Why do you need a DAC, they have analogue outputs already?
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Hypex DIY Preamplifier Kit Review
- Thread starter amirm
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rvsixer
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Not there yet, but the FusionControl header gives hope?
rvsixer
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Not all. Two of the miniDSP's under discussion are digital out only.
Amir, i don't understand your listening test and conclusion for this preamp
You test the output section for headphone, fine
But why don't you test and tell us how this preamp performs in between your RME and an amp? I mean sonically
lets think the chain:
- RME to amp to speakers
- RME to Hypex preamp to amp to speakers
What is then the benefit of the preamp sonically?
Does this preamp brings more gain, better soundstage, a different listening experience?
Thanks
You test the output section for headphone, fine
But why don't you test and tell us how this preamp performs in between your RME and an amp? I mean sonically
lets think the chain:
- RME to amp to speakers
- RME to Hypex preamp to amp to speakers
What is then the benefit of the preamp sonically?
Does this preamp brings more gain, better soundstage, a different listening experience?
Thanks
The models mentioned above are SHD and Flex; both have analogue outputs.
Hypex DIY Preamplifier Kit Review
The more I read the more I get confused because I see no practical use for this pre amp. Even the Schitt Freya S is a much better choice than this and it cost half.
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Hypex DIY Preamplifier Kit Review
Wouldn't connecting a DAC directly to a power amp risk frying your speakers if there's a bug in the DAC firmware that randomly resets/ changes its output volume? See horror story linked below. Not trying to save this particular product, just asking as a newbie...
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Hypex DIY Preamplifier Kit Review
You could already do that with okto dac8 stereo - Nothing new Sure.. if it was buyable xD and with it you get DAC section which i don't need since i got the RME
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If it adds a level of distortion down around -140 db and it does not alter the frequency response at all, and it does not add any noise that could possibly be audible, then I fail to see how it could change the sound fed into it. Amir didn't say about the gain level, but apparently it has up to 13 db gain. So gain might raise noise of the input that much, but if you aren't using gain from the RME that is not a problem and even raising the RME noise 13 db it will still be quite low.
There is no benefits or drawbacks sonically since it's proven audibly transparent
that red line (threshold) on the graphs should be less in-yo-face; may be a faint (gray-ish) dashed-line. imo
rvsixer
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Negative, two of the miniDSP SHD and Flex models that can handle a 2.x system are indeed digital out only (no analogue out whatsoever). SHD Studio and Flex Digital.
Let's not have another discussion where it is said I need new glasses lol.
Standard SHD has an analogue output version, almost a third of the price, and has a DSP.
What’s the “fusion” thing supposed to do ?
I’m curious about the options and how it will work ? is the EQ analog or digital , what kind of inputs/outputs ? Will it work in conjunction with the DAC and streamer in keep signal processing digital until it’s going to the DAC .
I do like the product
we wait until Q4 then and see what the option boards costs and what functions to expect ?It needs more features to feel complete.
I do like the relay and resistor ladder volume control? ( if I understood correctly)
The Freya S is Indeed the right preamp to get, not sure why the "even" tough. That's to be expected, Hypex never had been affordable, It's only the number of builders around that compete so hard at each other that they sell direct at almost no margin that make it look that way. Even the Topping Pre90 when you need the extra inputs is considerably more expensive than the Freya S.
Maybe Amir could do a parody of those Youtube hallucinator-"Reviewers" and say its a giant killer, but doesn't quite have the soundstage depth of a 10x the price preamp.
Or something equally moronic that would get 100+ agreement comments.
Thank you, @Rick Sykora,...If I have to build it, expect I get some credit for my assembly effort!...
It truly looks to be am 'assembly' effort rather than a DIY project, anyways!
I am guessing a one person "assembly-line" can probably put these parts together in about 12 minutes per unit (or 5/hour) w/o any robotics or expensive gear.
Even including overhead, and some final QA before packaging, effort would probably add no more than 4% increase in price.
It's a valid question, they do not state that directly and DIYClassD is the brand. It could also be just that, but let's assume it is since it has a switching power supply, among other cues. Now we may still ask. Why? I got nothing against class D, I have Hypex amps myself, but without need for current delivery and by extension power, doesn't it just become a "because I can" type of audio development? Does it really add something to the table? Sure it measures very good, but others do too, and it's not because it comes cheaper, it does not. So yes, why?
Thanks for the review Amir,
If most of us stream some, or all of our music, why not include one?. I would expect the additional cost to be minimal based on the Chrome-cast audio, which I think was originally only $US30. Obviously any addition would need to be bit-perfect.
Also my experience is that DSP greatly enhances the listening experience, by providing low and high pass filters and dealing with room correction, so why not include? As Amir constantly reminds us with his use of EQ, the more help we can get via DSP the greater will be our enjoyment.
I think Hypex has been a revelation with their power amp modules and I have two of their amps, however, I feel manufacturers are not capitalising on digital's potential for a better audio experience as we have little or no control over the most important parts of listening to music, the actual recording and the room in which we listen to that recording.
In old analogue systems "all in ones" were frowned upon by audiophiles, however, I can see no reason in the digital world why pre amps are sold without DACs, multiple inputs, and DSP.
If most of us stream some, or all of our music, why not include one?. I would expect the additional cost to be minimal based on the Chrome-cast audio, which I think was originally only $US30. Obviously any addition would need to be bit-perfect.
Also my experience is that DSP greatly enhances the listening experience, by providing low and high pass filters and dealing with room correction, so why not include? As Amir constantly reminds us with his use of EQ, the more help we can get via DSP the greater will be our enjoyment.
I think Hypex has been a revelation with their power amp modules and I have two of their amps, however, I feel manufacturers are not capitalising on digital's potential for a better audio experience as we have little or no control over the most important parts of listening to music, the actual recording and the room in which we listen to that recording.
In old analogue systems "all in ones" were frowned upon by audiophiles, however, I can see no reason in the digital world why pre amps are sold without DACs, multiple inputs, and DSP.
OP
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This is NOT a class D preamp folks. It is just the name of their DIY division. I guess they thought they would only sell class D amps forever.
AlexHRider
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Talking about my configuration, source PC to RME ADI 2 DAC FS to NC400 monoblocks, to add an active sub im forced to use high level input or split XLR out of the RME, because it's RCA output is lower and to match you should turn way up the sub amp.. tried with a passive sub driven by a Crown XLS 1502.
Having a preamp with multiple XLR out with such great specs (except for the aforementioned OCTO) is good imho..
As of the MiniDSP they have not the RME specs level.
I admit that this Hypex preamp is quite pricey though, hope for future crossover add-ons
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