The Hypothetical A1 Pro $979

[SimpleTheater]

Just when you think the DAC market is saturated with high quality products, along comes the dream DAC/Amp combo.

Not only does it test as well as any Topping, it has a parametric EQ built in similar to the RME ADI-1.

Then Hypothetical went a couple steps further, including 5 inputs (coax, usb, optical, rca & balanced).

They didn’t stop there, putting in a variable subwoofer output because they recognized the vast majority of small subs don’t have rca outputs.

Hypothetical is asking for additional wish list items to be added to the thread before final production commences. But don’t ask for a lower price, that’s just greedy.

 

[pierre]

Hypothetical comes with a Raspberry 4 inside that user can configure. This will allow IIR but also FIR. Hypothetical would also expose an API through a rest service or similar to be easy for other services to integrate with. Hypothetical would also be like a RME; you plug it and it works.

 

[jhaider]

At just $200 savings compared to miniDSP SHD that sounds like a lot of processing functionality lost, and only an ADC gained.

 

[SimpleTheater]

At just $200 savings compared to miniDSP SHD that sounds like a lot of processing functionality lost, and only an ADC gained.

The miniDSP lacks a headphone amplifier and if I’m not mistaken, requires a computer to set EQ. The beauty of Hypothetical is the multiple built in EQ functionality , like RME, that allows me to switch to a different pair of headphones or speakers.
And the user configurable Raspberry and an open API.

AND Hypothetical will have all this and be under $1k.

 

[wadadadasd]

Am I an idiot or can I not find this thread?

 

[maverickronin]

And all the MiniDSPs have only 4 presets which I find a pretty serious limitation...

 

[SimpleTheater]

I see no reason, technically, why RME, Topping couldn’t make the Hypothetical. Schiit and JDS may lack the expertise to build in the EQ, but they would also be possible manufacturers (and if Schiit made it look as cool as the Mjolnir, I’d happily pay $1,500).

Basically the Hypothetical would be your hi-fi preamp, headphone amp and EQ. You would just have to add powered speakers and your sound system is done. You could always add Dirac through another product if you wished, or you could run REW at no extra cost.

I honestly believe any of these companies could rival the hi-end products, like the Benchmark HPA4 that sells for $3k and has no digital inputs or EQ.

 

[Veri]

Just when you think the DAC market is saturated with high quality products, along comes the dream DAC/Amp combo.
Not only does it test as well as any Topping, it has a parametric EQ built in similar to the RME ADI-1.

I believe Topping is working on it. It'll happen, but it'll take time.