Measurements of Soncoz LA-QXD1 Pre-production "Evolution of KTE Board"

[Ben1987]

I’m asking if this can properly drive a low impedance amp (20 kohms for example?) up to the DAC’s max out put voltage (2V unbal, 4 V balanced) without the need for a preamp.

I think it's OK.
In fact, I've been using the DAC(SGD1/ LA-QXD1) to drive my 32 ohm impedance high sensitivity headphones and it feels good.

 

[BenF]

Hi Ben, why did you implement a USB 2 type B connector? Nobody uses that anymore, everybody's going for USB type C connectors.

 

[Hifihedgehog]

Hi Ben, why did you implement a USB 2 type B connector? Nobody uses that anymore, everybody's going for USB type C connectors.

I think I can answer that: build quality. USB-C is great, don't get me wrong, but just because USB-C exists doesn't mean you need it. It is definitely more resilient than micro USB or mini USB but I see IT guys and consumers complaining a lot more about bent USB-C plugs than USB-A or -B plugs. The other secondary reason is ubiquity. There are still easily 100 times more USB-A and USB-B devices in the wild. Even the USB-C microphone I just bought is a USB-C to USB-A cable because USB-A is so much more available and accepted. Besides, it is very easy to source a USB-B to USB-C cable online if you require USB-C on the source end.

 

[Labjr]

Will this have switchable filter settings?

 

[Ben1987]

Hi Ben, why did you implement a USB 2 type B connector? Nobody uses that anymore, everybody's going for USB type C connectors.

For LA-QXD1, USB C for power supply and USB B for USB audio.

 

[Ben1987]

Will this have switchable filter settings?

This feature is not currently open.

 

[Tup3x]

This feature is not currently open.

Which does it use by the way? I guess fast roll off?

 

[pos]

Which does it use by the way? I guess fast roll off?

Let’s hope it is a fast roll off indeed, with good attenuation at nyquist. I find it pretty strange that most default filters as seen in Amir’s tests tend to have a higher cutoff frequency than theory would dictate, typically reaching good attenuation around 24khz instead of 22khz for a 44.1khz sampling rate...

For example, from the sgd1 review:
(Amir said he did use the "Bric" one for his measurements and that looks like a good default one to choose!)

 

[Ben1987]

Let’s hope it is a fast roll off indeed, with good attenuation at nyquist

 

[Veri]

Fast apo, same as tone board so no worries.

 

[pos]

What is the phase response of that filter? That name conveys a “mixed phase” idea to me...

 

[Veri]

What is the phase response of that filter? That name conveys a “mixed phase” idea to me...

You can check impulse response here of an example ESS chip measurement with apodising filter https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/dac/fiio-x7-2-apodising-fast.php vs https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/dac/fiio-x7-2-linear-fast.php

 

[pos]

Thanks, so that is definitely minimum-phase.
Not sure that is a sensible default/unique filter to have.

 

[Tup3x]

I'd imagine the linear phase being overall more optimal.

 

[ClosDeBen]

++remote control and/or digital volume knob. I realize that increases the cost but I'm feeding active speakers.

 

[hyperknot]

@Ben1987 this looks to be an amazing device and I'm looking to purchase it in EU. Also looking for the best possible option for buying it, Amazon or direct purchase. No need for remote control for me.

 

[Ben1987]

Amazon or direct purchase from us both OK.
Either way, it doesn't make much difference

 

[hyperknot]

@Ben1987 I have a very unusual request, but I think many of us would be happy to know the answer to. Can you test the new SONCOZ DACs with a very long USB cable? I'd be interested in something like:
- 10 meter passive cable
- 20 meter active cable, like the Ugreen USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable (20M)

I'd like to use a balanced DAC in a room where I need to solve 20 meters between computer and speakers, and I'd like to know if long USB cable would work (only for data). The alternative would be using long XLR balanced cables.

 

[porotikos]

Amazon or direct purchase from us both OK.
Either way, it doesn't make much difference

Ben , will you be shipping from within Europe regarding eu purchases)? If not, the only way to avoid customa charges, would be if items are shipped and (or) fulfilled by amazon. Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de would be ideal for Europeans. I am saying that, because I had a hard time getting khadas. I had to wait till Christmas so that it was fulfilled by amazon from a specific shop at that time period.
the only other way to avoid customa, would be if it was sold by gearbest or banggood, and they offered priority direct mail option for the purchase. Hope you can help us Europeans to avoid customs. Cheers

 

[Veri]

Ben , will you be shipping from within Europe regarding eu purchases)?

For now, I believe the only option is to pay the charges..