New Audio-gd R-7, R-7HE R-8, R-27, R-27HE, R-28 Flagship Resistor Ladder DACs and DAC/amps

[Currawong]

Well, there must be some trick. Cause the MSB of the ladder needs a precision better than 0.0001% to get 20 bits of resolution.

There's no way it is getting 20 bits of resolution as a dongle -- nor would any dongle of any type. Mind you, nothing below about $2k in the range of R2R DACs is likely doing so either, and it's doubtful that any resistor ladder DAC is truly at all, so it's rather a moot point. But it does make the R2R experience available in a portable form factor, as the R01 module did for the R6ii before it. That module was just so much better than the other modules available, even if you did end up having to sacrifice the line out.

The new R2R-11 was a good call though I reckon, with all the features added. My schedule was thrown off by illness in December, and I don't like asking to review stuff that is going to be delayed (which inevitably happens anyway) but I'm definitely interested.

Interesting to think back to the original Compass DAC/amp, which was supposed to be at least as good as a maxxed-out Zero DAC ($250 or so), and ended up being about $100 more than in intended, back in 2009. That would be over $450 today. So $599 for the new R2R-11 is pretty good! And we have vastly better headphones for that amount of money than we did back then.

 

[FredA]

There's no way it is getting 20 bits of resolution as a dongle -- nor would any dongle of any type. Mind you, nothing below about $2k in the range of R2R DACs is likely doing so either, and it's doubtful that any resistor ladder DAC is truly at all, so it's rather a moot point. But it does make the R2R experience available in a portable form factor, as the R01 module did for the R6ii before it. That module was just so much better than the other modules available, even if you did end up having to sacrifice the line out.

The new R2R-11 was a good call though I reckon, with all the features added. My schedule was thrown off by illness in December, and I don't like asking to review stuff that is going to be delayed (which inevitably happens anyway) but I'm definitely interested.

Interesting to think back to the original Compass DAC/amp, which was supposed to be at least as good as a maxxed-out Zero DAC ($250 or so), and ended up being about $100 more than in intended, back in 2009. That would be over $450 today. So $599 for the new R2R-11 is pretty good! And we have vastly better headphones for that amount of money than we did back then.

Yes, we are lucky to have such good values out there.

As for measuring the number of bits of resolution, I doubt it is done properly in general. The linearity test is done at the output, which include the output stage. So a better way would be to ensure a monotonic progression. This means the sum of any LSB subsequence starting from the right must be inferior to the next bit's value, if you see what i mean. It is as if those doing the measurements knew absolutely nothing. For instance, if the original r2r 11 had only 10 bit like some pretend using this faulty method, it would sound like crap. Do a test test with a sw recorder, one that allows using only 10 bits. Listen to the result. It will be noisy and very distorted. Crap.

I reiterate: there must be a correction ladder. It's not a big deal. It only adds a few components.

Edit: some other form of correction is possible now that i think about it.

 

[DACLadder]

The Cayin's dynamic range is 109dB so about 18 bits of resolution. It's all about how it sounds. I recently reminded my turntable loving friend the average analog platter spinner has about 70dB range on a good day.

 

[FredA]

The Cayin's dynamic range is 109dB so about 18 bits of resolution. It's all about how it sounds. I recently reminded my turntable loving friend the average analog platter spinner has about 70dB range on a good day.

My Kenwood KT5020 tuner only has 82dB of S/N. It beats most dacs out there for musicality. Especially with classical. It's a gem.

 

[Crow123]

My Kenwood KT5020 tuner only has 82dB of S/N. It beats most dacs out there for musicality. Especially with classical. It's a gem.

Has it been measured on ASR? If not it can’t be good

 

[Ninja Theory]

I found that I preferred NOS as it sounded realer or more organic to me, a good example is Norah Jones or even Birdy where the vocals decay and reverberate in a slightly “”richer” or just more pleasing way - same for guitar or even drums in a live concert recording (DMB live in Europe).

I did experiment with OS and even tried HQ player (can try for free and load onto a raspberry pi in NA mode) this I found slightly better than the OS on audio GD but still preferred the NOS. It did get more airy and possibly improved separation (maybe overly so) so could be worth trying for those that like OS - I think there is a guide on super audio best friends you can message me and I will try find it if their is interest.

NOS always seems to hit all the right buttons for me. My experience is the same with the R7HE (NOS wins every time). Was the same with the R8 Mk1 and same with the NOS11 and R28. I listen to a wide range of music from rock to metal to pop to singer songwriter to EDM.. no classical or jazz. I'd like to start getting into some jazz though.

 

[FredA]

NOS always seems to hit all the right buttons for me. My experience is the same with the R7HE (NOS wins every time). Was the same with the R8 Mk1 and same with the NOS11 and R28. I listen to a wide range of music from rock to metal to pop to singer songwriter to EDM.. no classical or jazz. I'd like to start getting into some jazz though.

You got a great dac for jazz .

 

[Ninja Theory]

You got a great dac for jazz .

I messaged Kingwa for a quote for the R7HE Mark 2. Decided to upgrade my R7HE and will also sell my DI-20.

 

[Ninja Theory]

My Kinki EX-M1+ arrived this week. Absolutely fantastic amp. Incredible value for the money. First few listens left me speechless. Really makes the R7HE shine!

 

[FredA]

My Kinki EX-M1+ arrived this week. Absolutely fantastic amp. Incredible value for the money. First few listens left me speechless. Really makes the R7HE shine!

Great news! Get a clock while at it, at least an affordable one for a start.

The mkii and Afterdark Eva clock is my end game digital source. I have had it for almost a year, i have around 1500h of listening under my belt.

 

[Ninja Theory]

Great news! Get a clock while at it, at least an affordable one for a start.

The mkii and Afterdark Eva clock is my end game digital source. I have had it for almost a year, i have around 1500h of listening under my belt.

This is most likely my end game digital source as well. The R7HE 2019 model that I have, with the 2021 I2S upgrade is even close enough as it is.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Great news! Get a clock while at it, at least an affordable one for a start.

The mkii and Afterdark Eva clock is my end game digital source. I have had it for almost a year, i have around 1500h of listening under my belt.

I looked at the clock you recommended on ebay a while back and contacted the seller. I asked for a few small mods (add a power switch, relo the coax power cable to the back panel) thinking he was actually putting things together, and after a few emails he stopped responding. I get the impression he has stuff already worked out and does not really offer anything custom, unlike what is suggested in the ads on ebay.

Is there a really good, affordable clock for around 1000 euros? I'd like to get the Mutec clock but I can't bring myself to spend so much money.

 

[FredA]

I looked at the clock you recommended on ebay a while back and contacted the seller. I asked for a few small mods (add a power switch, relo the coax power cable to the back panel) thinking he was actually putting things together, and after a few emails he stopped responding. I get the impression he has stuff already worked out and does not really offer anything custom, unlike what is suggested in the ads on ebay.

Is there a really good, affordable clock for around 1000 euros? I'd like to get the Mutec clock but I can't bring myself to spend so much money.

Which seller did you try? Cause the unit i mention has everything on the back and needs no swtich as it uses a separate psu.

Other than that, you can get an Afterdark. Or if you strech a bit, a Gustard c18.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Which seller did you try? Cause the unit i mention has everything on the back and needs no swtich as it uses a separate psu.

Qeen-something or other. He did say I could just unplug it, but I prefer a switch.

Other than that, you can get an Afterdark. Or if you strech a bit, a Gustard c18.

I didn't see anything on the Afterdark site that was anywhere near 1000 euros. Could you post a link or two to what you suggest in the price range? Also, it has to be something which ships from inside the EU, or it will cost at least 2X the list price.

Is the Gustard worth the money? It looks to be about 1500 euros on the French distributor for Audio-gd. Oh, also, I need 75 ohm and 50 ohm outputs since I have gear that uses one or the other.

 

[mivarpet]

Qeen-something or other. He did say I could just unplug it, but I prefer a switch.

I didn't see anything on the Afterdark site that was anywhere near 1000 euros. Could you post a link or two to what you suggest in the price range? Also, it has to be something which ships from inside the EU, or it will cost at least 2X the list price.

Is the Gustard worth the money? It looks to be about 1500 euros on the French distributor for Audio-gd. Oh, also, I need 75 ohm and 50 ohm outputs since I have gear that uses one or the other.

I just got an OCXO from Queen*s_land and it has a switch on the back. The seller was really prompt and good to deal with, with thanks to @FredA for his recommendation. This is the link - https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-HIFI-DIY...0MHz-Sine-Wave-Square-Wave-MV89A/333541364404

It's powered by this PSU also (great value) - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001858502040.html

It's been a great value upgrade for my R7Mk2 / DI20 combination.