Marantz HD-DAC1

[pbarach]

Maybe it's just how I am perceiving the sound. I'm using the DAC1 as a pre-amp into my Marantz PM8005 amplifier. So I adjust the volume on the DAC1 and the PM8005 is set to "power amp direct" mode. Also when using my headphones I notice a scratching sound when there is a quiet spot in the music or when no music is playing. It sound kind of like the needle going over a record while it's spinning. I'm using low gain for my headphones as that is plenty for me.

Your setup is quite different than mine. I hear absolutely no scratching or other noises from the DAC1, either as a headphone amp (medium or high gain) or as a DAC feeding my AVR.

 

[Livnmuskoka]

With optical in from the TV or using the front iOS port, it is completely silent. When trying to decide which gear to get rid of around the house, I tried running a Teac cdp650 cd player with optical output into the Dac-1 and there was a lot of static. Completely unlistenable. That cd player sounded good with RCA's but I didn't need it so my cousin has it now. Try an optical connection if you can or other ways of hooking it up. I'm sure there's a better combo than what I have out there, but I think I got lucky finding what I have and it would be a lot of time and money to improve the sound for my ears.

 

[Smoothstereo]

So I have tried out this DAC/amp in a couple different scenarios. Both times I am streaming music via the Bluesound Node 2i. The "downside" of the Node 2i is that it outputs audio via all output options at once. I don't need to switch between outputs. So when I had the Node 2i connected to the HD-DAC1 via coax digital and to my stereo amp via RCA I would be getting music out of both. Now I have my components connected to the HD-DAC1 digital inputs and outputting to my stereo amp via the variable audio output. I really don't like how this DAC sounds through my stereo amp. When using the headphone out it sounds good with music ripped from CDs but not as good with downloaded music from the iTunes Store. Also when I had the Node 2i connected via coax digital I would get a disconnect from my MacBook Pro and the Node 2i. I did not have that with my stereo amp when streaming via the Node 2i. In any case I may just use it strictly as a HP amp or I may just end up selling and try your way with the Topping L30 or another option like that. If I choose to keep it I was actually wondering if it's possible to buy and use an alternate power cable? The stock cable is too stiff and janky.

Did you try using the HD-DAC1's fixed output to your Integrated amp and let the integrated amp volume be the master controller? That way you don't need to fiddle around with the HD-DAC1's volume pot. I hear plenty of bass and great performance from my HD-DAC1. Mine is dead quiet with no audible noise or needle scratching sounds.

One last thing , can your HD-DAC1 be defective?

 

[MacMan31]

Did you try using the HD-DAC1's fixed output to your Integrated amp and let the integrated amp volume be the master controller? That way you don't need to fiddle around with the HD-DAC1's volume pot. I hear plenty of bass and great performance from my HD-DAC1. Mine is dead quiet with no audible noise or needle scratching sounds.

One last thing , can your HD-DAC1 be defective?

I hope it is not defective but I'm not sure if it is. Perhaps I will try it the other way with the fixed output. It just means I have another remote to deal with. I may as well just use the DAC1 separate from my stereo setup which then means I have to be hard wired to it from my MacBook Pro. That is what I am trying to avoid.

 

[Bernard23]

I've found one of these in the UK new for £569, but although the reviews are great, is it worth the extra over say a ZEN DAC + CAN stack for example? Or better off looking at something like the Audiolab M Dac?

 

[MacMan31]

Okay so I think I have found out why my music was sounding so "blah" when using headphones on the DAC1. It's because Apple has disabled the iTunes Equalizer when a user is streaming via an AirPlay 2 device. If I use the AirPlay button in iTunes to stream to my Bluesound Node 2i then the iTunes EQ is disabled. However if I select the Node 2i via the volume drop down in the menu bar then my iTunes EQ settings remain intact. It's something I did not notice before because I was always connected to my external DAC/amp setup either through USB or optical.

 

[Bernard23]

Well, I pulled the trigger as they say and have joined the HD DAC1 club. I found one new ex demo for £550 in black which will be with me tomorrow. Next challenge is to find some suitably high performing phones to mate with it all and my thoughts already are with some of the higher specced Grado units, as I suspect the smooth presentation of the Marantz should match well with the slightly exuberant behaviour of the Grado house sound.

 

[eeagle]

Well, I pulled the trigger as they say and have joined the HD DAC1 club. I found one new ex demo for £550 in black which will be with me tomorrow. Next challenge is to find some suitably high performing phones to mate with it all and my thoughts already are with some of the higher specced Grado units, as I suspect the smooth presentation of the Marantz should match well with the slightly exuberant behaviour of the Grado house sound.

Well if you have an interest in Grado, I would highly recommend the special edition Hemp model, I haven't heard of anyone who doesn't smile when listening to them, myself included.

 

[Bernard23]

Well if you have an interest in Grado, I would highly recommend the special edition Hemp model, I haven't heard of anyone who doesn't smile when listening to them, myself included.

They look interesting for sure. I've got limited funds until March next year, so was thinking of a pair of SR225e to kick things off. I've got some AKG 550 Mk3, LZ-A4 and some Bmasters to make do meantime.

 

[Bernard23]

A few hours later, and very impressed. It's as good as I expected / hoped for, money well spent for me.
No hum that i can hear, the relay clicking is almost unnoticeable, it's got warm to the touch, but not hot, whatever temperature that might be!

So, I've just bought some SR325e to rock away the rest of my life, meantime it's re-booted my thinking of my LZ-A4s. Not sure I need the AKG 550 anymore....

 

[1-MiC]

I've had the Marantz unit for about 3 1/2 weeks now, I have really enjoyed it. I paired my purchase with a Hifiman Ananda. Initially I thought the two were too smooth in the treble, but it's actually perfect. My K7XX is a little sharp in the higher frequencies, this has helped tame them to a very comfortable degree. I've done a lot of listening connected to an iPad, and recently via USB streaming Amazon HD.

 

[1-MiC]

One thing that is unfortunate about this amp is how unpopular it is. I always root for the under dog so I enjoy having something unique, but there is never any comparisons in the threads I look Into.
Most of what I’ve gathered tells me unless I plan on buying TOTL, or spending over $1000 on a dac, the DAC is going to hold me over for a good while.
I hope to add a ZMF Atticus or Eikon to my collection, I haven’t decided which yet. I want to see how it pairs with the marantz and I hope I don’t feel the need to buy another amp.

 

[pbarach]

I bought a Topping D50s. The DAC betters what the HD-DAC1 has, and for a lot less money than $1000. I notice considerably more clarity in complex music as compared to the Marantz.

 

[Livnmuskoka]

I bought a Topping D50s. The DAC betters what the HD-DAC1 has, and for a lot less money than $1000. I notice considerably more clarity in complex music as compared to the Marantz.

I'm currently returning a Topping L30 amp that made my headphones start popping when plugging them in or unplugging. It's only 3 months old. That's all I need is a $200 amp to blow my $2,000 headphones. It's a great performing amp, but can't be well built for $200.
I won't buy a Topping product again, decided that Chi-fi isn't for me. Ordered an RME dac that should arrive soon.

 

[pbarach]

Sorry you have a bad experience with the L30, but I have had zero problems with the D50s. There is a minor annoyance factor: The unit automatically shuts itself off if you turn it on and don't start sending it a digital signal within a couple of minutes, but after that it will remain on indefinitely until you turn it off.