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

[Ninja Theory]

Do the HE-1 and HE-9 run hot like the old pre-2019 Audio GD devices or do they run cool? Also I wonder if these devices will get a MK2 version soon?

Would it be feasible to place a (cool running) amp on top of a HE-1 or HE-9 if it is not in a cabinet or rack (would there be enough airflow)?

Edit: Nvm I see they run cool now (since July 2019 I think).

New question: Would there be a noticebable downgrade in the pre-amp performance in the HE-9 vs. the HE-1?

 

[Ninja Theory]

Although this is an older review of the HE-1 (prior to the transformer upgrade in Q3 2019) it is very well written and has really peaked my interest...

 

[PLGA]

That is some good news. After run-in don't forget to upgrade to PLL_N f/w. But first just enjoy some music for a change. You deserve it for that long wait.

Well, yes, but first I have to try several delayed and pending upgrades and tweaks (an HE-1 coming soon, new tubes, subwoofer positioning, a ground box, etc).

It also seems a little bit troublesome, so I'm not on a rush.

 

[Ninja Theory]

I'm planning an upgrade to the R7 MK2 DAC. Considering that I recently added a Power Plant to my chain, which is doing a fantastic job to regenerate power, do I really need the R7HE MK2 or would the R7 MK2 (non-HE) be similar quality?

 

[FredA]

I'm planning an upgrade to the R7 MK2 DAC. Considering that I recently added a Power Plant to my chain, which is doing a fantastic job to regenerate power, do I really need the R7HE MK2 or would the R7 MK2 (non-HE) be similar quality?

Still a upgrade, but not so big unless you get an ext. clock. So bigger expense.

 

[Ninja Theory]

Still a upgrade, but not so big unless you get an ext. clock. So bigger expense.

Thanks Fred. I will buy the Morion if I do this. But are you saying that even though I have the Power Plant regen now, that a R7HE MK2 will sound better than a R7 (non-HE) if both are powered by the Power Plant ?

 

[FredA]

Thanks Fred. I will buy the Morion if I do this. But are you saying that even though I have the Power Plant regen now, that a R7HE MK2 will sound better than a R7 (non-HE) if both are powered by the Power Plant ?

Sorry i missed the non HE part. I don't think it will be an upgrade unless you get the ext. clock then. Could even be inferior without it, hard to tell. Kingwa's he psus are 100% analog and tweaked for the application. So i take for granted the powerplant will not perform quite at the same level. Tough call really.

 

[FredA]

Do the HE-1 and HE-9 run hot like the old pre-2019 Audio GD devices or do they run cool? Also I wonder if these devices will get a MK2 version soon?

Would it be feasible to place a (cool running) amp on top of a HE-1 or HE-9 if it is not in a cabinet or rack (would there be enough airflow)?

Edit: Nvm I see they run cool now (since July 2019 I think).

New question: Would there be a noticebable downgrade in the pre-amp performance in the HE-9 vs. the HE-1?

I would not. Especially not the he9. Mkii applies mostly to digital. These gears are up-to-date IMO.

 

[Jackula]

Hi guys

Finally my HE-7 mkII arrived yesterday! What a living hell can be customs on a banana republic!

It's been almost five months since my last music session, so it's impossible to compare it side by side with my previous DAC, the 2019 R7-HE (with 2021 HDMI input). Nevertheless, eventhough it's only been a few hs with it, I have some first impressions that I'm pretty confident on, but I will listen more during this weekend before posting my first opinions. Of course the rest of the system remains the exact same.

Kingwa told me that after almost five months of no use, the caps need some hs to wake up and also the HE-7 is not fully burned.

Next move: I bought an HE-1 that will be sent home in a few days to replace my Master 1 preamp, using another shipping method that I know won't be delayed by customs. Can't wait!!

Seconded.

There are 3 pieces of gear I would never get rid of in my setup (unless a newer better model is released):

HE-1 the king of preamps
HE-9 no better headphone amp, only would replace if going a different direction (i.e. tubes)
Hulgich Duke there are better speakers US$100k+ if you shop around, maybe if I win the lotto this could be a possibility

 

[FredA]

Seconded.

There are 3 pieces of gear I would never get rid of in my setup (unless a newer better model is released):

HE-1 the king of preamps
HE-9 no better headphone amp, only would replace if going a different direction (i.e. tubes)
Hulgich Duke there are better speakers US$100k+ if you shop around, maybe if I win the lotto this could be a possibility

Indeed. The he-9 with a meaty planar set is just fabulous. Also a great pre. I know the he-1 goes even further as a pre, but the he9 is nonetheless very very good.

Speaking of meat, my new Audiolund True Silver hdmi i2s brings a meatier sound. It's so heavy and stiff that with the 0.5m one i got, the connector have to be turned 180 degrees apart for it to work. The cable needs to be pre-bent as well. Can't imagine the stress on the connectors using 1m. The connector shells are oversized and block access to the bnc nearby on the r7 he mkii.

 

[PLGA]

That is some good news. After run-in don't forget to upgrade to PLL_N f/w. But first just enjoy some music for a change. You deserve it for that long wait.

Hi Scott
Can you please provide me the link ir a photo of the PLL programer to buy it.

I have no rush, but it takes about two months on cheap mail.

Thanks!!

 

[DACLadder]

Hi Scott
Can you please provide me the link ir a photo of the PLL programer to buy it.

I have no rush, but it takes about two months on cheap mail.

Thanks!

For Xilinx search Ebay or Aliexpress for "Xilinx Platform Cable: Here's the least expensive from an Ebay seller.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/401777575806?hash=item5d8bcf477e:g:NckAAOSwGtxc8TX7

 

[PLGA]

For Xilinx search Ebay or Aliexpress for "Xilinx Platform Cable: Here's the least expensive from an Ebay seller.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/401777575806?hash=item5d8bcf477e:g:NckAAOSwGtxc8TX7

Thank you! As always

 

[PLGA]

Indeed. The he-9 with a meaty planar set is just fabulous. Also a great pre. I know the he-1 goes even further as a pre, but the he9 is nonetheless very very good.

Speaking of meat, my new Audiolund True Silver hdmi i2s brings a meatier sound. It's so heavy and stiff that with the 0.5m one i got, the connector have to be turned 180 degrees apart for it to work. The cable needs to be pre-bent as well. Can't imagine the stress on the connectors using 1m. The connector shells are oversized and block access to the bnc nearby on the r7 he mkii.

Hi Fred
How does it sound compared with the Aliexpress silver HDMI we both have?

 

[PLGA]

What should I expect after programing with the Xilinix? Improved resolution? Less bass?

I didn't follow the thread before as I didn't have my HE-7 then.