HQPlayer Impressions and Settings Rolling Thread

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

I’m so curious about the DSC3 - is there ever a way to get a hold of one of these?

There is a Vietnamese audio manufacturer that sells DSC based DACs: Silversea

 

[BShaw]

There is a Vietnamese audio manufacturer that sells DSC based DACs: Silversea

Wow that looks very juicy, wish I could afford to try one.

 

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

OFFTOPIC: ON

For me I am saving to upgrade mine to its newer version, somewhat in the line with DSC design but with newer/better components.

OFFTOPIC: OFF

 

[dericchan1]

OFFTOPIC: ON

For me I am saving to upgrade mine to its newer version, somewhat in the line with DSC design but with newer/better components.

OFFTOPIC: OFF

It’s kinda hard to form an expectation without actually hearing one. I was quite happy with the Cyan 2 with dac correction at dsd512 for almost 10 months and truly thought it would be the dac in my main system for many years, until I heard the dsc3 in my system on a Sunday afternoon.
I listed and sold the cyan 2 on the Monday. Not suggesting one better than the other but you really have to hear it in the system to be able to compare

DIY can be another rabbit hole. You can spend quite a bit on high end components.

Here’s a loaner dsc3 I had in my system for a week. The costs of parts alone are > $4500. The output transformers at the analog stage had to be specially ordered and are close to $1500 not including the additional parts to make it to work. There was also discussion comparing dsc2, dsc3 and T+A dac 200 on the thread

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/...rs-signalyst-dsc2/page/2/#findComment-1308513

 

[jamiekp]

thanks for the feedback / info guys.

@dericchan1 ice been following along in that other thread and I read your comparisons - I’ve enjoyed reading about your journey to this point.

I’ve got a cyan 2 but I can’t afford thousands experimenting and technical as I am I don’t think I have the time or inclination for a diy board - if I could solder better I might but alas

I’ll keep my eyes out for a dsc2 on the market meantime - if you ever want to sell yours or hear of someone who does let me know!

 

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

@dericchan1 Of course! Just saving money for now. When the time comes will see what's in the market..And that one one is top.of.my list.

 

[plumpudding2]

5.13 desktop is live and the AHM7EC8B modulator is so efficient you could almost run it off your phone. Sounds amazing too!

 

[kopczas]

AHM7EC8B

It's the best for loudspeakers setup. Non of filters/modulators combos sounded so amazing then any filter with this new modulator.

 

[TedB]

5.13 desktop is live and the AHM7EC8B modulator is so efficient you could almost run it off your phone. Sounds amazing too!

It's the best for loudspeakers setup. Non of filters/modulators combos sounded so amazing then any filter with this new modulator.

I believe it is intended for only DSD 1024?

 

[kopczas]

I believe it is intended for only DSD 1024?

I haven't tried it with anything lower then 1024.

edit:
nope, it doesn't run with lower DSD rate.

 

[plumpudding2]

It's the best for loudspeakers setup. Non of filters/modulators combos sounded so amazing then any filter with this new modulator.

Can you elaborate? I get better staging and separation and haven't really noticed any downsides yet but haven't had time for any detailed comparisons either.

I believe it is intended for only DSD 1024?

yes, I asked the developer if he could explain a bit about what makes it special:

 

[L@eric]

Asus ROG Ally can also play DSD-1024 (so cool)!

However, it is a bit of a stretch to let Asus ROG Ally perform DAC calibration.

Still have to say (this is amazing!)

 

[TedB]

Asus ROG Ally can also play DSD-1024 (so cool)!

However, it is a bit of a stretch to let Asus ROG Ally perform DAC calibration.

Still have to say (this is amazing!)

You are able to do this running Windows 11? That certainly would not work for me (I have the same ROG Z1 Extreme), although I have not attempted it without DAC correction.

 

[L@eric]

You are able to do this running Windows 11? That certainly would not work for me (I have the same ROG Z1 Extreme), although I have not attempted it without DAC correction.

The album I played in the screenshot (Swan Lake—44.1KHz → DSD1024) has no problem at all!

But later on, playing 192KHz → DSD1024 would stutter;

However, my Ally only has HQP installed in addition to the factory Windows 11.

It is my HQP dedicated player。
Edit:
When playing Qobuz streaming, except for 192 & 176.4KHz, other frequencies have been tested and upconverted to DSD1024 for playback without any problems!

 

[kopczas]

haven't really noticed any downsides

Yeap, that's the point. there is no compromise to my ears. New modulator gives depth to the extend that I could not believe was preserved by recording ( Steely Dan- Aja - Deacon Blues; echoes go so deep into the hall it feels like well), width is not as far as 7EC-super with Sinc-M but on the other hand it fells more natural as the height of sound stage with AHM is much taller.
Another great thing is it's universal: Sepultura sound as great as Bach Cantatas.
It's detailed but not overwhealming or annoyingly revealing.
Separation is amazing.
Overall presentation is joyful, dynamic and colorful.
What is important for loudspeaker systems, it sounds very good at low listening levels.

Clear winner to me.

Oh and it needs 80W to upsample 44.1 to DSD1024 with sinc-Lh and 100W with sinc-L. DSD to DSD 70W. 96khz to DSD1024 90W. Dac correction is enabled !!