Topping DM7 8-Channel DAC Review

[sarumbear]

Maybe @amirm can start reviewing the different DSP software for transparency.

You mean measure the SINAD of software processing?

 

[Sokel]

And it only takes care to transport an Atmos stream to an Atmos renderer over HDMI, so no local decoding.

From what i understood you have to have an Atmos capable device downstream for the HT to work.

Probably as it clearly states 'set an Atmos device'. What's the worth then?

 

[abdo123]

Probably as it clearly states 'set an Atmos device'. What's the worth then?

Well it's a free app it's not like you're paying for anything.

 

[Trell]

You mean measure the SINAD of software processing?

That was my initial thought as well, but the output from the DSP software ought to be readily comparable to the input or the expected output or such. Not measurements, though.

 

[Labjr]

You mean measure the SINAD of software processing?

I don't know exactly. But want to be sure the resolution of the source material is being preserved without added noise, artifacts etc.

 

[sarumbear]

That was my initial thought as well, but the output from the DSP software ought to be readily comparable to the input or the expected output or such. Not measurements, though.

If not measurements then what do you mean "for transparency"?

 

[sarumbear]

I don't know exactly. But want to be sure the resolution of the source material is being preserved.

It is a digital signal, what will change the "resolution" unless it is intentional?

 

[sarumbear]

Well it's a free app it's not like you're paying for anything.

But it is also not doing what people assumed it did. It is not a decoder that decodes Atmos to multi-channel output, which is what is being discussed on this thread, it being about a multi-ch DAC.

 

[Trell]

If not measurements then what do you mean "for transparency"?

If it’s just software output one can easily check it bit for bit, no measurements needed.

 

[sarumbear]

I don't know exactly. But want to be sure the resolution of the source material is being preserved without added noise, artifacts etc.

Be assured that unless it is asked to do, software works on mathematical formulae to process the digital signal and no noise or artefacts are added.

 

[sarumbear]

If it’s just software output one can easily check it bit for bit, no measurements needed.

How can you if it is an active crossover, a room EQ, etc.

 

[sarumbear]

This thread has gone off the rails. It looks like a device like multi-ch DAC is above the knowledge level of many members and their questions are so whacky that it is impossible to answer.

 

[Drengur]

Ignore, philosophical rant:

I love these "It's not for me, and therefore it is not a good product" and "I don't understand anything that is going on, and am not willing to learn". Many people seem to be under the notion that all products try to be general and all encompassing. I get it, I do. I would like to remind people that those AV receivers that claim to be everything to everyone have also had a very negative effect on consumers and the audio market. I used to chase the latest sticker on the latest Marantz. It was expensive and did not add much other than bragging rights.

I, for one, like to be in control of the products I use to the extent possible. Digital audio, and video, is not magic and all the hurdles that are laid out in front of consumers, which they have to pay for jumping over, are artificial hindrances insofar as they are only needed because they are the standard. I am not well enough off to be able to constantly chase standards (and there really is no need), and I have adequate knowledge to be able to bypass them, by using general purpose computing devices (I mean legally, I would never download a car). For me a product such as this is quite interesting and usable within the scope of what it is intended to do.

Don't ignore, based on measurements: This product opens up a whole lot of cheap quality audio to a lot of people. If you don't understand why, there have been various examples in this thread. If you don't care, that's ok, just remember that life is too short to spend time on all the issues you have no interest in.

 

[voodooless]

Be assured that unless it is asked to do, software works on mathematical formulae to process the digital signal and no noise or artefacts are added.

Why not? Filters are meant to add linear distortion after all. And math has rounding errors and non-infinite precision. When converting back to the target bit depth things like dither and noise shaping might add additional noise with added perceived resolution as a benefit. Not more resolution than was available in the source, but they might restore resolution lost due to the nature of the specific DSP operation (lowering gain for instance).

 

[Trell]

How can you if it is an active crossover, a room EQ, etc.

Similar as for DSP in a box where you compare input with hardware output along with various DSP settings used, except now you have the direct DSP output instead.

It should be similar to how people test, say, an Audacity plugin.

 

[Trell]

Be assured that unless it is asked to do, software works on mathematical formulae to process the digital signal and no noise or artefacts are added.

Heh, you are not a software developer I think.

 

[Whoareyou]

Just curious about the balanced outputs.
Are most commentators now using balanced equipment, or are people converting outputs to unbalanced?
In my case, I'd need unbalanced, so unfortunately this piece of equipment is not right for me.

 

[mkt]

As someone who uses all 8 channels of a Okto Dac8 Pro (but would have preferred to not have waited so long), this thread is sort of a riot.

I am obliged to mention that Mac -> USB -> multichannel DAC -> active speakers does work for atmos in apple music and tv because it is a niche (corner?) use case that matters to me. I don't make the rules.

 

[sarumbear]

Why not? Filters are meant to add linear distortion after all. And math has rounding errors and non-infinite precision. When converting back to the target bit depth things like dither and noise shaping might add additional noise with added perceived resolution as a benefit. Not more resolution than was available in the source, but they might restore resolution lost due to the nature of the specific DSP operation (lowering gain for instance).

Read my post again, please. I said, unless asked to.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Yeah...connect the PC with a microphone then the app will send out frequencies like what some AVR do and configures the DSP to the 8 channels. Any app on the PC that does that ?

DiracLive.