[fonkepala]

Question about configuring the iFi (by AMR) HD + USB Audio driver in Windows 10, referring to settings in Control Panel within the Sound section.

My question: After right clicking properties, in the Advanced section I set it to 32 bits, 192000 Hz (Studio quality) which is the maximum settings? Is this the recommended configuration?

I have it set at 32 bits, 48000 Hz, which is also denoted as 'studio quality'. Sounds fine.

 

[psykix]

I have it set at 32 bits, 48000 Hz, which is also denoted as 'studio quality'. Sounds fine.

I have mine set to 32bits 192000Hz

 

[vrsx]

not sure if anyone already asked it or not

so if i plug speaker to rca out, then plug the headphone, will both sound on, or it automatically switch to headphone?

thx b4

 

[psykix]

not sure if anyone already asked it or not

so if i plug speaker to rca out, then plug the headphone, will both sound on, or it automatically switch to headphone?

thx b4

Sound is output from both at the same time.

 

[makatech]

Just to be clear, I don't think any of us here have opened a support ticket or emailed your support team directly regarding this 'popping' issue. It would be helpful & appreciated if you could address this for us here in this thread.

I received the following answer from iFi a couple of days ago.

Copying the relevant part of the answer:

"From what I am aware the popping is an issue with MQA on a lot of DACs and like you said I believe it is only at the beginning of songs.

I personally have the pop on my unit when using MQA on tidal and on the metal playlist as well."

 

[fonkepala]

I received the following answer from iFi a couple of days ago.

Copying the relevant part of the answer:

"From what I am aware the popping is an issue with MQA on a lot of DACs and like you said I believe it is only at the beginning of songs.

I personally have the pop on my unit when using MQA on tidal and on the metal playlist as well."

Thanks for sharing iFi's reply. For the record, as I've mentioned earlier, I'm experiencing the popping sounds when changing tracks on Spotify, playing FLACs on Foobar2000 and also just now when I was watching video using the VLC program. Everytime I paused the video or hit rewind and then play again the clicks were audible. Not all the time but they were quite noticeable.

Not sure what to make of this now.

 

[iFi audio]

Not sure what to make of this now.

I'd still ask at our support line. If this popping sound occurs with various file formats, it probably is related to software, i.e. OS.

 

[psykix]

I'd still ask at our support line. If this popping sound occurs with various file formats, it probably is related to software, i.e. OS.

It happens to me through Windows. It’s coming across that @iFi audio are avoiding the issue. I can’t believe that they cannot replicate this issue.

 

[makatech]

It happens to me through Windows. It’s coming across that @iFi audio are avoiding the issue. I can’t believe that they cannot replicate this issue.

They are able to replicate:

This is the reply I received after emailing iFi (cutting out only the friendly phrases):

Quoting:
"From what I am aware the popping is an issue with MQA on a lot of DACs and like you said I believe it is only at the beginning of songs.

I personally have the pop on my unit when using MQA on tidal and on the metal playlist as well."

 

[fonkepala]

They are able to replicate:

This is the reply I received after emailing iFi (cutting out only the friendly phrases):

Quoting:
"From what I am aware the popping is an issue with MQA on a lot of DACs and like you said I believe it is only at the beginning of songs.

I personally have the pop on my unit when using MQA on tidal and on the metal playlist as well."

As mentioned above, I'm experiencing the popping sound issue with formats/files other than MQA. I'm getting it on Tidal, VLC & Foobar2000. Sigh. I'll get in touch with ifi support and will see how it goes.

 

[makatech]

As mentioned above, I'm experiencing the popping sound issue with formats/files other than MQA. I'm getting it on Tidal, VLC & Foobar2000. Sigh. I'll get in touch with ifi support and will see how it goes.

My impression is they are able to replicate but don't have a solution for it, also stating it is very common for different DACs having similar issue with MQA. Please let us know what they reply to you.

Edit: Oh, you experience the same issue with other formats as well? Interesting...

Yes, best thing is you also register case with iFi support, I have busy days anyway right now.

 

[iFi audio]

best thing is you also register case with iFi support,

Many issues are system/settings specific, which is why asking our support team is the best route. These folks have been dealing with various problems and many they saw already.

 

[thomaslux]

Have just completed a downsizing process where all I'm left with is the Zen DAC, Zen CAN Amp and three sets of headphones - a simple, beautiful sounding set-up that has really helped me survive work from home. Thanks iFi

 

[makatech]

Summarizing experiences running HD6XX together with iFi Zen Dac from a power point of view. Note: I am using balanced headphone cables and also a power supply from iFi.

I would say that the Zen Dac manage to drive the HD6XX very well with my setup but it also depends on your setup and what you are doing.

A lot is depending on if you EQ your sound and by how much. If you EQ (boosting some frequencies) and lowering the pre amp value a lot you may getting closer (or hitting) to the limit, at least for soft music and classical music, also depending on the recordings/mix.

Also depending on source, running Tidal Hifi in exclusive mode giving me additional headroom (comparing to Spotify and not running exclusive mode). More complicated to EQ if running Tidal Hifi in exclusive mode though, it's still possible through Roon (and maybe JRiver, not sure).

 

[iFi audio]

Have just completed a downsizing process where all I'm left with is the Zen DAC, Zen CAN Amp and three sets of headphones - a simple, beautiful sounding set-up that has really helped me survive work from home. Thanks iFi

You're welcome

Summarizing experiences running HD6XX together with iFi Zen Dac from a power point of view. Note: I am using balanced headphone cables and also a power supply from iFi.

I would say that the Zen Dac manage to drive the HD6XX very well with my setup but it also depends on your setup and what you are doing.

A lot is depending on if you EQ your sound and by how much. If you EQ (boosting some frequencies) and lowering the pre amp value a lot you may getting closer (or hitting) to the limit, at least for soft music and classical music, also depending on the recordings/mix.

Also depending on source, running Tidal Hifi in exclusive mode giving me additional headroom (comparing to Spotify and not running exclusive mode). More complicated to EQ if running Tidal Hifi in exclusive mode though, it's still possible through Roon (and maybe JRiver, not sure).

If you'd ever want to feed your HD6XX with an amp tailored specifically for them, our ZEN CAN Signature is the one. It's on sale for just one more day on Drop, but will return later on this year!