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

[AudioAlex]

One thing I noticed between my dacs is low volume on both susvara and arya. The R8HE MK2(DI20HE, HE-9 LE, Clock, ACSS interconnect) I can hear everything smoothly on 27/100(Susvara) now drinking my coffee.

As I understand it, if headphones are underpowered, they may still shout quite loudly but with limited dynamics and underwhelming performance.. especially in the bass department..

 

[AudioAlex]

The last couple of month I have trained my ears to go lower in volume, before when I first had the TT2 and HE9LE I would crank the volume to 60/70 our of 100(Susvara XLR4pin).

Just got a Susvara for a week to audition.. well.. I can say now that I have never truly realized how good my AGD system is.. so transparent, organic and natural sounding!

My Stellia still sounds good in comparison, but Susvara is just on a completely different level..

50 out of 100 on my HE9 Mk2 is already loud enough for me.. (high gain.. balanced). Sounds very clean, dynamic and nuanced.. especially vocals are magnificent..

 

[OCC7N]

Just got a Susvara for a week to audition.. well.. I can say now that I have never truly realized how good my AGD systems is.. so transparent, organic and natural sounding!

My Stellia still sounds good in comparison, but Susvara is just on a completely different level..

50 out of 100 on my HE9 Mk2 is already loud enough for me.. (high gain.. balanced). Sounds very clean, organic and nuanced.. especially vocals are magnificent..

Oooh I actually forgot you had the H9MK2, or else I would not recommend the R27, somehow I read you were thinking of buying the H9MK2.... But if you got the most expensive amp from AGD, you know you gotta buy the R7HEMK2! Same size/height.

The volume thing will change from DAC to DAC. I think the AGDs have a better/higher output, when using the ACSS. I find myself turning volume more up when TT2 is connected.

Susvara is so sensitive you can hear every change in you system. Im glad you are trying it so you can see how your system really performs.

I also run in high gain at 2. seems to fit good. I would save up for R7HEMK2 if I had the mk2 amp.

 

[Farrellc]

Well I received a rather nice bonus at work today so I decided to take the leap and place my order for the R8HE MK3. Now to patiently wait

 

[AudioAlex]

Well I received a rather nice bonus at work today so I decided to take the leap and place my order for the R8HE MK3. Now to patiently wait

Good choice, as far as I'm concerned.. A senior DAC model with the highest value for money factor.. sounds great .. especially with an external clock connected..

 

[AudioAlex]

But if you got the most expensive amp from AGD, you know you gotta buy the R7HEMK2! Same size/height.

So far I'm quite happy with R8HE Mk2.. According to Kingwa there is only 5% or so of difference between R8HE Mk2 and R7HE Mk2 where it comes to performance in NOS modes. There may be a more significant difference in OS modes, but I'm not interested as this is not my cup of tea.. I also believe that with the Mk2 series of both DACs and AMPs Kingwa achieved 95% (or so) of sound quality possible with his design.. There will be more advanced models where some things will be polished here and there, but I don't think the basic Mk2 sound quality will change significantly (I might be wrong, but that's where I am). So at this point in time I'm thinking to keep my current AGD system for 5-7 years without any significant changes. I'll be playing with different sources that's for sure.. I'm of the idea now that a more capable source has the potential of bringing my system on a different level more than anything else.

 

[elwappo99]

Random question: I think I have asked this before

On the HE-9 LE there are XLR L and XLR R output in the front.

1. These are for headphones right?

if so why did Kingwa implement if it is not that popular?
- I have a feeling the seperations of the channels might be better. Im wondering how it was designed intentionally. I could ask Kingwa but Im wondering why keep designing them if they arent used that much. There must be something about the design right?

I wanna buy a headphone cable for life for Susvara, because Im keeping my AGD system for a long time

The original balanced headphone amplifiers used Two 3 pin XLR connectors to plug into amps. This is from the original Headroom Blockhead

After awhile 4 pin XLR became normal, but some designers left the 3 pin XLRs. You can ask Kingwa to make the entire front 4 pin XLR.

There is no difference in SQ. They are literally daisy chained on the inside of the amplifiers.

 

[elwappo99]

I am very interested in comparison with Soloist 3X Performance and He-9 amp section (Master 9). I have the Soloist, it is a very good headamp (and pre-amp is also good) but I am thinking of also buying the HE-9 in December. I will be interested to know if you think it is worth having both.

Pretty different amplifiers. The HE-9 and Master 9 are warmer with a wider and more expansive sound stage. The Soloist isn't as powerful and has a bit more of a grainier sound to it. It also is a bit dry in the midrange.

The HE-9 is a step above the Master 9. The Master 9 is a great amp if the sound is what you're going for. But the HE-9 is a step above in terms of clarity and detail.

 

[OCC7N]

So far I'm quite happy with R8HE Mk2.. According to Kingwa there is only 5% or so of difference between R8HE Mk2 and R7HE Mk2 where it comes to performance in NOS modes. There may be a more significant difference in OS modes, but I'm not interested as this is not my cup of tea.. I also believe that with the Mk2 series of both DACs and AMPs Kingwa achieved 95% (or so) of sound quality possible with his design.. There will be more advanced models where some things will be polished here and there, but I don't think the basic Mk2 sound quality will change significantly (I might be wrong, but that's where I am). So at this point in time I'm thinking to keep my current AGD system for 5-7 years without any significant changes. I'll be playing with different sources that's for sure.. I'm of the idea now that a more capable source has the potential to bring my system on a different level more than anything else.

Damn I must have been past out.....I thought you had other dacs like that you used. I have to be a better reader. If you have the R8HE MK2 for sure not upgrade. I thought you had a portable you were using.

It would be so easy if people would fill their signatures with there equipment

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You are all set man. I will have mine for as long as I can. I don´t care much about newer amps and dacs. Im interested in the AIO and DDC or if Kingwa makes master clock.

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I use NO just plain and simple.

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You have a very good chain!
Mac Mini (Roon) -> DI20HE -> R8HE Mk2 (Morion Ext. Clock) ->HE9 Mk2 -> Focal Stellia / HFM Susvara


Just mentioning some improvements I noticed after a while of usage:
JCAT USB XE is soo much better than the usb ports on my motherboard.
-You could maybe look at your source and see: Dedicated audio streamer/roon or DIY pc with a JCAT or likewise maybe elfidelity.
-Im assuming you have ACSS cable from R8 to H9?
-Buying Furutech Flux50 and plugging it into the main port of iFi Powerstation was a massive opening in sound.
-My streamer/NAS has iFi Elite PSU with also was a gain in sound quality
-Cat7 simple/standard ethernet cables - pain to work with but they have extra isolation.
-Supra usb cables ALL DAY!
-My source/PC has another walloutlet chain than my AGD rig. The only power optimization here is Supra power cables and the JCAT card with iFi Elite.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

On a serious thought I would consider buying or maybe waiting for a R27 series.

I mean if all kingwas AIO has internally connected acss. This is going to be hard to beat.
-and if you can get a upgrade option from magnahifi or other this will be very interesting

HE-9LE had some very few changes before replacing the M9. It is said the internal amp/27 is very close to M9.

obvious recommendation from me without trying = R27.

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The volume experience between TT2/XLR vs R8HEMK2/ACSS is day an night. ACSS just feel more tight and firm. TT2/XLR more loose, like a gardenhose with weak pressure of water.

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I am aiming for a R27 series myself and I am going to get it one day so I can confirm my thought on this

That's what I'm heading for.
Next will be a R27HE for sure.

Very curious to compare it to the Spring KTE/Bliss stack of a good friend.

Well, my R28 will be first, but once the R27HE is affordable to me, i can't hesitate anymore.

I really like the approach of Kingwa, despite the lovely look of Holo DACs/amps is very tempting to me. ^^

 

[OCC7N]

That's what I'm heading for.
Next will be a R27HE for sure.

Very curious to compare it to the Spring KTE/Bliss stack of a good friend.

Well, my R28 will be first, but once the R27HE is affordable to me, i can't hesitate anymore.

I really like the approach of Kingwa, despite the lovely look of Holo DACs/amps is very tempting to me. ^^

Im leaning towards the R27RE/USD2390, because my Susvara plays right now on 24/100 with plenty of resolution, dynamics and subbass for my ears.( not to fool anybody here, I like music on low volume that challanges my ears, it works for me)

-Maybe I am wrong but the R27HE/USD3390 has better cooling and ofcourse powerdesign, I don´t know here.

(Impulse thought: they both have reg psu and, the same digital board. Get the RE and DI20HE/USD988 and good HDMI cable, even though I use a cheap one with great success/40 dollars) - Change the spdif input to BNC input clock.

Now you can get a Master Clock. Just a thought
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Im really curious of how Holo Audio manages to cool that 60 watts of Bliss. Looking at my H9LE which is "only" 48watt I can see what Kingwa did. It never gets hot, only lukewarm. That Bliss should stay blissfully alone with no dac above or under. - no shade here, because I really wanna try it myself, I like the look/design.
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EDIT: I hope I get as a good reader as I listen to the music. I thought you were going to get the R28, but can now see in you signature you have it. On my display it looks a little faded away.

If you have the R28, I am curious to know the comparison with Bliss. FOR SURE!

 

[AudioAlex]

Well, my R28 will be first, but once the R27HE is affordable to me, i can't hesitate anymore.

R28 is a solid choice, the value for money factor of this AIO is off the charts.. I've had mine R28 for a number of years and hesitated to sell it even when I already had more advanced equipment in place. It also allows you to grow step by step without spending much at once: in my case I added a DDC to it first, then bought a more capable amp while still using the R28 as a DAC. But if you are aiming for R27HE, your path will be different of course..

 

[OCC7N]

R28 is a solid choice, the value for money factor of this AIO is off the charts.. I've had mine R28 for a number of years and hesitated to sell it even when I already had more advanced equipment in place. It also allows you to grow step by step without spending much at once: in my case I added a DDC to it first, then bought a more capable amp while still using the R28 as a DAC. But if you are aiming for R27HE, your path will be different of course..

I think your impressions/experience R28 vs DI20, R8 and H9 could help @Chris Kaoss alot in this decision.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

I know your thoughts.

I don't want to have that many devices.
The R28/ R27 is the best AIO for my needs out there, imo.

For my ZMF, while the R28 drives it quite well, i pair the R28 to the TA-26. (for more romantic tube feeling ^^)
The Xlr outs are connected to my Elac active speakers (Air-X 407).
The sound out of it is amazing.

For the sake of space (room) the R27 is the right decision in my use case for me.
And I'll looking at AGD first for my upgrade path, bc I'm somewhat biased since owning the great R28.

 

[OCC7N]

As I understand it, if headphones are underpowered, they may still shout quite loudly but with limited dynamics and underwhelming performance.. especially in the bass department..

You post inspired me to think more and it hit me, I am NOT saying you are incorrect, you are true. But I always find myself turning up the volume on TT2. I don´t think it is underpowered in the low volume.

It is the lowends that fades away because it soo mid focused dac. Im so sure about this. And as I said before, the reason why AGD beats TT2, is the balance/levels, not only power. They both have power for AryaV2.

TT2 is not for people that only wants one dac. Its an addition. It is not balanced/leveled, but rather more fun and charming.

(If I did not buy Arya before the TT2, I would probably sell it, Arya is the reason I keep it, because it lacks mid)