[Ninja Theory]

2018 specs
http://www.audio-gd.com/R2R/R7/R7EN.htm

Thanks! I since found out the DAC was manufactured in early 2019, pre-July 2019 anyway. I think maybe 2018 and pre-July 2019 R7/R7HE's gave the same specs/

 

[Lickumms]

What is the main difference between the R-8 MK2 and the R-1 2021 version? Is the R-8 MK2 worth 2X the price?

 

[FredA]

What is the main difference between the R-8 MK2 and the R-1 2021 version? Is the R-8 MK2 worth 2X the price?

Thr r8 mkii is a cost-reduced r7. It uses better DA modules, better PSUs, including three transformers compared to one for the r1. Also fancier output stages. A much bigger chassis. It is well worth the price difference.

 

[Crow123]

Thr r8 mkii is a cost-reduced r7. It uses better DA modules, better PSUs, including three transformers compared to one. Fancier output stages. A much bigger chassis. It is well worth the price difference.

i posted my review of the R8 Mk2 earlier in this thread and while i haven't heard the R1. it is one of the best audio upgrades i have made and i am thrilled with the end result

 

[DACLadder]

Thanks! I since found out the DAC was manufactured in early 2019, pre-July 2019 anyway. I think maybe 2018 and pre-July 2019 R7/R7HE's gave the same specs/

Yea, you have a 2018+ with updated USB and I2S adapters. The HE power supplies were changed July 2019.

 

[Ninja Theory]

My R8 arrived today (2018 model with 2021 upgrades). First thing I realised is that it needs a good amp to tell it's story properly. I'm more into Headfi than speakers (for now), and thankfully my Burson Soloist 3XP also arrived today - superb headamp that truly does the R8 plenty justice.

Well let me just say that this R8 has blown any expectations I had out the water. It is absolutely fantastic in every way. I did not know this quality was possible in a DAC, so I can't even start to imagine what the R7HE is like (mine is arriving in about 2 weeks or thereabouts). This R8 has such a weight to the bass, but it is not bloated or flabby, it is textured, tight and controlled. I sometimes can't believe what I am hearing. The stage is huge and there is so much air around each instrument that I can follow anything I want with ease. Mids are impeccable. Treble is my definition of perfection, I can listen for days.

Needless to say, I am rediscovering my entire library again now. I wish the Audio-GD brand was even better known and respected. If Kingwa is making products like this, he deserves all the support he can get! This way we all win!

 

[Tubewin]

How does the Audio GD R7 compare to the Holo May?

 

[Ninja Theory]

In case anyone might be interested. My friend messaged Kingwa to ask if he can make some more HE-350 power regens. Kingwa said he can see if he can make more before the end of this year still.

 

[nikko510]

Needless to say, I am rediscovering my entire library again now. I wish the Audio-GD brand was even better known and respected. If Kingwa is making products like this, he deserves all the support he can get! This way we all win!

Yes, it is true that Kingwa makes great products.

 

[Ninja Theory]

Yes, it is true that Kingwa makes great products.

So far I have had a few product from Kingwa along my journey and they have all been great for the time I needed them: R2R-11, R28, NOS11, Di-20, R8, and soon R7HE.

 

[FredA]

Got a new hdmi/i2s cable from Aliexpress. All 4n solid core silver. It is exclusively an i2s cable cause fewer pairs of wires are used compared to an actual hdmi. I have tried a few before, the most costly being the Afterdark 4k. To cut to the point, it is better than everything i have tried. Smooth yet more resolved. Excellent cable for the money.

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000255873784.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.76956c37PWrqg7

 

[myshark]

Got a new hdmi/i2s cable from Aliexpress. All 4n solid core silver. It is exclusively an i2s cable cause fewer pairs of wires are used compared to an actual hdmi. I have tried a few before, the most costly being the Afterdark 4k. To cut to the point, it is better than everything i have tried. Smooth yet more resolved. Excellent cable for the money.

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000255873784.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.76956c37PWrqg7

Yes i bought one and i concur with FredA. Excellent cable for the money.
Enjoy

 

[sajunky]

Got a new hdmi/i2s cable from Aliexpress. All 4n solid core silver. It is exclusively an i2s cable cause fewer pairs of wires are used compared to an actual hdmi. I have tried a few before, the most costly being the Afterdark 4k. To cut to the point, it is better than everything i have tried. Smooth yet more resolved. Excellent cable for the money.

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000255873784.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.76956c37PWrqg7

Interesting. A link with no tracking info:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000255873784.html

 

[falcon70]

Got a new hdmi/i2s cable from Aliexpress. All 4n solid core silver. It is exclusively an i2s cable cause fewer pairs of wires are used compared to an actual hdmi. I have tried a few before, the most costly being the Afterdark 4k. To cut to the point, it is better than everything i have tried. Smooth yet more resolved. Excellent cable for the money.

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000255873784.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.76956c37PWrqg7

Is this the same cable that @PLGA shared earlier?
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOqtNJH

 

[sajunky]

Is this the same cable that @PLGA shared earlier?
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOqtNJH

A link with no tracking info:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002547891583.html