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

[matthia]

There was a significant refinement in all areas going from DA-7 to the DA-7 MKI. I can't comment on any changes or SQ improvements between MKI and MK2.

Can someone comment on changes between MK1 and MK2?
Thx

 

[duffer5]

Stereo Channels Reversed on DSD playback using USB and i2s. This is the (R7HEMK3). Have you heard of this happening and if so how do I resolve? This is not an issue with PCM. Same thing happens with 3 different streamers so it is the DAC not my source. I appreciate the help in advance.

 

[Dandoudou]

Stereo Channels Reversed on DSD playback using USB and i2s. This is the (R7HEMK3). Have you heard of this happening and if so how do I resolve? This is not an issue with PCM. Same thing happens with 3 different streamers so it is the DAC not my source. I appreciate the help in advance.

Are you using a DI-20?

 

[FredA]

Stereo Channels Reversed on DSD playback using USB and i2s. This is the (R7HEMK3). Have you heard of this happening and if so how do I resolve? This is not an issue with PCM. Same thing happens with 3 different streamers so it is the DAC not my source. I appreciate the help in advance.

Have you tried dsd direct ( vs DOP)?

 

[duffer5]

Are you using a DI-20?

No I am not (direct connect via i2s or USB) and here are the results:

USB:

Native DSD: speakers reversed
DSD over PCM: sample rate correct and speakers correct
DSD to PCM: sample rate is correct for PCM and speakers correct

I2s:
Native DSD: speakers reversed
DSD over PCM: no sound at all
DSD to PCM: sample rate is correct for PCM and speakers correct

 

[FredA]

No I am not (direct connect via i2s or USB) and here are the results:

USB:

Native DSD: speakers reversed
DSD over PCM: sample rate correct and speakers correct
DSD to PCM: sample rate is correct for PCM and speakers correct

I2s:
Native DSD: speakers reversed
DSD over PCM: no sound at all
DSD to PCM: sample rate is correct for PCM and speakers correct

I don't listen to dsd so I am not an expert in these issues.

Maybe it has to do with the i2s cable you use. I can be fixed with a special i2a cable as this old conversation suggests. If it is you in this conversation and you are still using a cable made for Gustard, this would possibly explain the issue.

https://community.roseaudio.kr/t/i2s-to-external-dac/4343

As for problem using USB, i have no idea what the issue could be.

 

[duffer5]

I don't listen to dsd so I am not an expert in these issues.

Maybe it has to do with the i2s cable you use. I can be fixed with a special i2a cable as this old conversation suggests. If it is you in this conversation and you are still using a cable made for Gustard, this would possibly explain the issue.

https://community.roseaudio.kr/t/i2s-to-external-dac/4343

As for problem using USB, i have no idea what the issue could be.

Thanks Fred. I am actually using a AudioQuest HDMI. I think I may give up on chasing this one down. Honestly DSD makes up so little of my listening that I think spending the energy on this maybe NOT worth it.

I do have a question, is there any benefit in my setup adding the DI-20HE? My source is the Hifi Rose RS130 direct into the R7HEMk3 via USB or i2s. Thanks as always for the feedback.

 

[FredA]

Thanks Fred. I am actually using a AudioQuest HDMI. I think I may give up on chasing this one down. Honestly DSD makes up so little of my listening that I think spending the energy on this maybe NOT worth it.

I do have a question, is there any benefit in my setup adding the DI-20HE? My source is the Hifi Rose RS130 direct into the R7HEMk3 via USB or i2s. Thanks as always for the feedback.

No problem.

There could be benefits, yes. One, it would possibly fix the dsd issue. I am not a fan of dsd either, my current dac does not even do dsd decoding natively. I don't care. I listen to old stuff mastered in pcm.

As for sound quality benefits, it is possibly that you would get some. The di20he is one of the finest ddc available and one of the most silent. The question is simple: does your streamer's i2s out beats the di20he's? If you get one, connect it also to the ock2.

I got a real SQ upgrade recently by getting a streamer with ext. clock input. The fact that the di20he and streamer are now synched seems like a plausible reason for this SQ upgrade.

I also got a Concentus clock cable to hook the sreamer up. Getting a real good i2s and clock cables to hook up the r7he mkii will bring also clear benefits. The Tubulus Concentus is not cheap and very stiff, so are the clock cables, but they deliver. Tubulus must be informed of how the equipment is disposed to give the hdmi plugs the proper orientation to facilitate the connection and preserve the plugs and connectors.

 

[aurimasma]

I have a similar question about di20he and ock2. I own and love r27he.
Would I benefit from additionally getting di20he and/or ock2?
Also is there any benefit for me in getting a usb isolator (something like ifi iGalvanic3 or similar)?

 

[FredA]

I have a similar question about di20he and ock2. I own and love r27he.
Would I benefit from additionally getting di20he and/or ock2?
Also is there any benefit for me in getting a usb isolator (something like ifi iGalvanic3 or similar)?

Hard to say how much of a benefit but yes for the di20he. The clock would give a smaller benefit. I don't know for sure about the iGalvanic. If you get the di20he, I don't think it helps much based on my experience with the intona.

 

[FredA]

I have a similar question about di20he and ock2. I own and love r27he.
Would I benefit from additionally getting di20he and/or ock2?
Also is there any benefit for me in getting a usb isolator (something like ifi iGalvanic3 or similar)?

If you have the latest r27he with clock input, definitely get a clock first! It now features, the same digital board as the r7he.

 

[aurimasma]

Sorry for my dumb questions. I'm new to this.
Which external clocks would you guys recommend?

 

[FredA]

Sorry for my dumb questions. I'm new to this.
Which external clocks would you guys recommend?

On a budget, the LHY ock2. Under 2k, it is one of the best if not the best.

 

[dougms3]

I have a similar question about di20he and ock2. I own and love r27he.
Would I benefit from additionally getting di20he and/or ock2?
Also is there any benefit for me in getting a usb isolator (something like ifi iGalvanic3 or similar)?

Don't get the igalvanic, its meant for noisy budget systems.

On my system, while it did reduced noise, it also compressed the sound and killed bass. They discontinued it for a reason...

 

[OCC7N]

I have a similar question about di20he and ock2. I own and love r27he.
Would I benefit from additionally getting di20he and/or ock2?
Also is there any benefit for me in getting a usb isolator (something like ifi iGalvanic3 or similar)?

This is just a general advice with Audio-gd - DI20HE - Masterclock

If you see the clock input right next to the RCA/SPDIF, ask Kingwa/Magnahifi what resistor they use. If it is firmware upgradable from BNC/SPDIF to Clock, it is probably the same as SPDIF/RCA = 75Ohm

Crucial information when buying the DI20HE which is 50Ohm as standard. I got my DI20HE with 75 because of my R8H2 had this option

The R27HE looks like it has clock input option. I think you should first decipher what is meant in the specsheet first ask Kingwa or Magnahifi. I think Kingwa meant 75Ohm cable.

"2 - BNC", for the BNC coaxial digital input; (If update the EC firmware, the 2-BNC is for the external clock input .The external clock output impedance must be 75 ohms, the supported output level range is 0.7-3.0V and a 50-ohm BNC cable must be used.)"

---R27HE link where you can select clock input
https://magnahifi.com/audio-gd-r27he-regenerative-psu-balanced-r2r-pcm-dxd-dsd-pre-headphone-amp/