I just joined the forum. I got the HA-1 second hand in July, and used this thread as a source getting it.
My setup differ a bit.
- I use Audioquest Coffee USB cable
- I use a high end PC, 4960x@4.5GHz without any power savings. 64GB RAM. SSDs. 1200W PSU. 1920 radiator. etc.
- I stream, using Tidal Hi-Fi. So I do not use JRiver. Sound is similar to ripped music.
- "USB Streaming Mode" at "Extra Safe"
- "Asio Buffer Size" at "8192 Samples"
- Apps are allowed to take control over the device
- Apps in exclusive mode are given priority
- Enhancements are all disabled
- I use a dedicated USB controller for the HA-1
- All other sound drivers are uninstalled, and playback devices removed or disabled.
My experience is quite different because of this. A lot different.
Here's the thing
- It is dark.
- It is too musical, at least with my Denons.
- Its biggest strength is harmony. Instruments play in harmony, not just their different parts.
- It is particularly good at reproducing treble. Percussion is outstanding, as compared to anything I have heard of late.
- Perspective is sharp and tight. Instruments are tightly placed, in a way I never before have heard anywhere.
- Details. I sort of struggle with that one. I previously contributed noise as details. My Denons simply do not ex cell at details at this level, so I guess I need something like the HD800 now.
- Separation. This is really different. I am not on top of this yet. Focusing in on one instrument just feels unnatural, I need to make an effort to do so. Joining the music, is what is feels like, not ripping it apart. Probably sounds silly, but to me, harmonies and musicality is so strong, I find it hard not to get caught up in it.
So, here I am finding my setup being musical in a way I have never experienced before. I struggle using it as an analytical tool. I just sing along, stamp the the beat, clap along, or tap with my fingers. There is no harshness, it is full of body and a bit dark. It is forgiving on the source recording, as everything sound great. Even what sounds crappy on almost anything else.
I do get the way it is being described by others, if I do
not make the adjustments above. Or use something i-apple as a source. In my experience, it is super picky on the source. Treble in particular. Not what people expect, and claiming so, I am probably of for the guillotine.
I cannot explain why, but this
is my experience. I rather listen to my own senses, than let people dictate me what to sense. Making sense of it all, is bloody confusing though.
Frode