aliexpress [link]
Connect as following:
USB-C male: Connect it to your Android device.
USB-A male: Connect it to power bank
USB-A female: Connect it to a printer cable, length of your choice (USB A male to USB B male) and connect that to PDV2. For 9038S or D, it needs a USB A male to USB C male instead of a printer cable.

Q: I am an ANDROID user and I am using my PDV2 with a Y-splitter. Yet the power drain from my Android is still tremendous. What is wrong?
A: Every Android is different. Some will stop supplying current once an external power source (power bank) is detected, some won't. Mod to disable battery draining is as the following: You find the short USB C male cable from the Y-splitter which connects to your phone, and you cut a small thin line with a sharp knife or blade then you split it open and with same knife or blade tear open carefully the silver shielding that's underneath. Then you are going to see a RED cable. That's the one you cut. Then just carefully put things back together as good as possible and use electrical tape to seal up.
(Answer provided by Allances305)
pic:

Q: I am an iPhone/iPad iOS user and I wish to use my device with E1DA DAC. How does this go about?
A: Yes E1DA DACs are compatible with iOS. You need a "Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter" for it to work with E1DA DACs.
[ Link to Apple Store Adapter ]

User @backtofuture has found another way to use Y-Splitter with iPhone, by using "Lightning to USB Camera Adapter".
An additional USB A (male)-to-USB C (female) adapter is needed. Then, attach Y-spliiter as how the Android users are doing.
In his case, he used a USB A (male)-to-USB B (male) dongle to attach Y-spliiter to PDV2. Basically a printer cable without the wire section. You can use any printer cable for the same purpose, it will just be longer.
(Oh boy, if you check out the adapters for the headphone side, that is a wild party of adapters happening there! I am getting giddy looking at it....)
Photo of the setup is as below, credits to @backtofuture:




Q: The original iPhone camera adapter didn't work for my PDV2/9038S, help!
A: Some users reported original adapter worked, some reported it did not, and needed a third party adapter. Try this:
[ Link to Amazon Henkur camera adapter ]


Q: I wish to use PDV2 / 9038S with my PC/Mac.
A:
PDV2: This is the best case scenario to use PDV2. Just a printer cable and the DAC will run like a champ!
9038S: USB C to USB C cable (for newer PC/laptop with USB C ports) or USB A to USB C cable (for conventional PC/laptop) is needed.
Both 9038S and PDV2 need no additional drivers.


Q: My PDV2/9038S is connected to MacOS and i lose the ability to adjust volume from the OS. Help!
A: For PDV2, you can adjust volume through companion app HPToy from your mobile.
For 9038S, OS volume control fix is available through this link here:
https://appuals.com/cannot-adjust-volume-on-a-mac-os-x-with-external-devices/
(web URL link provided by @Ikety)
WARNING: APPLY THIS "FIX" AT YOU OWN RISK!!!

User @Ikety also shared a possible workaround to gain 9038S volume control in Macs using Soundflower, tweak at your own risk:
[ Link to Soundflower ]

Additional answer from user @Charlie Norwood:

Been running this set up for years, there is no risk. You can use system settings/audio midi setup to adjust the output level - but the best way to use soundflower is with something like hosting au: http://ju-x.com/hostingau.html

This way you can fine tune the output, as well as use all the audio plugins (gEW/pEQ) and any other plugins you may have downloaded. This is really the best way to EQ sound on a Mac, especially if you stream music from spotify/tidal/qobuz etc and aren't using a music player with good built-in EQ.


Q: Can I use Android USB Audio Player Pro, UAPP + Tidal MQA in bit perfect mode?
A:
For 9038S:
Unfortunately you lose volume control. You can use UAPP, just not in bit perfect mode.
For PDV2:
Yes! Here I made a short tutorial for those who wish to enjoy true 24/96 with Tidal in UAPP:

To enable MQA in UAPP: You need to make an in-app purchase to enable bit perfect MQA. If not, your Tidal MQA files will be played in 16/44.1.

After getting the in-app purchase done, here are what you should do: (Stop music playback)
1. Menu → Settings → USB audio tweak → tick ✓Use USB DAC ✓ Buffer size 600 milliseconds & Bus Speed ✓ High Speed (USB 2.0).
2. Go back to Settings →USB audio →Bit Perfect mode ✓On → Limit Sample Rate ✓No limit.
3. Once you done this, start playing a MQA song and it will show a blue dot right beside MQA logo, and USB DAC output info should show 96kHz. Files being played may have higher bit rate but 24/96 is the limit of UAPP unless you have a specialized phone for example LG V30 etc as reported by others. I can't verify that, I use OnePlus 5 and Huawei M5 tablet.
(Pic attached to prove point number 3.)



(About HPToy app)

Q: So, What is HPToy app? I don't get it still. Does it mean I can stream audio to PDV2 via BT?
A: No. HPToy is the BT wireless control for PDV2. It works through Bluetooth Low Energy protocol hence it is not possible to stream audio wirelessly to PDV2. The app allows control plenty of DSP functions in an intuitive manner like Crossovers adjustment, parametric EQ, Bass and Treble, Compressor, Loudness, presets sharing and more.

Regardless your PDV2 is wired to PC/Mac/Android/iOS as audio source, HPToy app will control your PDV2 through Bluetooth, from your mobile.

NOTE: HPToy app is NOT compatible with 9038S.


Q: After installing HPToy app, it asks for location permission and storage permission. Why?
A:
Location permission has to be given in order for the Bluetooth LE to work (API 26). E1DA does not want to know your location, don't worry.
Storage permission is needed for saving downloaded/adjusted preset onto local storage.
Both permissions have to be given in order to work. GPS has to be ON during HPToy app operation to ensure normal app behavior.


Q: I have trouble connecting PDV2 Bluetooth to my phone. Help!
A:
1. DO NOT connect from phone's Bluetooth settings.
2. Connect PDV2 to source and ensure normal playback operation (non Bluetooth, USB wired connection).
3. Ensure PDV2 is as close as possible to phone (less than 1ft).
4. Open HPToy app and wait. Bluetooth mac address of PDV2 will appear on the top of the app usually within 5 seconds (example 77:f3:4k:22). Click its Bluetooth address to connect phone to PDV2.
5. If it doesn't appear after maybe 20 seconds, kill the HPToy app from task tray and restart the app. This should normally solve the BT undetected issue.
6. Ensure close proximity between phone and PDV2 when you are adjusting settings/pEQ. This will minimize chances of losing connection. Close proximity is not needed after saving your adjustment as a preset. Last saved preset will be present in PDV2 and BT connection is not required for playback using the latest saved preset.
7. Smart home IOT appliances may disrupt BT connection between PDV2 and smart phone. Please minimize 2.4G noise to ensure stable BT connection.
Note: If the guide above does not connect HPToy with PDV2 (especially some Android), and MAC address of PDV2 is not showing in the first page of HPToy app, go to phone's Bluetooth settings and connect to PDV2. If password is required type "0000000000" (full zeros). Then follow step 2 onwards. GPS has to be turned on.


Q: Changing presets in HPToy/PDV2 raises volume to 100% every time! Help!
A: As long as you do one of these you won't be blasted to death by audio shockwave - that's the death penalty sentenced by PDV2 god for your blunder mistake:

1. Pause your music before changing preset → change preset → lower volume → play music.

2. Choose and set active your favorite preset → customize it to your liking including the volume you prefer → save that customized preset, the given preset name will be the time and date of you saving this particular preset → long tap and change the preset name to any name you like → the next time you load that custom preset, the volume preset will be loaded as well. No more ear bombs.


Q: Someone has posted a preset online, how do I load it to my HPToy in Android?
A: HPToy is made to make preset sharing easy. Some presets can be found on the official website:
https://e1dashz.wixsite.com/index/pdv2 ( Presets are at the end of the web page)

Method 1:
1. Copy the URL of the posted preset .tpr file.
2. in HPToy app, go to Option → Preset manager → Import preset Direct link → paste URL of said preset → click Import.

Method 2:
To import presets if Import Preset Direct Link does not work in HPToy:
1. Download a third party Android file manager. I use Amaze File Manager.
2. Download .tpr preset from Official website PDV2 page to your local storage, usually will end up in your Download folder. (Not your Google Drive).
3. Open Android file manager to access your download folder. Go to the .tpr and tap Open with → Open as → text → Open with HPToy.
4. Preset loaded.


Q: In HPToy app, the top horizontal line sometimes blinks to red color...what does it mean?
A: "red line" is the clipping indication. Please don't be afraid of that clipping "LED" indicator, many if not all records will clip even without EQ, because of "normalizing". Every track normalizes up to 0dbfs at peaks usually, i.e. it is not "High distortions" indicator at all and it is "Full scale" indicator. But high distortions are also "full scale" signal, and if you see red-line almost always On(and no compressor-limiter cell in the DSP chain) the distortions are really high.The clipping indication is useful for limiter adjustment. It is the combination of the compressor's parameters which helps to reduce volume quick and softly(in fact inaudible!) to avoid clipping distortions. Very popular DSP algorithm for pro-audio and studio-pros, one of a necessary component of the mastering.

(Thanks to @nesty and @E1DA for this Q&A)

 

[Tysun]

Impressions:

PowerDac V2

"Powerdacv2 really give the synergy to my devices and with the HPTOY app i able to eq tweak around to making it so much fun." - @muths66 [ Link ]

" the TinHiFI P1 sound changed from ok to super intense, fully with juicy treble and a dry bass like a tremor!!" - @Krassi . [ Link ]

"The PDV2+P1 is a god-tier setup." - @Charlie Norwood [ Link ]

"The Powerdac v2, makes my earbuds sing. It transforms it from a baby to a grown man. " - @nesty [ Link ]

"The main “problem” is that you can buy the PowerDAC V2 at 50€, and at this price is one of the best bang for the bucks that I have ever seen. Nice job!" - @Draknodd [ Link ]

"At 1200mW, of course it has all the power you can want. But more importantly, the tonality is one of the best I've heard." - JP, [ Link ]

"both the PDV2 and the 9038s are genuine "game changers" for portable audio. I have not touched any of my daps since I got both the 9038 and PDV2." - @Isloo [ Link ]

9038S

"The combination of the 9038S and the 1840 sounds practically perfect to me. This combination allows me to hear deeply into my recordings. By the way, using Neutron with USB access on my 1840, my volume is at about an 8 out of 100. The power this thing has is crazy!" - @backdrifter [ LINK ]

"9038S is glued in my Audiosense T800 as my daily daily driver. " - @Fabiosantos25 [ Link ]

"The 9038S is the most transparent DAC I've ever heard" - @Charlie Norwood [ Link ]

"This dac sounds incredibly clean. Compared to the ibasso DC01, the 9030s has a very clinical and analytical sound. It's very powerful too, able to drive the original hifiman he400." - @rodel808 [ Link ]

"Mine is like a dream come true - soundwise this is pretty close to endgame." - @archdawg [ Link ]

"9038s is too darn powerful for my iems, I almost muted music app, the sound still louder than the level I'm used to." - @Frederick Wang [ Link ] (9038S Gen1)

Comparison between Fiio Q5 AM3D THX vs 9038S - [Link]

Comparison between Hiby R5 VS 9038S - @rendyG [ Link ]

 

[muths66]

I have been using powerdacv2 for quite a while now. It has been powering my verum one and other hp, iem with no issue at all.
Now my other portable device is been in the drawer all time.
Powerdacv2 really give the synergy to my devices and with the HPTOY app i able to eq tweak around to making it so much fun.
Great job from creator Ivan and Artem.
Really looking forward for your future devices.

 

[baskingshark]

Anybody know when the 9038D is gonna release?

 

[Tysun]

Anybody know when the 9038D is gonna release?

Near future, but no release date announced. I will post it here with an edit to first post once date is known.

 

[Krassi]

Hi there!

..And finally a thread about those awesome DACs!


I got my PowerDAC v2 (Pdv2) 3 Days ago and i am in Hifi heaven now!

The reason i became interested in this was a discussion here in the Tin P1 Thread and someone mentioned it that "the P1 needs power and with the Pdv2 you got Endgame"

... well ooook....yeah endgame (was sceptical)...and found this 60 Eurobucks thing on Aliexpress and when buying those P1s i wanted to give it a try .

Also was in some crazy state of mind and ordered me a pure Silver 8 Core Cable with 2,5 balanced Input and MMCX Outputs for this.

My recent setup is the JDS Atom and Khadas tone board as the DAC. i was blown away on this setup with my also new used Sundara Headphones that arrived the same day as the P1s.. a real good day for me

So Sundaras sound amazing on the Atom and i love them..

Below is my Atom/Khadas Stack and next to it the Pdv2

The P1 needed still Burnin and they sounded meeeehhh on my Hiby R3... not really great in one word.

... So i got the Pdv2, also watched the video from zeos before (i bought something before a zeos review this time ) )

I had no problem running this on my PC and wooooww! if you give the P1s Power then they start to shine (They are actually masochistic Headphones and the more you hit them the happier they get..)

."And then the acid kicked in" ( a phrase from my all time favorite movie fear and loathing in Las Vegas.)
... well it was not the Acid but the EQ in the HPPowertoys that i activated kicked in when i set it to the "P1 True Harman" Preset..

....What!?!??!! the sound changed from ok to super intense, fully with juicy treble and a dry bass like a tremor!!
At that moment i could really understand all this talking about the combination of this DAC and the P1 planars.

Planar drivers seem to love power and with one click my P1s changed form 155 Euro to 1-2k Headphones in terms of sound for me.

Best sound i ever heard from headphones (ok ok i only have dt880 and old akg studio240 Headphones before)

i compared them with my sundaras that are plugged in the Atom Amp ... and they sound week and flat compared to the P1s with EQ preset... The bass was much weeker!
Anybody saying "meeehh the P1 dondt have great bass" have not powered it enough and EQ waterboarded those headphones.. seriously they can make so much bass that it kicks your teeth out of your jar if you turn it up...

Soo i listened to this p1/pdv2 Combo now for 3 days nonstop for many hours and i am still amazed and lbegin to listen to jazz and more classic stuff than before


I got my "endgame in a pocket" Setup in my Nintendo switch case togeter with usb and balanced cable in my office now. (well that in the background is an endgame 1981 Panasonic RX5250L with ambiencesound and tapedeck still running! My former Office Radio)

Only one important thing ... it gets pretty warm! perfect hand warming for the winter! Ok fo the pure mobile purpuse will the 9038s v2 be my thing that i also ordered.

I am still waiting inpatient for MMCX to 3,5 Adapters from china so that i can plug my sundaras in the pdv2!!

Making a harman curve preset is also super easy now with the new hptoy feature that i can load a picture of a reference curve in the background and then try to mach the curve with the EQ.
ohhh the EQ!! this is so amazing to move, lower/gain and flatten and pinch the curves with my fingers on the touchdisplay.


So i cant be more happy now with my portable hifi endgame setup!
seeya daniel!

 

[baskingshark]

Hi there!

..And finally a thread about those awesome DACs!


I got my PowerDAC v2 (Pdv2) 3 Days ago and i am in Hifi heaven now!

The reason i became interested in this was a discussion here in the Tin P1 Thread and someone mentioned it that "the P1 needs power and with the Pdv2 you got Endgame"
... well ooook found this 60 Eurobucks thing on Aliexpress and when buying those P1s i wanted to give it a try .
Also was in some crazy state of mind and ordered me a pure Silver 8 Core Cable with 2,5 balanced Input and MMCX Outputs for this.

My recent setup is the JDS Atom and Khadas ton board as the DAC. i was blown away on this setup with my also new used Sundara Headphones that arrived the same day as the P1s.. a real good day for me
So Sundaras sound amazing and love them..

The P1 needed still Burnin and they sounded meeeehhh on my Hiby R3... not really great in one word.

... So i got the Pdv2, also watched the video from zeos before (i bought something before a zeos review this time ) )
no problem running this on my PC and wooooww! if you give the P1s Power then they start to shine (They are actually masochistic Headphones and the more you hit them the happier they get..)

."And then the acid kicked in" ( a phrase from my all time favorite movie fear and loathing in Las Vegas...
... well it was the EQ in the HPPowertoys that i activated and i set it to the "P1 True Harman" Preset..
....What!?!??!! the sound changed from ok to super intense, fully with juicy treble and a dry bass like a tremor!!
at that moment i could really understand all this talking about the combination of this DAC and the P1 planars.

Planar drives seem to love power and with one click my P1s changed form 155 Euro to 1-2k Headphones in terms of sound for me.
best sound i ever heard from headphones (ok ok i only have dt880 and old akg studio240 Headphones before)

i compared them with my sundaras that are plugged in the Atom Amp ... and they sound week and flat compared to the P1s with EQ preset... The bass was much weeker!
Soo i listened to this p1/pdv2 Combo now for 3 days nonstop for many hours and i am still amazed and lbegin to listen to jazz and more classic stuff than before


I got my "endgame in a pocket" Setup in my Nintendo switch case sogeter with usb and balanced cable in my office now.

Only thing . it gets pretty warm! perfect hand warming for the winter! Ok fo the pure mobile purpuse will the 9038s v2 be my thing that i also ordered
I am still waiting inpatient for MMCX to 3,5 Adapters from china so that i can plug my sundaras in the pdv2!!

Making a harman curve preset is also super easy now with the new hptoy feature that i can load a picture of a reference curve in the background and then try to mach the curve with the EQ.
ohhh the EQ!! this is so amazing to move, lower/gain and flatten and pinch the curves with my fingers on the touchdisplay.


So i cant be more happy now with my portable hifi endgame setup!
seeya daniel!

Hi friend I have the khadas tone board DAC too. How does PowerDAC v2 (Pdv2) compare with it?

 

[Krassi]

Hi @baskingshark !

-in terms of sound:
well i cant compare them any more because at the moment i turn on this Harman curve EQ preset on the Pdv2 the sound is much better and you dondt wont to turn it off again!
both are very clean dacs, the pdv2 can sound like a tube amp if you want and less sterile than the Saberdac that is used in the Khadas.

Whats important for me is that the pvd2 is like a camelion. i can change the color of the sound with this bluetooth app from my cellphone when i sit on my sofa.. "ohh i want more bass here".. "lets make it like a tube amp". "ohh lets use the compressor here"....

-one big difference is that the pdv2 has a lot of output power! i heard that you can give it a bit more when you hang the atom amp to this, but there is actually no need.
it can power nearly anything and has enough power to excell planar drivers.
so i just need one small device and not a stack of DAC and Amp!

-Biggest difference in connection is 2,5 balanced on the pdv2 and normal unbalanced on the khadas.. So you cant plug in your usual 3,5mm cable or it will blow something up.

Since i am only having it for 3 days i am just in my honemoon period with this, but really the EQ is a gamechanger in terms of sound.. this can do 100% more and not just 3-5% that you can get with a cable or somethign else.
really night and day what my P1 sound with the preset. you turn a mr jekyll into a mr hyde with this

It is important to mentioned:
the 9038s and 9038d have the sabre dac on board and DONT have the hptoy EQ App!! .. but they are thumbsize and can be powered with many strong cellphones or daps without a powerbank..

Seeya Daniel

 

[Fabiosantos25]

I've read about #9038s gen 1 in ASR and ordered one directly from Ivan two days later. Since I received it's glued in my Audiosense T800 as my daily daily driver. And what a transformative experience is to have this much clean power available on the go. Usually I've gotten this kind of performance only from a full size desktop setup not from a pocket combo but now I'm addicted.

I've shown this combo to some friends who loves music but think it's (better, I am) crazy to go above any cheap earbud or wireless setup directly from cellphone because cost and cable related hassle and one of them asked me to sell it on the spot!

Ivan keep repeating about be careful with high sensitivity iem, not the case of T800 or P1 of course, because it's too powerful and any misstep could send a full blast soundwave directly to timpanus, but it's impossible to resist use #9038s with any suitable iem I can find.

I'm so hyped that I'll order a Tin P1 soon because of Ivan's magic. And the only one thing I'll keep pestering him to add is HW volume control (planed for #9038x) and maybe a deeper usbc female conector to improve mechanical/electrical fit while it's dangling outside my pocket (solved with a small elastic band in mine)

 

[Tysun]

I've read about #9038s gen 1 in ASR and ordered one directly from Ivan two days later. Since I received it's glued in my Audiosense T800 as my daily daily driver. And what a transformative experience is to have this much clean power available on the go. Usually I've gotten this kind of performance only from a full size desktop setup not from a pocket combo but now I'm addicted.

I've shown this combo to some friends who loves music but think it's (better, I am) crazy to go above any cheap earbud or wireless setup directly from cellphone because cost and cable related hassle and one of them asked me to sell it on the spot!

Ivan keep repeating about be careful with high sensitivity iem, not the case of T800 or P1 of course, because it's too powerful and any misstep could send a full blast soundwave directly to timpanus, but it's impossible to resist use #9038s with any suitable iem I can find.

I'm so hyped that I'll order a Tin P1 soon because of Ivan's magic. And the only one thing I'll keep pestering him to add is HW volume control (planed for #9038x) and maybe a deeper usbc female conector to improve mechanical/electrical fit while it's dangling outside my pocket (solved with a small elastic band in mine)

Is PDV2 / 9038S safe for T800? Any chances of damaging the BA drivers at 100% volume?

 

[Fabiosantos25]

Is PDV2 / 9038S safe for T800? Any chances of damaging the BA drivers at 100% volume?

Twice I´ve forgotten UAPP in bit-perfect mode and for an instant I was blessed with #9038s full power. It wasn´t a pleasant experience at all, the music was really distorted, but the iem wasn´t damaged (with high DR music, don´t know what could happen with a pop song at 0dBFs). Today I always check the attenuation before start listen to keep it safe at -40 db. Usually I go -40 to -15 db at maximum with a few really quiet tracks or extremely high DR files.

 

[Krassi]

on my windows 10 i have
-the pdv2 running on -11db,
-the dopamine audio player on 100% volume
-and i adjust the overall volume with my windows global volume..

40% is loud and my standard volume ,
60% really loud and
80% super loud or needed when the music itself is not so loud.

never had trouble that i blew my p1 away , but i am carefull every time.. this dac can really output a lot

 

[Charlie Norwood]

Thank you @Tysun for getting this thread started right!

I have the PDV2 and 9038S. I will be ordering the 9038D when available. And also the speaker powerdac HiFiToy when Ivan gets around to finishing it. The PDV2+P1 is a god-tier setup. The 9038S is the most transparent DAC I've ever heard - it has plenty of power on its own, but the 2.5 balanced out pairs perfectly with the XCAN's 2.5 balanced input - giving you about 2x the power while keeping your entire chain balanced the whole time.

These are industry-changing products.

Do Not Sleep On E1DA

 

[Draknodd]

Just got the PDV2, I'll write my review in the next days, can't wait!