Hyperion APR-16 AV Processor Review

[welwynnick]

If your only criteria for not putting HTP1 in first place is Amir’s review, there is the below updated review. If you really dig deep on the HTP1 latest capability (check out AVS forum thread), I think regardless of price (it is still the lowest priced out of all of them I believe, especially if you pick up a used one as I did!), it has the crown

'Monolith HTP-1 AV Processor Measurements (June 2023 Firmware + User Testing)'
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ements-june-2023-firmware-user-testing.47365/

The improved test results that you linked were the reason I said "if you don't take Amir's test too literally." Perhaps I should have been more explicit. I think Amir's test was unfairly negative, and I took the improved measurements into account.

However, it's not just down to the FFT and SINAD. Amir takes many other measurements, such as dynamic range, multitone, linearity and jitter, and the APR-16 excelled at those as well. That's why I said "When you look at ALL the test results".

 

[peng]

When you look at ALL the test results for ALL the processors, you'd have to say that although it's pretty close between many of them, the APR-16 does come out on top.

On top based on what?

 

[MKR]

The improved test results that you linked were the reason I said "if you don't take Amir's test too literally." Perhaps I should have been more explicit. I think Amir's test was unfairly negative, and I took the improved measurements into account.

However, it's not just down to the FFT and SINAD. Amir takes many other measurements, such as dynamic range, multitone, linearity and jitter, and the APR-16 excelled at those as well. That's why I said "When you look at ALL the test results".

Gotcha, thanks for the clarification

I will lastly say that the assumption is that these performance figures you list are even audible VS HTP1. Very unlikely. So you pay 2x for inaudible performance gain. Seems an unwise choice, but to each their own. I stop beating the dead horse now.

 

[amirm]

Very unlikely. So you pay 2x for inaudible performance gain.

To say that means dismissing every test I run in which case, might as well go with the color of the box. The HTP-1 is in entirely (lower) class of performance in every measurement. It is also not remotely in the same class as far as display, UI, etc.

 

[Mugdim]

Reminds me a lot of minidsp Tide16

It is much cheaper than the tested copy, and is it technically better?

I guess he will soon be tested by Amir.

 

[Multicore]

I'm not sure I can cope with a volume knob so small.

 

[MKR]

To say that means dismissing every test I run in which case, might as well go with the color of the box. The HTP-1 is in entirely (lower) class of performance in every measurement. It is also not remotely in the same class as far as display, UI, etc.

That is not what I said. And to say the HTP1 is completely inferior is also wrong. And I could care less about display and UI, which by the way work flawlessly and fully satisfactory for me. Some want to pay for jewelry and looks, fine. I am rather expecting top notch audible performance and usability, and I get that with HTP1, as do many others. And to be fair to you, when you reviewed the HTP1, many differences vs the latest incarnation, maybe time to review again

 

[amirm]

And to say the HTP1 is completely inferior is also wrong.

I said in measurements. Other than this low frequency thing we are chasing with APR-16, the HTP-1 loses to it across the board and with wide margin in a number of areas. They simply are not in the same class of execution.

As to you getting "top notch audible performance," there we go again throwing out objective data and substituting personal opinion. That is not how we operate at ASR.

 

[TimoJ]

I said in measurements. Other than this low frequency thing we are chasing with APR-16, the HTP-1 loses to it across the board and with wide margin in a number of areas. They simply are not in the same class of execution.

As to you getting "top notch audible performance," there we go again throwing out objective data and substituting personal opinion. That is not how we operate at ASR.

From your measurements, we can only determine how AVPs/AVRs perform in two-channel DAC mode with all processing and room correction disabled.

 

[MKR]

I said in measurements. Other than this low frequency thing we are chasing with APR-16, the HTP-1 loses to it across the board and with wide margin in a number of areas. They simply are not in the same class of execution.

As to you getting "top notch audible performance," there we go again throwing out objective data and substituting personal opinion. That is not how we operate at ASR.

Sure, agree it maybe beats HTP1 on paper and engineering at the extremes, but we are back to whether or not some/all of those differences are audible (in a blind listening test). Not saying they are or they are not, I don’t know without actually performing such a test. I am happy to be proven wrong, sincerely. Not trying to pick a fight here. And “top notch” meaning I at least couldn’t hear the difference between this and my prior very well measuring and very expensive 2ch preamp (which I sold). But you got me, can’t compare audibly to other AVPs as I haven’t heard them, that’s a fair callout. Also, at least as far as usability, if you reviewed latest incarnation of the HTP1, maybe your opinion will change at least in some aspects?

 

[amirm]

From your measurements, we can only determine how AVPs/AVRs perform in two-channel DAC mode with all processing and room correction disabled.

In other words, it is the best it can do. And the best the HTP-1 can do is far lower than APR-16.

 

[amirm]

Sure, agree it maybe beats HTP1 on paper and engineering at the extremes, but we are back to whether or not some/all of those differences are audible (in a blind listening test).

It is not on paper. It is that way on a bench test. As to audibility, you have not assessed that. Come back when you have those results.

 

[beeface]

the grand tradition of AV processors continues: bugs, firmware updates and/or promised upcoming features

 

[prerich]

the grand tradition of AV processors continues: bugs, firmware updates and/or promised upcoming features

So far there's only one bug. Everything else seems pristine (according to the data). It's also communicated that Audiocontrol has been made aware of this and looking into it...when they say that, they mean it!

 

[JStewart]

I didn’t cast a vote in the poll because I have no idea how to rate a $8000 product that clearly has less than expected (satisfactory?) IMD performance. Considering a very significant amount of music is in the problem range, at a minimum not knowing how audible it was and knowing that it shouldn’t even have to be a concern, would be a deal breaker at any price.

Edit: Now that it’s fixed I gave it a “Fine” rating. Would go “Great “ if not for the price tag.

 

[jhaider]

How do you get a better AVP for less money?
All AVPs have their bugs, and the APR16 has one.
Once that's fixed, I can see people arguing that it's the best AVP.

Without Auro? Nope.

I will lastly say that the assumption is that these performance figures you list are even audible VS HTP1. Very unlikely.

As compared to loudness compensation and Auro, which are highly audible.

 

[JSmith]

As is, I have to knock the unit down from golfing panther to "I don't know" if I can recommend it.

Certainly a mixed bag... needs some improving. Thanks for the testing.

Pics (edit: pics are of the 11 channel, not the 16, but an indication of design anyway);

JSmith

 

[xanalog]

Pics (edit: pics are of the 11 channel, not the 16, but an indication of design anyway);

Thanks, @JSmith,

Clean circuit design, no point- to-point wiring of any sort (ignoring the Noctua fan wiring)!
Kudos to them (and you, for unearthing this one)!

 

[TimoJ]

In other words, it is the best it can do. And the best the HTP-1 can do is far lower than APR-16.

Yes.
But I keep wondering whether, for example, using a 1 kHz 7.1 Dolby TrueHD test signal would reveal additional measurable differences between AVR/AVP units. This is not related to the HTP-1, just to AVP/AVR testing in general.

 

[amirm]

But I keep wondering whether, for example, using a 1 kHz 7.1 Dolby TrueHD test signal would reveal additional measurable differences between AVR/AVP units.

TrueHD is lossless so bit perfect. In that regard, there won't be anything different.