[iFi audio]

So after reading here it seems I need to have the usb C power cable in at all times to enable usb power mode. Glad I found this thread cos otherwise I thought I had faulty unit.

hip-dac indeed needs a USB C cable to charge, but was designed to rely only on its internal power source (battery). hip-dac can be used and charged at the same time, but its battery can't be bypassed.

 

[kungfuman]

hip-dac indeed needs a USB C cable to charge, but was designed to rely only on its internal power source (battery). hip-dac can be used and charged at the same time, but its battery can't be bypassed.

thanks for your reply. That still doesn’t explain the difference between usb power mode and battery only mode referenced in the manual. And I couldn’t see this being properly explained in the previous posts. Sounds to me there isn’t two modes and the only difference is whether you want to plug in the usb c power charge or not - either way still means it’s running off the battery but it’s being charged if plugged in.

Can you elaborate if there is indeed a difference between the two modes?

 

[Taz777]

thanks for your reply. That still doesn’t explain the difference between usb power mode and battery only mode referenced in the manual. And I couldn’t see this being properly explained in the previous posts. Sounds to me there isn’t two modes and the only difference is whether you want to plug in the usb c power charge or not - either way still means it’s running off the battery but it’s being charged if plugged in.

Can you elaborate if there is indeed a difference between the two modes?

I believe that the manual is incorrect. There is only one mode.

 

[iFi audio]

Sounds to me there isn’t two modes and the only difference is whether you want to plug in the usb c power charge or not - either way still means it’s running off the battery but it’s being charged if plugged in.

Exactly, that's how it works.

Can you elaborate if there is indeed a difference between the two modes?

Can you please check whether your manual is different than this one?

https://media.ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hip-dac_manual_Ver1.1.pdf

 

[kungfuman]

Exactly, that's how it works.



Can you please check whether your manual is different than this one?

https://media.ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hip-dac_manual_Ver1.1.pdf

that's the same manual that came with my hip-dac. so here it specifically references two distinct modes of operation but that doesn't sound like to be the case?

 

[iFi audio]

that's the same manual that came with my hip-dac. so here it specifically references two distinct modes of operation but that doesn't sound like to be the case?

Not the case indeed, hip-dac will always rely on its battery.

 

[kungfuman]

Not the case indeed, hip-dac will always rely on its battery.

As I primarily use it on desktop, will there be any damage if I keep the usb C power connected long term?

Or is it best to disconnect and let the battery discharge periodically?

 

[iFi audio]

As I primarily use it on desktop, will there be any damage if I keep the usb C power connected long term?

Although you should be fine, once in a while I'd do a battery cycle with hip-dac disconnected.

 

[jkwanness]

At least in my experience using the hip-dac on Samsung devices (I have a Note 20), this is correct. Once I select exclusive mode, the hip-dac's light automatically turns magenta.

I'm not too experienced in Android, but I wouldn't be shocked if it varies from device to device in regards to you having Native MQA decoding.

Once you are in exclusive mode, the hip-dac should detect MQA one way or other.

Hi guys, i just got my Hip-dac with Sundara.. it sounds great on my PC as i'm able set it up properly with mqa decoding... I can't find how to get my Oneplus 7 pro Tidal app to decode mqa with the hip dac.. Can't find exclusive mode in the app too.. is there something i'm missing? Do i really need to buy usb player pro with mqa? I like the Tidal app to discover new music.. Please do let me know.. thanks!

 

[corgifall]

For those who plan to use this in a pocket and on the go, you can add a small rubber O ring gasket to make the volume knob a little stiffer. Add something thin at first and work your way up till you get a preferred feel. I no longer need to worry about accidental volume changes on the move. The hip dac is now my go to portable device to stack with my IPhone. I wish IFI would of included something like this with the hip dac. I only thought about this when I was recently cleaning off my desk and when I looked at the old FiiO Q1 I remembered it had a rubber O ring on the volume knob from the factory and I decided to try the same concept on the hip dac haha.

 

[iFi audio]

For those who plan to use this in a pocket and on the go, you can add a small rubber O ring gasket to make the volume knob a little stiffer. Add something thin at first and work your way up till you get a preferred feel. I no longer need to worry about accidental volume changes on the move. The hip dac is now my go to portable device to stack with my IPhone. I wish IFI would of included something like this with the hip dac. I only thought about this when I was recently cleaning off my desk and when I looked at the old FiiO Q1 I remembered it had a rubber O ring on the volume knob from the factory and I decided to try the same concept on the hip dac haha.

Hey, that's a nice cool mod. I'll make sure our tech staff sees it!

Hi guys, i just got my Hip-dac with Sundara.. it sounds great on my PC as i'm able set it up properly with mqa decoding... I can't find how to get my Oneplus 7 pro Tidal app to decode mqa with the hip dac.. Can't find exclusive mode in the app too.. is there something i'm missing? Do i really need to buy usb player pro with mqa? I like the Tidal app to discover new music.. Please do let me know.. thanks!

In short, MQA needs to leave your smartphone as a bitperfect stream, otherwise it stops being MQA and you won't see the magenta LED on your hip-dac.

Have you seen this?

https://support.tidal.com/hc/en-us/articles/360005773698-Optimizing-HiFi

 

[jkwanness]

In short, MQA needs to leave your smartphone as a bitperfect stream, otherwise it stops being MQA and you won't see the magenta LED on your hip-dac.

Have you seen this?

https://support.tidal.com/hc/en-us/articles/360005773698-Optimizing-HiFi

Yeah i've seen it and tried various ways to get my android to send bitperfect stream to the hip-dac.. however, i'm pretty sure there's another level that I just can't bypass.. just trying to ask if there's any other methods..

also, the bass boost is great on some songs, too strong on others.. just want to understand is it possible to lower the amount through a firmware update? or is it hardware based...(i'm already on 5.3c)

 

[iFi audio]

also, the bass boost is great on some songs, too strong on others.. just want to understand is it possible to lower the amount through a firmware update? or is it hardware based...(i'm already on 5.3c)

hip-dac's bass boost is fixed.

however, i'm pretty sure there's another level that I just can't bypass.. just trying to ask if there's any other methods..

If I were you, I'd probably go after UAPP. Many people who had issues with MQA playback confirmed here at HF that this app works like a charm.

 

[Larrabeez]

Got tidal MQA working in tidal, had to make sure hip dac was selected in tidal. Next select additional settings and tick the option "let tidal use audio device exclusively"
then MQA lights up!

I have try this step but the MQA still not light up. Any idea why?

 

[kungfuman]

I have try this step but the MQA still not light up. Any idea why?

These are my settings in the desktop app: