Multi-channel amplifier with a good DAC. Everything you need to know about DAC

03.10.2023

Games

USB, as a universal way to connect devices of various purposes, has become so firmly established in modern life that one should expect the appearance of Hi-Fi components with such an interface. And this actually happened. We recently tested digital converters that allow you to use a computer as a music source, and now we have assembled amplifiers with similar capabilities. There are few of them yet, but you can already see a clear prospect for the future.

IN FACT Implementing a separate USB path into a Hi-Fi component is easy and very inexpensive. A bus chip controller is installed, and the signal from an external source (computer) is then redirected to the built-in DAC and then fed into the audio path through an input switch. However, such a scheme seems logical only for those devices that already have such a DAC. That's why CD players and multi-channel receivers were the first to have USB sockets, then external converters. But now stereo amplifiers that have USB on the rear panel are increasingly appearing. Why does an essentially analog device need a socket for a computer cord?

Here it’s worth dotting the “i’s” right away. Some electronics manufacturers thus only leave the user the opportunity to software upgrade control, display, or sound processing algorithms, if such modules are present in the component. For obvious reasons, we did not include in the review amplifiers whose USB socket is not intended for transmitting a music signal at all.

Other developments are also not so simple. Some companies, due to this, only expand the functionality of their integrated or preamplifiers - USB here is nice, convenient, but far from the most important bonus. They say that now you can connect a PC, but the sound quality is not regulated. However, there are already components in which the USB bus is dedicated as the main one or acts on a par with traditional analog inputs. And theoretically, it can really compete with any other transmission methods, because the USB protocol itself is designed like this - it allows the so-called asynchronous mode. The data in it is not transmitted in the form of a continuous stream, not protected from jitter, but with a block integrity check, with a return channel for error correction, and only then, when the required array has accumulated at the receiving end, it is sent for bit-to-bit conversion, as in original code.

It was on an in-depth study of the quality of transmission via the USB protocol that the entire test methodology in this review was built. We will not describe the functionality and internal structure of each amplifier, but will focus on the sound of the amplifiers in all modes and will look for even the slightest differences when moving from analogue to digital input. And in order to minimize subjective errors, we have brought music programs to the same denominator. Everything played on the reference CD player was previously saved on the computer as exact WAV copies and played back by the standard iTunes software player in linear mode with sound and spatial effects turned off.

DEVICE FOUND

"Happy shopping" an integrated amplifier looks like from all points of view Pioneer A-A9MK2. And the price is attractive, and the sound quality (no matter what input you choose) will not leave you indifferent. This device has a really cool DAC on board and a proper USB controller that accepts data from the computer without any degradation. It’s even a little pity that this functionality is not expanded with other digital inputs.

But another Japanese product has all this - the preliminary Onkyo P-3000R. It is strict and solid, made with impeccable quality, and has no equal in terms of versatility, because you can connect not only a computer to it, but everything in general - from a vinyl turntable to a studio recorder. For this, as well as for the soulful, detailed and very clear sound that it shows when paired with a two-channel speaker Onkyo P-5000R, he gets "Expert's Choice".

As much as the “digital” NuForce ICON 2 surprised us with its sound perfection (especially when using analog inputs), we do not recommend considering it as a full-fledged hi-fi component. And the point here is not at all in its class, glamorous appearance or limited functionality. When working via USB, it simply will not be able to produce the proper sound pressure with some “adult” speakers. Although for desktop audio ICON 2 will perhaps be the most competent and interesting acquisition.

The summary for Musical Fidelity M6i will be drawn up in diametrically opposed formulations. First of all, this is a very outstanding audiophile-level integrated amplifier. But USB was clearly added here on a “let it be” principle. By analogy, the M6i produces such a harmonious, strong, polished sound that switching to listening to music from a computer can be a little disappointing.

Measure 7 times

The frequency response of the amplifiers was measured in the range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz at the extreme positions of the tone controls, if any. We also identified the dependence of SOI on output power at load resistances of 4 and 8 Ohms; they are shown in red and green colors on the graph, respectively. From these curves one can judge the power supply of the power source and, as a consequence, the dynamic characteristics of the amplifier. The harmonic spectrum, as always, was recorded at a power of 1/10 of the maximum (power at 1% distortion was taken as this). We were unable to characterize the NuForce Icon 2 amplifier because there is a signal delay in its digital path, which the Clio measurement system perceives as a colossal signal phase shift.

All participants in today's testing are distinguished by their small dimensions and the ability to operate autonomously from a built-in powerful battery. Thus, the devices are primarily designed for use with smartphones and portable players. However, nothing prevents you from using them with a desktop computer and laptop - after all, the built-in headphone amplifier can cope not only with portable headphone models, but also with full-size ones, and even with very low sensitivity. Moreover, a dedicated line output allows you to connect active speakers in addition to headphones. So, when we say “USB DAC for mobile devices”, let’s not forget that these are truly universal devices. The scope of their application is very wide and clearly goes beyond the “listen to music on the go” option. For example, three out of six participants have an advanced proprietary ASIO driver, and two of them have the ability to play PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD. Such capabilities bring them to the level of traditional external USB DACs.

What is the difference from large stationary DACs? The point is mainly in minor inconveniences: all input-output connectors are only in mini-jack format, there is no screen. But the digital inputs and outputs S/PDIF, inherent in “large” devices, are retained.

Let's take a closer look at the participants.

Creative Sound Blaster E5

This is the manufacturer's new, most advanced model, with a 4-core DSP processor on board, a hardware equalizer and a ton of Creative processing. When connected to a computer, the Sound Blaster E5 turns into a full-fledged sound card with ADC, drivers, internal mixer, headset input, line input and everything else. When connected to a smartphone or tablet, it is a full-fledged USB DAC with a battery inside. There is a dedicated full-size USB input for iOS/Android devices. Micro-USB - only for computer and battery charging. There is also Bluetooth for wireless use, for example as a headset - microphones are built into the card. For iOS/Android there is a special application that controls all settings of the internal processor from a mobile phone.

Nobody expected miracles from this Creative card - inexpensive (MSRP $200), with a very controversial design, a bunch of SBX Pro Studio processing that no studio had ever heard of. We are already tired of criticizing Creative for its desire to “cram in more of everything” in order to satisfy all users at once. The result is a harvester that can't really do anything well. Users who need a lot of features and don't care about sound quality are not willing to pay a high price for a card. And those who are willing to pay demand first of all sound quality, considering everything else as a free bonus.

In fact, it turned out that the Sound Blaster E5 is a completely new development that has nothing in common with all previous budget Creative USB cards and is radically different from the younger E1 and E3 models. The new E5 card is the only one that does everything the way we would like. There is normal direct support from 44.1 to 192 kHz and surprisingly excellent hardware:

Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC
Cirrus Logic CS5361 ADC
Headphone amplifier Texas Instruments TPA6120A2

It is clear that even a good filling is not a guarantee of quality. However, in comparison with the rather good new E3 card, not to mention all the previous Omni, etc., the older E5 model performed much better! The drivers are much better designed, there is a special Direct Mode that clearly disables all processing, the ASIO driver supports all frequencies and works correctly. The map has been designed very carefully and is very promising. (This was largely the result of our constant pressure on Creative, relying on readers and quoting their opinions from our forum.) Unique features of the E5 include two headphone outputs, a microphone array of three built-in microphones with a position sensor, included holder with mounting on a microphone stand. Still, Creative’s marketing couldn’t resist and stuffed more of everything into the map, right to the hilt.

Note that the E5 has a relatively bulky body, a volume control without notches, and connecting Android devices via Micro-USB is impossible. But the affordable price and outstanding sound will outweigh these minor shortcomings and Singaporean marketing quirks for many. In general, it completely unexpectedly turned out to be the strongest competitor in the market of both USB sound cards and mobile USB DACs.

Oppo HA-2

Oppo developers were able to surprise with a stunning design and the most intriguing hardware: the ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC in its 2M mobile version. This looks quite natural, since the Oppo HA-1 stationary DAC is based on the original ESS Sabre32 9018 for Hi-End component devices. This microcircuit has today record signal-to-noise and Kg characteristics, surpassing all other DAC microcircuits by a large margin. Other manufacturers rarely use 9018, since it is very expensive and requires a lot of experience in “cooking” it (for some reason, Chinese homemade kits from eBay “do not sound”). Another bonus from using Sabre32 is support for PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD64/128/256. Oppo developers have also provided ASIO drivers with the ability to install a very large buffer of up to 8192 samples and select high priority for USB stream transmission in the system.

Thus, the Oppo HA-2 USB DAC has been very carefully designed and prepared for the most demanding and advanced users. The only drawback is probably not the most affordable price. But Oppo HA-2 is the thinnest external DAC among all participants. He factor of thinner than others, even despite the additional non-removable leather cover! Case material - aluminum, all-metal case. As with Creative, we tested with a pre-production sample provided by the manufacturer. According to Oppo, an updated version will be released into the series, with even better sound quality and increased amplifier power reserve.

Denon DA-10

The DAC is based on TI PCM1795 - this is the favorite chip of the Japanese from Denon. This 32-bit converter can play PCM up to 192 kHz and even DSD64/128. It is stated that digital filtering is carried out using special proprietary AL32 advanced DSP technology. But what impressed us most was the giant two-piece leather case included, which is designed to carry both the DAC and the smartphone at once.

The device is made of plastic with decorative aluminum plates and a handle. The case is made thick intentionally - so that in sound card mode it is convenient to turn the volume knob. Denon DA-10 is made very well, comes with an ASIO driver and is not cheap. It feels like this is a very high-end device, designed to compete with the most expensive models without descending into the mass market. The kit even includes cables for iOS devices - both with a Lightning connector and a 30-pin one. Everything looks as thought out as possible.

FiiO E18 Kunlun

The Chinese FiiO DAC with the patriotic prefix Kunlun (Mountains of the Moon, the largest mountain system in China) contrasts with the previous participant in its affordability and democracy. There is neither an ASIO driver nor a connector for connecting an iPhone. The E18 Kunlun model is designed for use only with Android devices and allows you to connect very simply, with a miniature Micro-USB-Micro-USB cable. It also connects to a PC, after which it immediately starts working without requiring drivers. However, there is a trick: the device is seen in the system as a digital S/PDIF output, as if hinting to the OS that the mixer transmits data bit by bit, without multiplying or dividing the digital stream in the mixer and without mixing anything with the result.

The design of the device is chic - everything is completely metal, miniature. Note the additional Micro-USB for charging, which is different from the interface Micro-USB for pairing devices. This is one of the very few DACs that has a choice of modes: PC, Phone, Charge Out (PC sound card, external DAC for Android and just recharging the phone battery). Unlike many FiiO DACs, it uses not WM8740, but TI PCM1798. Volume control - Alps. This is the second reincarnation of the device, with minor improvements. For its low cost, the DAC looks like a work of art - a very formidable contender in the budget category.

Tento Porta DAC 1866

The German-made Tento Porta DAC 1866 has a radically opposite ideology. This product was the pinnacle of a long journey for adherents of orthodox R-2R DACs, such as the Analog Devices AD1866 used here. This DAC only operates in 16-bit 44 kHz mode, but this is exactly what fans of various home-made devices with exotic fillings need. There is a theory circulating on the Internet that the “golden age” of numbers ended with the advent of low-bit converters with oversampling. They say that the soul of sound recording is lost behind high technical specifications. Actually, for a long time it was like this: the first 1-bit converters played just awful. Now the situation is not at all so clear-cut, no matter what some anarchist-minded leaders of specialized forums say.

So, this Tento DAC is made for those who collect custom products and are nostalgic for the good old days. From the trends of progress, there are Mini-USB and Bluetooth interfaces. However, there is also an optical/coaxial S/PDIF and an unregulated line output. The kit comes with very good quality cables, and the foam packaging even touched us. There is only one minus of the device - the price is not so low that you can just buy it for your collection. This is probably a price to pay for being handmade and manufactured in Germany.

Venture Craft Go DAP BXD

The Japanese from Venture Craft outdid everyone else with their pretentiousness. This is the case when we, who have seen a lot of things, could not stand it and fainted. Starting with the instructions only in Japanese and ending with the lack of a DAC operating mode via the USB bus, despite the fact that the Micro-USB connector is present! However, you are required to connect only via optical or coaxial.

This is the only DAC on a very strange PCM5100A converter, but with a Muse 8920 in the preamp! You will be surprised, but the kit even includes printed circuit boards for adjusting the damping factor of a balanced amplifier (!) with a 2.5 mm microjack connector (the adapter must be purchased separately). The product is clearly for “monsieurs who know a lot about perversions.” However, the headphone amplifier is an old friend, MAX97220A, which has proven itself very well in well-known products.

The figures for the device's specifications look strange. If the impedance of 8-600 Ohms is shocking in its range, then the quality is lower than any shabby integrated sound: 95 dB signal/noise, 0.01% distortion. We hasten to please you: this is a self-incrimination of the manufacturer. Our measurement numbers turned out much better: 100 dB signal-to-noise and 0.002% distortion at any load.

Overall: a nice, but very strange, in our European opinion, device, all the settings of which are regulated by opening the case and rearranging jumpers and miniature printed circuit boards. One gets the impression that this is not a USB DAC, but some kind of “Tamagotchi for an audiophile.” Our wish to the manufacturer is to think of the same replacement for miniature block boards with a DAC chip, and also to revive operation via USB. It doesn’t look as cool as a sandwich of three devices (and this is exactly the example shown on the manufacturer’s website), but it’s convenient!

Headphones

For our testing, we specifically selected headphones that would suit the typical use of high-end mobile DACs.

As in-ear headphones (IEM, “plugs”) we tried Grado GR10 (20 thousand rubles), Fisher Audio TBA04 (10 thousand rubles), Sennheiser IE-8i (12 thousand rubles), Creative Aurvana in-Ear3 (6 thousand rubles).

We ended up using a Grado GR10 (32 Ohm, 116 dB/mW) and a Sennheiser IE-8i (16 Ohm). These small headphones retain the signature sound of their larger brothers. Very interesting models, worthy of a good quality DAC. Fisher Audio and Creative have some work to do.

Grado RS1e (35 thousand rubles) are excellent, very smooth headphones. The 32 Ohm impedance makes them suitable for listening even without a preamplifier or, conversely, saves battery power on the amplifier. The only feature is the over-ear (supra-aural) headphones, with pressure directly to the ears. For long listening sessions, it is better to loosen the headband. The sound is traditional for the classic Grado series, very comfortable. Perhaps there is a slight overpayment for mahogany in the design.

Grado SR325is (14 thousand rubles) is a more modern option, closer in sound to the Professional series. The cups are made of aluminum, which hints at a more “folk” model. The headphones simply amazed us with the detail in the midrange. The difference between the tested DACs was perhaps most pronounced on them. Grado SR325is play well above their price. After testing, we even bought this model for our own personal use. There are also disadvantages: the sound is rougher than in the Reference series. We definitely recommend listening!

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (9 thousand rubles) is a very popular model with well-balanced sound and detail throughout the entire range. One of the best foldable headphones, and the emphasis on bass will come in handy on the road. The 38 Ohm impedance makes them suitable for connecting directly to a smartphone, but there is considerable benefit from a separate amplifier.

Beyerdynamic DT 1350 (16 thousand rubles) - a new product in the Tesla series, especially for portable equipment, with a cord shortened to 1.5 m. A very strange model with weak bass response. On the Internet, reviews are divided into two equal categories: “I didn’t understand what it was” and “very smooth, unadorned sound, I’m happy.” We obviously fall into the first category, but we do not exclude that there will be lovers of this sound.

Testing methodology

We connected all 6 devices to one computer at the same time. 6 portable copies of foobar2000 were created. The test composition was started and a comfortable volume level was set. Next, using the RMAA program, we set the same volume for all devices with headphones connected to eliminate the influence of voltage drop from load. The volume of all devices was set with an accuracy of 0.1 dB.

This is very important, since even the same device under test, with a difference in the volume of the phonogram of only tenths of a dB, can be perceived as higher quality in the case of a louder version. When playing the same file! Subjectively, it will seem that there are more details, a little better bass, attack, etc. That is, in essence, the device will “lose to itself,” which is completely unacceptable for proper examination. It is clear that when compared with a obviously bad device, these measures look like reinsurance, but when comparing audio paths of the same class, such requirements are mandatory. World-class mastering expert Andrei Subbotin warned about this all the time. With regard to the preparation of phonograms, he always demanded that only mastered versions of the phonogram be compared in loudness. Comparing something with different volumes is a path to self-deception, since the louder option is for human hearing Always It will sound a little better. Everyone can easily verify this.

Sound

The examination took us several days. We understand the importance of this comparison and our responsibility to our readers. Anyone can check the results themselves - and, we are sure, will come to the same conclusions. We even specially invited two independent experts to once again make sure that the assessments of all trained listeners were similar. There may be only slight nuances in the interpretation of terms, but not in the global assessment of sound quality.

Determining the scope of our scale, we took two devices: the integrated sound of a modern laptop (Realtek ALC282 audio codec) and the Lynx Aurora 8 rack-mount studio interface. Realtek sound features: there are no obvious distortions or sound defects, but there is no detail either. All soundtracks are played synthetically, with a very flat stereo panorama, reverberation tails are not audible. In audiophile terms, the sound is compressed, lifeless, and listening to it for a long time is very unpleasant. The top-tier Lynx Aurora 8's interface is the exact opposite. It is impossible to tear yourself away from the music. The stereo panorama goes far beyond the room, but not due to artificial effects, but thanks to the high detail, very clean and dense mid frequencies, the reverberation of each instrument in the mix is clearly audible individually. Modern phonograms with very strong volume maximization do not overload the sound path; their distortions mystically become barely noticeable and do not interfere. All claims and arguments about “soulless numbers” inexplicably disappear, everything good that you expect from a recording becomes audible in the sound, and nothing distracts from the perception of the music. This is what an ideal path should be like. Of course, questions remain with the interpretation of timbres and with the absolute reference. For example, it often happens that one device has cleaner high frequencies, but is less preferable in sound in some other range. But before this problem of very subtle nuances, inexpensive devices still need to grow for a long time and persistently.

So, in comparison with the integrated sound of a laptop and even with the sound of the good codec of the Samsung Note 3 phone, any of the tested USB DACs play an order of magnitude better. And the better the headphones or speakers play, the better the difference is heard, the more new details appear in the sound. This means that it makes sense to purchase these devices, but only for owners of a normal audio path. Not necessarily Hi-End, but successful models of Hi-Fi equipment or studio monitors are the required minimum.

We sorted the test participants according to their quality hit parade.

Venture Craft Go DAP BXD sounds good and smooth, but this DAC is too simple. In justification, let's say that its DAC function is not the main one, it is more of an analog headphone amplifier. There is a strong feeling that the Japanese have the DAC screwed to the side, just in case. Well, you never know. 6th place.

Tento Porta DAC 1866 stands out with its sound character compared to all the others. Apparently, this was the main goal of the developer. The sound level is high, but you won't swoon over the quality or detail. We personally haven’t heard any “golden age of digital” here. The sound is not bad, a little rough. Mid frequencies are transmitted most well and reliably. We are confident that the device will find its fans of pure R-2R converters. The headphone amplifier is very well made; judging by the complete absence of sag from the load, the device has a powerful buffer and zero output resistance. 5th place.

The FiiO E18 Kunlun performed very strongly. You don't expect such a sound from 1798. Such a democratic, affordable, high-quality level. The gap from the leaders is very small - at a very attractive price. The model is certainly successful. High frequencies are very clear and detailed. Great sound. 4th place.

The Sound Blaster E5 amazed us with its detail in the midrange and captivated us with its very wide stereo panorama. There is literally just a little left to the leaders, and if your headphones or speakers are not Hi-End class, then you will most likely not hear any difference. The sound is almost optimal. This is exactly what we wanted from a USB DAC. You can listen for a long time even on the most expensive equipment and not see any flaws. Compared to the Denon, we couldn't give preference to any of these devices. Both are on the same level, with the sound of the highest category. Tied for 2nd and 3rd place.

The Denon DA-10 is a great sounding DAC. Particular merits are achieved at high frequencies; the character of the sound is closer to audiophile rather than analytical. It feels like it has its own special interpretation. For fans of the brand and stationary devices of this Japanese company, it is highly recommended. Tied for 2nd and 3rd place.

Oppo HA-2 outperforms everyone, although very slightly, but confidently. We cannot say that the sound is reference, but it is as detailed as possible, and this is immediately captivating. To unlock your full potential, it is better to choose the highest quality headphones and speakers, and then something new, previously unheard, will be revealed in the sound. There is no sense of any color or interpretation here. The emphasis from the equipment is immediately transferred to the music, and that's great! 1st place.

Sound from speakers

Since all USB DACs have a linear output, we were interested in listening to the sound not only in headphones, but also in speakers. We used active studio monitors of the highest category, 3-way Adam Audio.

We didn't hear anything particularly new compared to testing with headphones. Everything said above is fully confirmed. The difference in some cases is simply more obvious, since all recordings are primarily designed for listening to speakers. To be fair, there are separate binaural phonograms for headphones, recorded on an artificial head, but things have not gone further than experiments. The main conclusion is that despite their small dimensions and minijack connector, all USB DACs are suitable as stationary audio sources - while stationary DACs are not suitable as mobile devices.

However, you will have to deal with the switching problem. You still have to look for high-quality cords with a minijack connector, but Chinese adapters for full-size connectors can, with one awkward movement, unscrew the miniature connector of a mobile DAC along with part of the printed circuit board and damage the device. In our testing, we took special care of this issue and used a new maximum quality cord with gold-plated Neutrik connectors and professional Canare cable (not one bit of which was made in China). Next, a passive attenuator was connected based on a modified factory sample with ready-made new Neutrik/Cordial XLR cords. For the mass user, solving all these issues presents insurmountable difficulties when finding and purchasing an acceptable option. To the list of these difficulties we add the lack of a remote control, a screen with the current mode, and the risk of sending a mobile DAC “flying” with a sharp tug on the headphone cord. Therefore, stationary USB DACs are still preferable in their field of use, and their sound potential is higher. But with a limited budget, the question of purchasing a separate stationary DAC for 40-100 thousand rubles, as a rule, is not worth it at all; the matter is limited to an inexpensive receiver and media player.

Measurements in RMAA

We have assembled a special complex to study the behavior of headphone amplifiers at low-impedance loads. Regular tests in RMAA are not indicative, since they do not reflect the operating features. Tests without load show a simply ideal picture, but under load the distortion increases many times over.

Headphone amplifiers are often plagued by the following problems: a sag in the frequency response at low frequencies and a sharp increase in distortion with a drop in load impedance, and sometimes overload at 16 Ohms. For comparison, conventional measurements on the graphs are shown with a “dash” sign (that is, there is no load), otherwise the resistor value is indicated. We chose the most representative values: 16 Ohm, 32 Ohm, 64 Ohm, 300 Ohm.

To obtain clean spectra and break ground loops, all DACs were connected in turn to an MXP U400-08 ultrabook running on battery power. The E-MU Tracker Pre measurement card was also powered by a laptop battery. To illustrate the absence of interference and interference, the list of tests includes test number two, “Noise Level”.

It must be admitted that absolute figures, except for the frequency response test, depend quite strongly on the gain level and amplitude of the test signal, so comparisons can only be made when measuring under approximately equal conditions.

Distortion was measured at a test signal amplitude of −3 dB and a volume of about 90%. If only one frequency response graph is visible, it means that all the others have merged with it into one line. We used the 24-bit 44 kHz format to see as much of the device's inherent noise as possible. Our measurement interface is limited by its own noise of about 110 dBA, which allows us to check the quality of the path. For those devices that have stated passport parameters, our measurements showed the same or better results.

Realtek ALC282

Test	Realtek ALC282 -	Realtek ALC282 16	Realtek ALC282 32	Realtek ALC282 64	Realtek ALC282 300
	+0,00, −0,03	+0,00, −0,03	+0,00, −0,03	+0,00, −0,03	+0,00, −0,03
Noise level, dB (A)	−93,5	−90,0	−92,1	−93,4	−93,6
Harmonic distortion, %	0,0028	0,0030	0,0029	0,0022	0,0023

Venture Craft GoDAP BXD

Test	Venture Craft GoDAP BXD -	Venture Craft GoDAP BXD 16	Venture Craft GoDAP BXD 32	Venture Craft GoDAP BXD 64	Venture Craft GoDAP BXD 300
Frequency response unevenness (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB	−0,11, −0,15	−0,10, −0,14	+0,01, −0,04	+0,01, −0,04	+0,01, −0,03
Noise level, dB (A)	−99,8	−99,8	−99,7	−99,7	−99,8
Harmonic distortion, %	0,0024	0,0032	0,0028	0,0026	0,0025

However, time does not stand still, digital-to-analog converter chip manufacturers are introducing new chips with updated characteristics and greater functionality, followed by hardware manufacturers. Following the trend, Fostex introduced the second version of its premium DAC - Fostex HP-A8mk2 based on the new AK4490 digital-to-analog conversion chip and other interesting innovations.

The appearance has not changed compared to the first model. The workmanship is also at the same high level.

The very first acquaintance with the Fostex HP-A8mk2 evokes a pleasant impression. The body is made of faceted thick-walled black aluminum, and the front panel is made of glass. The build quality is very high. The controls have no play and feel nice to press. The soft light of the OLED screen, the absence of eye-burning LEDs and excessive overload of buttons, the strict design - everything suggests that the manufacturer cares about the consumer from the very beginning.

The volume is adjusted, as expected, in decibels in 0.5 dB steps. Moreover, the volume is adjustable both on the headphone output and on the linear one.

The Input Set control functions as both a button and a knob. You can select the desired input, as well as enter the menu and configure parameters.

On the rear panel there are all kinds of switching connectors, including Analog In and Digital Out, which are extremely rare for household appliances. But first things first.

The manufacturer claims that the device supports all possible digital audio formats from 44.1 to 192 kHz with a resolution of up to 32 bits, as well as DSD streams with a frequency from 2.8 to 11.2 MHz. For Apple computers, the DSD frequency is limited to 5.6 MHz, and for playback from an SD card, it is limited to 2.8 MHz.

The USB input works with its own driver. It has an asynchronous operating mode, ASIO output and DSD support. (Asynchronous mode is a standard requirement for all modern DACs. It allows you to control the baud rate on the receiver side, receive data in a buffer, and use its own high-quality oscillator next to the DAC.)

There is also a slot for an SD/SDHC card with the ability to play WAV, DSF and AIFF files from it, which not only adds functionality to the device, but also makes it work independently.

I would like to note the new remote control - with more comfortable rubber buttons and an increased number of functions.

The menu offers a wide selection of settings, of which the most interesting are those that directly affect the sound quality:

Up Sampling, possible choice: x1, x2, x4 - multiplying the sampling frequency before feeding it to the digital-to-analog converter chip
Digital Filter, the possible choice consists of five options:
- Short Dly Shap
- Short Dly Slow
- Sharp Roll-Off
- Slow Roll-Off
- Super Slow
MSCK Sel, possible choice: Dir or XTAL - selection of synchronization method
- Dir - synchronization of the digital-to-analog converter from a signal fragment reconstructed by the S/PDIF receiver
- XTAL - use of internal high-quality clock for DAC synchronization
Direct, possible choices: On, Off - when the On mode is turned on, the line output volume control is inactive, the volume is always maximum

In addition to the USB-ASIO driver, the manufacturer offers a nice and minimalistic player that works via an ASIO driver exclusively with Fostex products. The sound when using it is excellent.

If you remove the top cover, you can see that everything inside is organized quite competently.

The headphone amplifier and post-DAC filter are designed using discrete elements, without the use of operational amplifiers. Power supply stabilizers are also discrete. The capacitors used in the analog and power supply circuits are audiophile Nichicon Muse and ELNA. The digital-to-analog converter chip is a new chip from AKM, AK4490, it has a signal-to-noise ratio of 123 dB and a KG lower than −112 dB. In addition, AKM has added three more new audio filtering modes.

For frequencies that are multiples of 44.1 and 48 kHz, separate quartz oscillators are used, which eliminates the need to recalculate non-multiple frequencies.

The USB controller is based on a Texas Instruments TM320C55 digital processor. It has 800 MIPS performance and a 40-bit arithmetic processor. The S/PDIF receiver and transmitter are made on AK4118 chips. In general, the input digital part of the signal processing is built similarly to the first version of the HP-A8, but has slight differences and is labeled MK2.

To adjust the volume, a JRC Muses72320 microcircuit is used; it is powered by Muses8920 operational amplifiers instead of the previous OPA604AP. They are similar in technical parameters, but Muses are positioned as operational amplifiers specifically for audio applications. In addition, the Muses8920, unlike the OPA604, is dual-channel, which suggests a more significant design change than just changing the type of op-amp.

There are also changes at the line input: instead of the previous LME49710NA, one two-channel OPA1642 is installed, also positioned as an op-amp for audio applications.

The line output and ear amplifier have not undergone any changes. The linear output has its own buffer, independent of the ear amplifier, made of discrete elements, which is a big plus, as it reduces the influence of the signal source impedance and the capacitance of the connecting cables on the sound.

The output power transistors of the ear amplifier 2SA1930/2SC5171 are used to build amplifiers with a power of up to 20 W, which provides a good power reserve.

Passport specifications

Inputs:
- USB port
- 2 optical
- S/PDIF
- XLR-3 AES/EBU
- SD slot
- RCA analog stereo
Outputs:
- 2 × Jack 6.3 mm for stereo headphones
- RCA analog stereo
- optic
- S/PDIF
Supported operating modes:
- 16/24/32 bit
- 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz
- DSD 2.8/5.6/11.2 MHz
- USB High Speed
Headphone output parameters:
- Maximum power: 700 mW into 32 ohm load
- Harmonic distortion: less than 0.002% at 1 kHz, 32 ohm load and 100 mW power
- Allowable headphone impedance: 16-600 Ohm
Linear output parameters:
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 80 kHz at ±3 dB
- Harmonic distortion: less than 0.002% at 1 kHz
- Optimal load resistance: 10 kOhm
Power consumption: 24 W from 220 V network
Overall dimensions: 213×78×314 mm
Weight: 3.8 kg

Official product page:

To measure the parameters of the DAC, a measuring stand was assembled that provided galvanic isolation of the measuring card from the 220 volt network in order to eliminate ground loops and exclude network interference outside the device being measured. A similar stand was used to measure the first version of the HP-A8C, which means that the results can be compared directly. Stand block diagram:

The Adnaco-S1A board is used as galvanic isolation, the measuring board is a modified Asus Essence STX with a minimum measured KG = 0.0002% and a noise level of −120 dB. The system is powered by a battery and linear stabilizers that generate the necessary voltages.

USB-ASIO driver information:

Device: Fostex ASIO Driver
Features:
Input channels: 0
Output channels: 2
Input latency: 0
Output latency: 270
Min buffer size: 2048
Max buffer size: 2048
Preferred buffer size: 2048
Granularity: 0
ASIOOutputReady - supported
Sample rate:
8000 Hz - not supported
11025 Hz - not supported
16000 Hz - not supported
22050 Hz - not supported
32000 Hz - not supported
44100 Hz - supported
48000 Hz - supported
88200 Hz - supported
96000 Hz - supported
176400 Hz - supported
192000 Hz - supported
352800 Hz - supported
384000 Hz - not supported
Input channels:
Output channels:
channel: 0 (Fostex USB Audio HP-A8 Out 01) - Int32LSB
channel: 1 (Fostex USB Audio HP-A8 Out 02) - Int32LSB

Through the driver control panel you can adjust the buffer size and view the current sampling rate.

So, a summary table of measurements in RMAA at frequencies from 44.1 to 192 kHz:

Similar to the first version, we see excellent measured parameters at all frequencies, practically limited by the characteristics of the DAC chip. This confirms the correctness of the applied technical solutions and the absence of engineering errors. In addition, the measured data turned out to be an order of magnitude better than indicated by the manufacturer.

Nonlinear distortion spectrum at a sampling frequency of 192 kHz:

The only noticeable difference from the first version is a slight decrease in dynamic range due to a higher noise level. If you pay attention to the spectrum, you can see that the noise level is slightly raised in the range from 1 to 10 kHz. The nascent hump is also present in the first version, but in the second it is more extended, which results in an increase in noise. How good or bad this is is difficult to judge; The fact is that only a few devices even in a much higher price category reach a noise level below 110 dB; this is not a determining factor for the sound quality of the device.

The headphone amplifier measurements were carried out in the same way, but the signal was taken from the output for the second pair of ears. The amplifier output power was 125 mW when using 32 ohm headphones as a load.

As you can see, the parameters are just as excellent, 5 times better than stated, and almost do not depend on the resistance of the headphones. This confirms the high overload capacity of the ear amplifier. It is also worth paying attention to the low mutual penetration of channels under load. For amplifiers with a low-power power supply, this parameter increases to −70..−80 dB, then everything is in order.

Well, now the most interesting thing - let's look at the operating modes of the Digital Filter filtration, 5 filters with different parameters. The digital filter itself (DF) is an integral part of any modern DAC. Basically, its function comes down to shifting the DAC conversion products to the high-frequency region, where they will have less influence on the useful signal and can be filtered by simpler (and therefore less influential on the audio, audible signal) analog filters. Also, the function of the digital filter is to additionally suppress those frequencies in the reproduced signal that, according to Kotelnikov’s theorem, go beyond the operating limits at a given sampling frequency. In simple terms, the digital filter in the DAC chip serves to ensure the most correct reproduction of the useful signal and filtering of everything that is not such a signal.

However, it's not that simple. The main disadvantage and the reason for the appearance of different types of digital filters in one microcircuit is the reaction of the digital filter itself to a pulse signal. Here's what AKM itself tells us about this:

The table shows graphs of the response of the AK4490 microcircuit to a single pulse at various settings in its digital filter. It is easy to notice that in some modes the oscillatory process outside the pulse is more pronounced than in others. This is the response of the digital filter to a pulsed aperiodic signal. There is nothing wrong with this, this is a purely mathematical transformation of a signal with an infinite spectrum that goes beyond the Kotelnikov theorem and is never found in real musical material. Moreover, knowing the response, it is possible to carry out an inverse transformation and recreate the type of filter through which the signal passed, that is, the response of the filter is directly related to its characteristics.

Let's leave the impulse response for a moment and pay attention to the measurements of the frequency response of our Fostex at various DF settings:

And one more time, with a linear frequency scale:

It is clearly seen that the reduction in emissions after exposure to a mythical pulse with an infinite spectrum occurs due to a decrease in the filter gain at high frequencies - roughly speaking, a decrease in its passband in the high-frequency region. The frequency response of the Dly and Roll-Off filters overlapped because they process the signal spectrally in the same way, but the response is distributed differently in the time domain. That is, for the low delay mode (Dly), the pulse front is processed with virtually no distortion, but then a longer response trail follows. In the long-delay mode (Roll-Off), the output response appears even before the pulse arrives and also symmetrically disappears after. This happens because the digital filter contains a delay line, the signal of which is processed mathematically and only after that is supplied to the output of the digital-to-analog converter. In Dly mode they try to minimize this delay, but for the listener this does not play any role. What difference does it make whether the signal arrives in your ears 0.67 ms or 0.14 ms (for Dly mode) after the track starts?

Why is all this necessary? The answer may be different for everyone. The author of the article believes that marketers play an important role here, because each new feature increases attention to the product. However, it is not so obvious how much the user really needs it. That is, we apply a pulse with an infinite spectrum to the input of the DAC, which mathematically cannot be processed correctly by it, and heroically fight the consequences through various digital filter settings. And the fact that the high frequencies turn out to be cut off - well, excuse me, but the impulse is more or less. That's the whole point of marketing: we are presented with equalization as something completely new and a panacea. Chip engineers and audio developers are forced to follow this path, there is nothing to blame them for.

However, there is another side to this: in some cases, for each specific person, specific music and equipment, one or another filter may be subjectively preferable. Table AKM tries to shed some light on this issue. For example, if you don’t like harsh sound, you can set the Super Slow digital filter mode with a smooth HF decay, and nothing will irritate you, the instruments will be close and more natural. Low latency Dly modes should theoretically sound better for percussion instruments and driving music. But if maximum quality of reproduction of all frequencies is important to you, then the standard Sharp Roll-Off mode will have no alternative.

If you're worried about the response to an impulse signal, no self-respecting recording studio would ever allow a track to be released with frequencies that are outside the theoretically acceptable range, and therefore all these response pictures have almost no meaning in real music. In simple words: if you limit the spectrum of the test pulse to the notorious 22.05 kHz, then all the graphs will look almost the same, there will simply be a slightly different slope of the pulse shelf, which is reflected in the frequency response measurements. Since the frequency range of music is limited in the same way, the different falloff of the frequency response of the digital filter will have a much greater impact on the sound than its impulse characteristics outside the operating frequency range.

It is also interesting to compare the performance of the AK4399 in the Fostex HP-A8C and the AK4490 in the HP-A8mk2 in Sharp mode at different sampling rates:

44.1 kHz

96 kHz

192 kHz

In the 44.1 kHz mode, both microcircuits show almost the same result, however, with increasing sampling frequency, the AK4399 has a noticeable decline at low frequencies, and the AK4490 at high frequencies. And if the HF roll-off in the AK4490 is most likely programmed to improve impulse characteristics (the frequency response above 20 kHz is no longer so important), then the low-frequency roll-off in the AK4399 is most likely some kind of defect in the chip or its digital filter. In any case, I would prefer to listen to high-rez on the AK4490, which, in general, was confirmed during the listening.

A few words about the use of Up Sampling and Digital Out. Upsampling serves two functions. The first one adds “missing” samples. Due to its internal algorithm, it tries to do this as accurately as possible, “thinking out” what was lost in the original signal with a low sampling frequency. The second, secondary function - the upsampler acts as an additional filter, shifting noise and DAC conversion products to a higher frequency, inaudible region. As a rule, all this leads to improved sound intelligibility; micronuances of recording, echo, room volume, etc. are better conveyed, but only if the DAC itself can handle high sampling rates well.

It would seem, why does a DAC need a digital output? And then, what is supplied to it is the same thing that is supplied to the internal DAC chip! That is, you can feed the signal to the S/PDIF or USB input of the Fostex HP-A8mk2, improve the clock using the XTAL setting, increase its frequency by 2 or 4 times (or leave it unchanged) and then feed it to another DAC - for example , a class higher, but without USB. In addition, the S/PDIF output contains sound reproduced from the SD card, that is, this DAC can also be used as a transport. All this expands the possibilities of using the device.

Listening

During listening, headphones from various well-known manufacturers were used. Since the headphone amplifier in the model has not changed, the results of listening to music with headphones on the HP-A8mk2 are almost identical to the experience of the previous HP-A8C model.

The volume level produced by the built-in amplifier is more than sufficient to drive the tightest headphones. No obvious dips in dynamics or distortion were observed when using low-impedance headphones. The volume control is neat, there is no strong dependence of the timbre on the position of the volume control. And only at very quiet levels there is a noticeable decrease in the detail of high frequencies.

Overall, the sound quality of the Fostex HP-A8mk2 is high and more than good for its price, both when outputting sound to headphones and to the line output. There is no distortion of timbres, the sound is “live” and open. The positioning of instruments (stage) is available, and its scale corresponds to what much more expensive devices produce. The subjective perception of sound from this device does not cause negative feelings or a desire to listen only to a specific style of music.

Replacing the AK4399 with the AK4490 had a positive effect on the sound: the sound became more accurate and soft, the transmission of instrument timbres and especially voices improved, although in general the presentation remained the same, which is good news. The bass has improved significantly - it has become more prominent. The sound of the linear output does not differ in timbre color and perception from the headphones.

Enabling the Direct option disables volume control on the line output. In this case, the improvement in sound quality is more obvious than in the previous model. More small details and echoes appear, and the sound becomes freer. It is difficult to say whether this is due to the installation of a new DAC or a change in the volume control circuit; we need to listen to both devices, but we did not have such an opportunity.

There are no clear benefits to using Up Sampling. With it, the sound becomes softer and more accurate, but at the same time, the high frequencies are muddier and some of the dynamics in the sound are lost. Perhaps this will be necessary for certain music (classical, for example), it’s worth checking your personal preferences. It is worth noting that the AK4490 “digests” higher sampling rates better; the negative aspects when using Up Sampling are much less pronounced than in the previous model.

The settings and influence on the sound of Digital Filter have already been described in some detail. The choice of a specific filter and sound color is a matter of personal preference.

We would recommend always setting MSCK Sel to the XTAL position - this is much better, especially if the source of the figure is not of very high quality. When using a high-quality digital source, the subjective difference between modes decreases, but does not disappear completely.

Taking all of the above into account, we conclude that the new Fostex HP-A8mk2 is a reasonable evolution of an initially successful product. The cost of the device is 84 thousand rubles, it is a worthy competitor to products in the same price category. The ability to be used as a DAC, upsampler and headphone amplifier makes the Fostex HP-A8mk2 a three-in-one device. A modern DAC, support for all audio formats and natural sound of the new Fostex USB DAC deserve the close attention of music lovers.

Hello everyone, I am continuing a series of reviews dedicated to improving the sound quality on a computer. I have long wanted to get a cool sound source in a desktop version, and well, it happened. The review is of the Daart Canary desktop DAC from Yulong (or, to be precise, from the subsidiary brand “Daart”). This pleasure costs as much as $270, despite the high cost, this DAC is considered “budget” in comparison with the expensive Yulong Daart Aquila and Daart YULONG DA9 combines. Sabaj DA3 is of course good, but I wanted more, and I also decided to buy expensive full-size ones and they will need to be opened to the fullest.

About the device itself, Daart Canary is an external USB DAC that you can connect to a smartphone, tablet, computer, mini pc and more. It is built on the ESS9018K2M Saber DAC, with a built-in Class A headphone amplifier. There is support for DSD (DSD up to DSD256, DoP up to DSD128).

There are three color options to choose from:
Red option:

Black: (I found it the most interesting)

Silver:

My previous reviews:

Part 1:
Part 2:

Specifications:

DAC: ESS9018K2M
Interfaces: XMOS U8
Headphone amplifier: class A, discrete JFET transistors
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 30 kHz (-0.15 dB)
Signal to noise ratio: –128 dB
Dynamic range: 120 dB
Channel Separation: -120 dB
Headphone output power: 1000 mW @ 32Ω, 100 mW @ 600Ω
Maximum USB input resolution: PCM up to 384 kHz/32 bit, DSD up to DSD256, DoP up to DSD128
Maximum resolution of coaxial and optical inputs: up to 384 kHz/24 bit
Dimensions: 90 mm × 130 mm × 50 mm
Weight: 700 g

Box.

Canary is supplied in a cardboard box, which is not the densest. The box is designed quite simply; on the front we see an image of a DAC. It got a little wrinkled on the way + lay in the warehouse for a long time, worn out in places.

On the side there is a sticker with a serial number and a color mark, in my case it is black:

On the side there is a link to the manufacturer's website:

Below is a photo of the rear panel:

All contents inside are protected by a soft backing; the device itself is located in a separate compartment; the cable and power supply are located in the adjacent one.

Equipment.

My kit is a little different from other kits, I looked at some reviews and did not find a 6.3 mm - 3.5 mm adapter.

There is a power supply (12V 1A), USB cable, instructions, warranty card, and also a letter of happiness.
Instructions in English and Chinese:

Characteristics from the official instructions:

Charts:

Additional Information

We installed a fairly high-quality cable from Vention. The USB cable is USB Type B, its length was 140 centimeters, and the wire diameter was 5 millimeters. The cable is long, you can move the DAC a little away from the computer.

USB Type B:

USB, application of "Vention".

Next comes the 12V 1A power supply).

Its characteristics:

It opens simply, first I unscrew the hexagon screw:

Well, then you need a flat-head screwdriver, there will be 4 latches, you need to pry them off one by one. I couldn't open it perfectly; there were traces and a few scratches, but overall it took about 5 minutes.

Additional Information

As for the power supply itself, it works stably and does not heat up. From the series “connected” and “forgot”. I’m not an expert, so I won’t invent anything, the photo is for your judgment, so to speak.

Appearance, dimensions.

Let's move on to a visual inspection. The weight of the device is 700 grams, which is certainly not small, but I don’t care about its weight at all, it’s a desktop device. But as for the dimensions (90 mm × 130 mm × 50 mm), yes... An unusually large box, I had to make room in the corner of the table, and also place the DAC “sideways”, since the wire from the mouse was constantly resting against it, yes and I could often touch it with my hands.
Here it is next to the Creative X-FI HD sound card and the Sabaj DA3 portable DAC:

Xiaomi Redmi 3 Note Pro smartphone:

The design does not bring anything new; it is an aluminum case, on which no metal was spared, very durable with thick walls. The bar is unscrewed from the back and the board slides out on a slide, a typical solution. Many owners praise the appearance, it was already mentioned at the beginning of the review, curved edges, all that stuff... I didn’t experience the wow effect, but it’s worth admitting - the box looks unusual and has its own certain charm.
Since the dac is tabletop, 4 rubber feet were placed on the bottom, so it does not slip on a flat/smooth surface. There is nothing under the legs; the board is secured with a nut and a back insert. The legs stick out a little, due to which it will not scratch the surface.

The coating is matte, painted normally.
All controls are located on the front and back sides, the side is empty:

This is what the back panel looks like, here you can find: a power socket, a toggle switch that turns off Canary, USB, optical and coaxial inputs. Next to them are 4 RCA - linear inputs and outputs. Canary can also be used as a separate “amplifier”.

The outer screws are for hexagon, 2 central screws are for Phillips screwdriver. I unscrewed them and removed the back bar:

On the front panel there is a 6.3 mm headphone jack, a volume control knob, and to the left there is a golden plate with an indicator indicating the selected mode.

The volume control knob has a very pleasant/soft action. The line output always works, and the volume control does not affect the output.

The toggle switch, also known as the input switch, does not have a fixed position; after pressing, the inputs are switched, and if you release it, it will return to its original position. There is a separate LED for DSD, which lights up when playing DSD files.

I was pleased with the build quality, the assembly is excellent, everything is adjusted and thought out at the highest level.

Filling.

It disassembles easily, I unscrew 4 screws from the back, then remove the bar, it flies out on its own, then you need to apply a little force and pull out the twist:

Then I twist the nut, it is weakly fixed and there is a washer under it:

And I take out all the giblets:

The board slides freely on the slide:

Separately, the case weighs 491 grams:

And the board is 165, plus the rear insert and we get approximately the stated 700 grams, and of course the volume control.

USB interface XMOS U8:

Chip ESS9018K2M:
The same popular chip is installed in the Audinst HUD-DX1.

More photos of the board:
I apologize for the not-so-high-quality photos; in some places I had to use a flashlight, in others I had to take photos suspended, without a tripod.

What Russian online stores write about the device:

We present to you the first product of a completely new brand DAART! DAART is a new brand of the well-known Chinese company Yulong Audio. The head of the company, Zhang Yulong, and several experienced musicians joined forces to create a new line of products characterized by beautiful designs, excellent sound and affordable prices.
The design of the brand's first product, called Canary, follows the contours of bird wings, its streamlined shape attracts your attention! The front panel uses 750 gold plating.
The technical component of the device is just as good. The DAART Canary DAC is based on the ESS9018K2M chip, the USB input is implemented on the popular XMOS U8. The implementation of the built-in headphone amplifier is superior to most existing analogues: class A, only discrete components, ultra-low distortion JFET transistor input (no capacitors in the signal path). The output stage uses ADA4705 and high-current OPA1688 op-amps as a buffer. As a result, the DAC is distinguished not only by excellent technical data, but also by excellent sound, plus it supports work with all currently popular formats.
The power supply of the device is based on the use of a UHFC circuit (fully symmetrical ultra-high frequency conversion). The custom external power supply is manufactured by a Taiwanese company with a very high reputation.
The device has many input signal channels: USB, optical, coaxial, analog (2*RCA). The USB input also supports signal transfer from Android devices. Later, support will be available for iOS devices (the necessary firmware can be installed using a USB connection).
DAART Canary is an excellent choice for those who are starting their journey into the world of high-quality sound!
DAART Canary combines the technical component with progressive live design. The body, the outline of which resembles the flapping of wings, can be made in one of three colors, and the interface switching panel is plated with 18-karat gold.
The ESS9018K2M was chosen as the DAC, thanks to which the device supports audio streams with a resolution of up to 32 bit/384 kHz from all inputs, and also boasts native DSD support up to DSD256 via USB thanks to the XMOS U8 chip.

Connection.

The DAC supports all existing audio formats, including DSD.
What I didn’t immediately like was its heating. Even when idle, it heats up noticeably, of course it doesn’t burn your hand, but it’s noticeably warm.
First, I decided to test it on an Android device, connected it to an H96 Mini TV set-top box (Android 7.1), connected to the DNS TV.

To connect, just one USB connector is enough, find it, connect it.

The DAC was identified immediately, no drivers are required, I typed “Yandex music” and “vk” in the browser, everything works, there is sound.
To listen to music in good quality (FLAC, DSD), I installed the USB Audio Player Pro application (with a crack), you can find it on the w3bsit3-dns.com website.

I also downloaded test files in DSD format. The DSD reproduced DSD64 and DSD256 normally, but on DSD512 it often stuttered.

If you don’t configure the player, it will convert files, you need to go to the settings and set Native DSD:

Every time you enter the application, it will ask: should I use an external USB device? You can click yes or no, remember the choice, and generally turn off this notification in the settings.
Using the same principle, you can connect to smartphones and tablets, but you will need an OTG adapter. I haven’t tested it on iOS, they say it’s not supported, but they say there will be a new firmware soon that will add support for iOS.

Connect to the computer. Windows 8.1 64bit (clean). This is where a driver is needed; without it, the DAC is not detected in the system.
You can download the XMOS_USB driver here:
I tried 2 versions of the driver, I settled on the Canary Driver_v4.38.rar version.
The Canary+DA9+Aquila+D200+XMOS+Driver-v4.13.0.rar version is also suitable, but its settings are already noticeably cut off, although there is sound, it is detected in the system.
Next, the “Xmos USB DAC Driver Control Panel” icon will appear at the bottom; it contains the following settings, mainly related to USB.
There is only information here, revision V6.20, driver version.

Volume settings:

A useful setting is the Asio Buffer, if you hear “clicks” during DSD playback, you can increase it.

Here you can monitor the sampling rate; at the moment I set it to 192000 hz in the system itself and played music online:

I go to foobar2000, disable all plugins:
I turn on music, for example MP3 44/320 format.

In general, the settings are familiar to me, DA3 has everything the same, very simple and understandable settings. The application can be said to be a complete copy, they do not conflict with each other, there are two icons in the tray.

What else I encountered was that at one point the DAC was no longer detected in the system, although I had the drivers installed. I had to select the driver manually, for some reason “USB audio device” was automatically substituted.

A few more photos from the system itself:

Additional Information

Just select it as default and enjoy the music.
As for the player, AIMP does not have fine-tuning for DSD, but in general all other formats can be listened to, although, of course, the “foobar2000” player is much more convenient to use.

If you listen to MP3, FLAC, FLAC 24bit/96, you can change only 1 parameter, select Asio or Wasapi:

And you don’t need to add anything to the DSP, after which everything will be played back automatically, with the correct settings.

DSD setting.

Here I would like to go into more detail, I read various instructions, many show the setup process, but the authors do not provide links to plugins. Here I will describe the complete process of setting up the DAC for DSD playback.
For DSD, I downloaded the ready-made assembly of Foobar2000 “DarkOne_4_JS_v1.32”, the assembly is cool, it has all the necessary plugins and all that remains is to change 2-3 parameters.
It’s easier to download it, since everything is already almost configured.
I don't touch the DSD processor.

Conclusion: I put DSD Asio Yulong DAC:

On the SACD tab, select dsd and dsd Processor, stereo:

I don’t touch anything else, I don’t install third-party plugins (Asio Proxy, etc.). When DSD is playing, the light on the front panel lights up.

Sound.

Unfortunately, I don’t have good full-size headphones yet; to evaluate the sound of this DAC, I made connections in one telegram community. I was able to listen to “HiFiMAN HE-400i” and “AKG K702” with it. I also listened to in-ear models, starting with Hibiki MK2 and more expensive. Of course, the recordings were of high quality, FLAC, DSD, I listened to test discs and much more.

What I liked was the absence of any background noise during idle time (when the music is paused) or interference. Its sound is very good and confident. The amplifier here is powerful, this DAC can handle many cool “full-size” headphones. The volume reserve is simply huge, I turn it up just a little.

While the parcel was traveling, I periodically looked at reviews of this model, read reviews on the Player Ru forum, well, it was interesting what they wrote based on the sound. In principle, my opinion coincided with the opinion of the majority, Daart Canary has a “soft”, “musical” presentation, with a slightly raised midbass and treble. Moreover, the highs here do not stand out as much as the same mid-bass. There was no wow effect, I didn’t jump in my chair, but I must admit that the sound was beautiful and decent. How “musical” the sound will be depends, of course, on the headphones. By switching headphones you can achieve a different effect, but it still gravitates more towards a soft, musical presentation.

Comparing a desktop DAC for $270 and a mobile one for $100 is of course stupid, but after the Sabaj DA3, the presentation of the DAART Canary is noticeably different. The DA3 had a neutral presentation, “boring” in places, I lacked emotions, in general the DA3 didn’t really add anything of its own, it had a dry monitor sound. Canary sounds different, there are denser, richer midranges, there is a little more bass, and to put it simply, the sound is energetic and driving, there is more emotion and drive here.

The first thing I noticed was the dense, rich middle. The second is the midrange resolution, it is excellent, the DSD format sounds convincing. Detailing is at a good level, all the small details of the recording are audible, typical sabra, the scene here is believable, quite wide. This is the best source from my experience, the averages are very good.

The bass has a slight weight due to the emphasis on the midbass. The bass is deep and energetic, while the bass has good, fast decay.

After reading the reviews, I was afraid of the “sharp” high frequencies. They are quite natural and well-developed, but how sharp they will be depends on the headphones themselves. Headphones with linear response sound comfortable.

It’s hard to evaluate the sound as a whole, taking into account the cost, I haven’t heard any competitors, but if you take into account the reviews, take into account my opinion - the sound is decent. I haven’t seen any downright negativity, like it’s not worth the money, blah blah blah.

There is nothing more to add, Daart Canary showed its best side and overall I liked it and will continue to use it. In its price category, Daart Canary occupies a high position, and that says something.

This concludes the review, thank you all for your attention.

The product was provided for writing a review by the store. The review was published in accordance with clause 18 of the Site Rules.

I'm planning to buy +6 Add to favorites I liked the review +26 +30

A-A9MK2
ICON 2
P-3000R/M-5000R

In fact, introducing a separate USB path into a Hi-Fi component is not difficult and very inexpensive. A bus chip controller is installed, and the signal from an external source (computer) is then redirected to the built-in DAC and then fed into the audio path through an input switch. However, such a scheme seems logical only for those devices that already have such a DAC. That's why CD players and multi-channel receivers were the first to have USB sockets, then external converters. But now stereo amplifiers that have USB on the rear panel are increasingly appearing. Why does an essentially analog device need a socket for a computer cord?

DEVICE FOUND

The integrated amplifier Pioneer A-A9MK2 looks like a “successful purchase” from all points of view. And the price is attractive, and the sound quality (no matter what input you choose) will not leave you indifferent. This device has a really cool DAC on board and a proper USB controller that accepts data from the computer without any degradation. It’s even a little pity that this functionality is not expanded with other digital inputs.

But another Japanese product has all this - the preliminary Onkyo P-3000R. It is strict and solid, made with impeccable quality, and has no equal in terms of versatility, because you can connect not only a computer to it, but everything in general - from a vinyl turntable to a studio recorder. For this, as well as for the soulful, detailed and very clear sound that it delivers when paired with the Onkyo P-5000R two-channel amplifier, it receives an Expert's Choice.