Don't jump to conclusions too quickly! This behavior may be due to incorrect use of the 2nd and 3rd harmonic compensation registers. These registers should be used to compensate for the THD produced by the ESS chip. Unfortunately some manufacturers are using the compensation to correct the THD produced by downstream circuits. It is also possible that they are not using the compensation circuits, and this will cause thermal drifting. Incorrect settings in these registers can cause the ESS chip to drift thermally.
Been using daily for months.
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I concur. Been using it with decently high end headphones like Arya and 800S and THX 789...sits perfectly and does what it's supposed to do really well. Always predictable, no glitches. For best MQA performance, set your SW to render first 2 unfolds and use M500 only to render...not that it can't do full decoding of MQA independently. Even if your unit does reduced the SINAD by 3db when hot...that's inaudible plus it only happens when using over 44.1K content....which itself may not have any point. Plus the extra optical is really handy to connect TV.Been using daily for months.
Super stable and predictable performance
Also using Tidal every day. Excellent, zero surprises.
Next MQA option is Topping D90 MQA edition. 2+ times the price.
Just my observation... subjective. Don't fall into this trap. Try for your self to disable MQA passthrough and see if anything is audible. As I said...M500 is fully capable to decide MQA with passthrough. I just feel that "maybe" thing sound a bit more smooth with Tidal app decoding the first two layers...
The Audirvana guy? He's nowhere near Bughead Emperor level, if we're talking about software.
The amount of AC power req'd for the unit is very small. The power cord upgrade would be a waste of money.
I did change mine for a custom one I a local guy did based of belden wire, good stuff, but I did this in parallel with other upgrades to the system and yes, the system is overall better, but I doubt the cable had much of an influence to the sound, if any. I didn't bother to check the difference sonically to the cable change separately, but I can try to see if there is a difference if that's important to you. Thing is, the that audioquest cable is super expensive for what it is. I know options are hard to find, but you should look around for alternatives. Some stores in AliExpress sell upgrade cables that will be as good of not better for way less money.
No idea what is even that. I can try to help, but you need to tell me where I'm likely to find that. I doubt it's in the box, as it was very plain with not a lot on the outside.
Thanks my unit is at the customs and they are asking for this code. Maybe if you can check the box back side where Foshan etc is written. I checked the manual online and there's nothing...
Well...Arya is better sounding for sure but I listen to the 800S more as it's better built...just like the feel better that's makes me pick it up more. 800S lacks bass and you have to EQ it. Arya also benefits from EQ ... But doesn't need it....it's super balanced in all ranges. They both are almost equally open sounding albeit 800S presentation is a bit different...maybe not better but different! As for details, I feel Arya is more detailed just because it's a bit hotter in the upper end. Arya has more depth to sound... instrument separation is also maybe better on the Arya.
