HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO

Sponsored by B.M.C

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO HI-FI+

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO (Sponsored by B.M.C. Audio)

FROM THE EDITOR INTRODUCTION TO STREAMING CONTENTS DIGITAL AUDIO WHAT’S NEXT IN DIGITAL AUDIO? Jason Kennedy explains the basics of Learn about the latest and greatest streaming digital audio in laymen’s terms. developments in Digital Audio from—count ‘em—fifty-four different manufacturers! HI-FI+ DIGITAL AUDIO REVIEW INDEX (ISSUE 100 – PRESENT) HI-FI+ TALKS WITH TWELVE • DACs VISIONARY DIGITAL AUDIO • Disc Players & Portable Players EQUIPMENT DESIGNERS • Preamp/DACs, Integrated Amp/DACs • Scott Berry, Computer Audio Design & Portable Players • Carlos Candeias, B.M.C. Audio • Streamers, Servers, Tuners & • Philippe Chambon, Nagra Audio Streaming Systems • Charles Hansen, Ayre Acoustics • Paul McGowan, PS Audio HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS • Mike Moffat, Schiit Audio • DACs • David Steven, dCS • Disc Players & Transports • Robert ‘Bob’ Stuart, Meridian Audio • Preamp/DACs & Integrated Amp/DACs and MQA • Headphone Amp/DACs & Portable Players • Gilad Tiefenbrun, Linn Products • Streamers, Servers & Streaming Systems • Xuanqian Wang, AURALiC • Robert ‘Rob’ Watts, Chord Electronics ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA • Trevor Wilson, Naim Audio The complicated ‘alphabet soup’ of digital audio acronyms and terminology made plain. SURVEY OF HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL AUDIO STREAMING & DOWNLOAD SERVICES Steven Stone checks out 14 important web sites that can put high-quality digital music files at your fingertips.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: CONTENTS GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: CONTENTS HI-FI+

EDITOR, HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO THE EDITORIAL OFFICE CAN BE PUBLISHER, HI-FI+ CONTACTED AT: Chris Martens Hi-Fi+ Editorial Tel: +1 (512) 419-1513 Office Absolute Multimedia (UK) Ltd Tel: +1 (512) 924-5728 Mobile Unit 3, Sandleheath Industrial Estate, Email: [email protected] Sandleheath, Hampshire SP6 1PA EDITOR, HI-FI+ MAGAZINE United Kingdom Alan Sircom Tel: +44 (0)1425 655255 Email: [email protected] Fax: +44 (0)1425 655477 Web: www.hifiplus.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Absolute Multimedia (UK) Ltd is a Jason Kennedy subsidiary of TMM Holdings LLC, Steven Stone 2601 McHale Court, Suite Austin, Texas 78758, USA GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenny Watson CHAIRMAN AND CEO Fonthill Creative, Salisbury Thomas B. Martin, Jr. All Rights Reserved. ADVERTISING Copyright 2015. Tom Hackforth All rights reserved. Tel: +44 (0)1425 655255 Not one word of Hi-Fi+ may be reproduced Email: [email protected] without the written consent of the Publisher. We are perfectly happy to co-operate, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER but we don’t want quotations to appear Pete Trewin out of context. Tel: +44 (0)1425 655699 Hi-Fi+ product-themed Guides are published Email: [email protected] in digital format only, four times per year by: Absolute Multimedia (UK) Ltd.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO HI-FI+

Welcome to the first-everHi-Fi+ Guide to • Technology trickle-down is making great Digital Audio. This guide represents the digital sound affordable: As digital audio second in a series of what we hope will be technology races forward, one wonderful informative, product-themed, digital buyer’s side-benefit is that moderately priced guides published on a quarterly basis. digital audio components are becoming Digital Audio is presently undergoing some more sonically sophisticated by the seismic paradigm shifts that spell good things minute. Remember: Today’s mid-priced to come for music lovers and audiophiles models would have been state-of-the-art everywhere. Looking ahead, we see four wonders just a few short years ago. important trends: The aim of this Guide is to: • Digital audio continues to get better: • Show you a wealth of new digital Digital audio is finally beginning to tap audio products, the sonic potential many audiophiles • Let you hear the thoughts of visionary have been hoping for since CDs arrived digital audio designers on their work, in the early 1980s. In short, digital • Help you learn about new sources of sound has finally come of age—showing high‑res digital music, sophistication and nuance that might • Explain the admittedly tricky subject of once have seemed impossible. digital audio streaming, • Access to high-res digital music is • Provide an index of Hi-Fi+ digital improving: Today it is easier than ever audio reviews, to access high-quality, high-res music, • Point out noteworthy digital components whether one’s preference is for ripping via our Editors’ Choice Awards, and discs, downloading files, or streaming • Offer a glossary to explain digital audio music from a network. acronyms and terminology • Digital audio paradigms are shifting very fast: We now have more ways to buy As always, our goal is to help readers or lease digital music, to deliver music to to derive deeper satisfaction from the our systems, to store music, and to play music they love, while having great fun music than at any time in the past. The with carefully selected audio equipment only catch is that system architectures and music systems. We wish you all sometimes can be very complex, while the best digital audio has to offer, and products can combine such varied happy listening. combinations of features that they Chris Martens become difficult to classify. Publisher, Hi-Fi+

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO HI-FI+

WHAT’S NEW IN DIGITAL AUDIO?

COOL DIGITAL AUDIO PRODUCTS COMING SOON

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ Abbingdon Music Research AMR Alpha Design Labs GT40-Alpha Audio Alchemy DDP-1 AudioQuest JitterBug USB filter 777 Signature Edition components ‘DAC with a difference’ Digital Preamp AudioQuest’s JitterBug USB filter helps one The all-new AMR 777 SE series components Described as the audiophile’s Swiss army The DDP-1 digital preamp is the first to enjoy more beautiful music by using embody the best of old and new technology, knife, this extraordinarily handy little gadget product from the newly re-launched Audio dual‑discrete noise-dissipation circuits to with the range comprising the AM-777 combines a 24-bit/192 kHz USB DAC with an Alchemy, a company famous for delivering reduce the noise and ringing that plague Pre‑Main Amplifier, CD-777 CD Processor, equally high-resolution analogue-to-digital unprecedented value in high-end audio both the data and power lines of USB ports. and DP-777 Digital Processor. All feature the converter, plus an MC/MM phonostage and products. The core of the DDP-1 is a Noise (energy that shouldn’t be there) General Electric 5670 valve, AMR Tri-Core headphone amp. Simple switching between 32/216 PCM/DSD DAC with four digital filter noticeably compromises the performance of Silver capacitors and, in the case of the CD MM and MC or line input makes conversion profiles, output resolution adjustment, and any downstream USB device. and DP, Quad-Core Digital Engines and a from vinyl and other analogue sources to a proprietary dual DAC configuration for fully digital re-design including a new clock digital a breeze, while adjustable gain and a near-32-bit dynamic range. This section feeds For an additional improvement to the arrangement. Each component advances ‘clipping’ light ensure consistently successful an audiophile-grade analogue preamp with overall sound of a computer-based system, the sonic attributes of the AMR ‘house recordings. The addition of a high-quality discrete FET driver and output stages and a second JitterBug can be used in parallel to sound’, which above all is geared to provide analogue volume control allows use as a precision four-gang ALPS potentiometer. the first. With or without anything plugged long‑term musical satisfaction. Prices, a multi-functional digital and analogue Seven digital inputs and three analogue into the second JitterBug, it’s possible to depending on the model, start just under preamplifier, which can be connected direct outputs plus XLR, RCA, and headphone achieve a meaningful improvement in the €3,999 per unit (including VAT). to a power amp or active speakers. Finally, outputs provide numerous connection overall sound of a system. JitterBug can the headphone amp delivers ample drive for options. A remote control and standard also be used on streamers, media players, www.amr-audio.co.uk even the most demanding headphones. power supply are included; the PS-5 network storage devices, and with mobile balanced power supply ($595) is offered as devices into A/V receivers and car stereos. Available now (£395). an upgrade. Price: $1,995; available now. Available now ($49). www.adl-av.com www.audioalchemy.com www.audioquest.com

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ Audio Research Reference CD9 AURALiC ARIES MINI Aurender N10 Music Player/Server AVM MP 5.2 media player Audio Research is known for producing Respected worldwide for leadership in Following recent introductions of the with tube stage some of the most desirable valve-based wireless high-resolution music streaming affordable N100 and N100H, Aurender The AVM MP 5.2 combines a CD Player, DAC, audio components in the world. The firm’s with its ARIES streaming bridge, AURALiC expands its Music Player/Server offerings and Streaming Client into a multifunctional Reference CD9 (£10,998) is a perfect introduces the affordable ARIES MINI, with yet another model, the N10. Housed Media Player, which handles all digital example: a CD player/DAC that fuses the bringing advanced wireless streaming, in a full-sized aluminium casing, the N10 sources and all formats including DSD. The best dedicated CD transport mechanism including Quad-Rate DSD\DXD, to a broader delivers Reference Class performance MP 5.2 has a tube stage with custom-made available—the Philips PRO2R—with DAC market of consumers — literally anyone with a feature set to match. Aurender’s AVM 83T double triodes. The MP 3.2 is technology derived from Audio Research’s with a home audio system. The compact award-winning App for iPads & Android designed with solid state output stages. brilliant Reference DAC, with a tube-based ARIES MINI shares all software and hardware smartphones incorporates dedicated TIDAL TIDAL and other high-resolution streaming analogue output stage that delivers an functions with the original ARIES. lossless streaming integration plus control services are supported. All functions may extraordinarily musical performance. of music from Network Attached Storage be controlled with the AVM App or with the ARIES MINI features a built-in DAC, analogue (NAS) or from an internal 4TB HDD. Playback optional Remote Control RC9. AVM gets an Four digital inputs (including asynchronous outputs, USB input for external flash drives/ is via a 240GB SSD caching drive, providing exclusive delivery of a Pure-CD drive from USB) ensure external digital sources sound HDD/SSD, and room for an easily installed virtually limitless musical enjoyment. TEAC. The DA section handles digital signals just as sublime as CDs slipped into the internal HDD/SSD, making it ideal for anyone Connectivity options include Optical, COAX, and features switchable upsampling rates player’s top-mounted loading bay. Build not wanting to invest in a dedicated DSD BNC, AES/EBU, and USB digital outputs up to 192/24 (or DSD). Standard colours are quality is superb, as expected of this DAC and/or NAS drive. Also new is an easy, to ensure the highest performance from silver and black; the traditional AVM chrome illustrious brand. Finally, quality-conscious step-by-step NAS Set-Up Guide on its App any DAC. A full-linear power supply plus front is available as an optional extra. listeners seeking a more affordable solution for iPad\Android smartphones. European damped and isolated audio circuitry deliver www.avm-audio.com will find ARC’s CD6 delivers much of its big availability: Late September. Prices: £349 exceptional audio fidelity. Available now brother’s magic at a lower price point… (includes 19% VAT)\€499 (includes 20% VAT). worldwide: ($7,999) www.audioresearch.com; www.auralic.com www.aurender.com UK distributor, www.absolutesounds.com

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ Ayre Acoustics, Inc. Codex Bel Canto Designs Black three- Benchmark Media Systems B.M.C. PureMedia headphone amplifier/preamp/DAC chassis digital audio system DAC2 DX multi-function media server/ Hand-built in Boulder, Colorado, the Black is a high performance integrated Benchmark Media Systems’ newest storage management system multifaceted Codex features twenty years three‑chassis digital amplification system DAC2‑series D/A converter is the DAC2 PureMedia is a single-chassis component of Ayre’s keystone technologies in the most whose signal path maintains signal source DX with native DSD and PCM conversion. that provides an integrated media- affordable package the firm has ever offered. accuracy entirely in the digital domain, This latest model has six digital inputs (two solution for audiophiles (and videophiles). Delivering the complete emotional impact of without loss or coloration. The system SPDIF coaxial, two TOSlink optical, one Functionality, playback quality, and your music as the artist intended, the Codex comprises the ASC1 controller and MPS1 USB, and one AES/EBU XLR). The DAC2 DX completeness of features are outstanding. stands as the perfect foundation for your monoblock amplifiers. The ASC1 is the includes dual stereo output buses, offering system. Equally adept as a headphone amp, controller/master clock that manages all independent fixed or variable gain settings. PureMedia can be used to: digital preamp, or stand alone USB/Toslink system analogue and digital inputs, volume The DAC2 DX a 126dB signal to noise • Store music, photos, movies, or other DAC, the fully-balanced, zero-feedback Codex control and other functions, including ration and maintains at least 3.5 wwdB media via a standard 2TB drive. includes two digital inputs, balanced and Ethernet rendering and custom FIR filters. of headroom in the entire conversion • Play music through outboard DACs or single-ended headphone outputs on the The ACS1 handles DSD64 files and PCM/ system, avoiding clipping caused by inter- other playback devices via USB, HDMI, or front as well as balanced and single-ended DXD files up to 24/384, and provides a low sample overs common in digital recordings. digital outputs. variable outputs on the back. The estimated phase‑noise 40-femtosecond clock. Each Features include: sample-rate display, • Watch movies from PureMedia in fantastic retail for the Codex in the UK is £1395; MPS1 incorporates a ULN clock, a fully word-length display, three stereo analogue video quality while listening through your available now. balanced high dynamic-range DAC, and a outputs, digital pass-through function, dual audio or AV system. custom NCore amplifier delivering up to output 0-ohm HPA2 headphone amplifier, • Make photo shows with PureMedia, or www.ayre.com 1200 Watt into 2 Ohms. Solid aluminium asynchronous USB, hybrid gain control, show smartphone media via PureMedia. chassis are used throughout. System price: 12V trigger, and an optional IR remote. • Stream content via Wi-Fi or use PureMedia $50,000; available now. Price: $1,895; available now. as a Wi-Fi access. • Enjoy add-ons for internet radio and video www.belcantoblack.com www.benchmarkmedia.com and music services. • Rip media via an external drive. • Contr­ol PureMedia via an app for smart­ phones, tablets, or desktop computers. www.bmc-audio.de

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ Bricasti Design M1 DAC Cambridge Audio Azur 851N Chord Electronics Hugo TT DAC Computer Audio Design The M1 digital-to-analogue converter is a network music player Chord Electronics’ Hugo redefined the CAD 1543 MKII DAC unique fully balanced dual mono design. The Azur 851N is the flagship network music portable DAC/amp genre and the new Computer Audio Design is a UK audio Each analogue channel has its own linear player from London based audio specialists Hugo TT takes the groundbreaking formula company that concentrates on getting the power supply plus a third supply that Cambridge Audio. even further. The TT is bigger and better most natural, analogue-sounding music provides isolation and power for the digital sounding than its mobile stable mate possible. We manufacture the 1543 DAC, processing section. Precision clocking for The 851N offers extensive digital connectivity and offers a host of additional features the CAD Audio Transport (CAT), and the each channel is done directly at each DAC and playback of all popular codecs up to and connectivity. CAD USB Cable, and our products are made by DDS (direct digital synthesis), which takes lossless 24-bit/192kHz files over wired by hand in the UK. Our 1543 DAC came clock-induced jitter to immeasurable levels. or wireless networks, delivering ultimate Crucially, Hugo TT’s larger chassis introduces out four years ago and was one of the first The M1 offers five digital inputs; 2 × SPDIF, performance whatever the source. Twin remote control, an LED display and XLR USB-only DACs on the market. We are just AES, and USB for complete flexibility for AD1955 DACs, a 32-bit Blackfin DSP, a outputs. In addition, the Hugo TT has releasing the new upgraded 1543 MKII DAC any system, and comes complete with an high‑end digital preamplifier, and a large double the battery storage of the Hugo and for £7,250. We do things a bit differently integrated digital level control and remote, and fully linear power supply guarantee packs 10m microfarads of SuperCap energy and do not believe in oversampling, 32-bit and can be used as a line-level preamplifier class leading performance, while the unique storage, improving sound quality. depth, 352.8KHz sampling rates, filters, etc. for direct drive to the user’s power amps. ATF2 Audio Upsampling system intelligently Please take a look at our website and read The M1 supports PCM sample rates up to upsamples all inputs to 24-bit/384kHz, The Hugo TT supports 32-bit/384kHz audio the reviews. A lot of people think we are 384k and DSD 128. List price is $8995. virtually eliminating jitter. via coax and USB, and 24-bit/192kHz over doing a pretty good job. optical, plus DSD64 on all inputs and DSD128 www.bricasti.com www.computeraudiodesign.com The 851N supports instant streaming with via coax or USB (DoP). It also benefits Spotify Connect, Apple Airplay or aptX from a high-quality galvanically isolated Bluetooth, and effortless operation via the asynchronous B-type USB connection. Cambridge Connect App or 4.3” colour Price: £2,995; available now. display, bringing hi-end hi-fi systems into www.chordelectronics.co.uk the digital age.

Available now for £1199.95 https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/ products/851/851n

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ Constellation Audio Cygnus DAC/ Copland DA 215 Cyrus Qx upsampling DAC Dan D’Agostino Master server/digital file player Founded in the mid-1980s by Olé Möller, module upgrade Audio Systems Momentum Constellation components are created the Danish firm Copland has earned a Cyrus is pleased to announce that the Qx Lifestyle Amplifier by a high-end dream team, including loyal following among the global audio card upsampling DAC module is available Few designers have earned the almost distinguished designers like John Curl, fraternity for components that combine as an in-store upgrade to the 8₂ DAC, universal respect afforded to Dan D’Agostino, Bascom King, Peter Madnick, and Demian beautiful, minimalist Scandinavian design Stream XP₂ and Pre₂ DAC. the legendary founder of Krell. He launched Martin, and assembled by two of the and thoroughly engaging sound. Its latest the first product under his own name – the founders of the world-famous turntable creation is the DA 215, a deliciously The Qx DAC is a circuit board of made up of Dan D’Agostino Momentum Monoblock – in manufacturer Continuum. The Cygnus is part retro‑looking high-resolution DAC, preamp, audiophile digital and analogue components, 2010; five years later comes the Momentum of the company’s mid-level Performance and valve-driven headphone amp priced which converts your digital sources to Lifestyle Amplifier, or MLife for short. Series and is available in two forms: a at £1,798. analogue in the highest possible resolution. straightforward DAC (£27,500) and a DAC/ Based on the 200W-per-channel Momentum Server (£32,900), the latter incorporating a At its core is the peerless 32-bit ESS Sabre Although it processes the best 24-bit files in Integrated Amplifier, the MLife adds digital file player. 9018 DAC chip, fed with digital audio high resolution, the Qx DAC makes the most streaming capabilities including Bluetooth signals via an asynchronous USB input, of any input you supply it with. Whatever the and Apple AirPlay, with support for music As expected of Constellation, Cygnus is the which accepts both PCM and DSD files, and resolution of the incoming digital source, the services like Tidal and vTuner internet radio, result of exemplary science and engineering, three S/ PDIF inputs. There’s an analogue Qx DAC takes that signal and upsamples it all controlled via a proprietary iOS/Android delivering a level of performance that places input, too, plus fixed and variable analogue to the highest 192kHz resolution, meaning it app. Beautifully designed and built by hand, it firmly at the top table of high-end audio. outputs. The preamp section includes an will improve the sound of all your connected MLife is the perfect amplifier for those who Discerning music fans that demand (and can analogue volume control, while the Class digital sources. wish to include streaming in their daily afford) the very best audio equipment for A output stage is derived from Copland’s musical diet, but without the merest whiff of their digital music collections should look much‑admired CDA 825 CD player. Available from approved Cyrus retailers now. sonic compromise. no further. www.copland.dk; www.cyrusaudio.com Projected retail pricing is expected to be www.constellationaudio.com; UK distributor, www.absolutesounds.com around £45,000. UK distributor, www.absolutesounds.com www.dandagostino.com; UK distributor, www.absolutesounds.com

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ darTZeel LHC-208 integrated dCS launches new Rossini Player Densen Dino DAC Devialet Phantom & Silver Phantom amplifier/DAC/streamer and DAC The Danish high-end manufacturer Densen wireless sound centres The Swiss firm darTZeel proudly dCS has launched the new Rossini series will, in late October, introduce the first Devialet, a Paris-based high-end audio announces its new LHC-208, which the – designed to make superb sounding product in Densen’s new Dino range: the equipment brand, this year launched two company describes as a “danalogue” music from any digital source. A complete Dino DAC. The first thing that catches the versions of its Phantom wireless sound amplifier—a component designed to fill digital front end, the £15,000 Rossini eyes is the width of the cabinet, which is centre, which has received 88 patents the gab between conventional DACs and DAC and £18,000 Rossini Player set the half that of a normal Densen product. Next and 45 awards. Phantom took a team of high‑performance integrated amps. new performance standard for single-box the touch display really stands out, but as leading product designers 10 years of R&D, digital systems. usual for Densen the focus is on the internal resulting in breakthrough technologies such First and foremost, the LHC-208 is a qualities. The Dino DAC, combines the as ADH®, SAM® and HBI®. Despite complex 200W-per-channel darTZeel integrated Rossini Player and DAC feature an array of absolute latest in digital technology as DSD engineering on the inside, the compact, amplifier that delivers the exceptional level digital audio inputs and are able to stream and 384/32, with top notch analogue circuits, semi-spherical Phantom exudes elegant of performance expected of the brand. But music over UPnP, from streaming services based on a Class A preamp stage, using simplicity on the outside. this is more than an integrated amp; it’s also such as TIDAL™, from Apple devices via Densen’s unique non-feedback technology. a network audio player, designed to stream Airplay™, and via industry-standard USB, AES, The result is a sound that is liquid, detailed, Phantom creates the ultimate sound with no digital music over Ethernet and deliver it and S/PDIF digital inputs. Rossini Player adds and transparent, while still maintaining distortion, no saturation, and no background with a sound quality to match the very best an integral Compact Disc transport. the musicality for which Densen enjoys noise, from 16Hz to 25kHz. Offering power, that high-end analogue audio can offer. worldwide renown. The Densen Dino DAC precision, and unmatched musicality, With darTZeel’s unique Smart Clock system Designed for flexibility without compromise, will retail for £2,195. Phantom is the first sub-£2000 sound centre helping to optimize performance, this is both DAC and Player deliver excellent that is totally wireless (Wi-Fi and Stereo www.densen.dk digital streaming at its finest. performance by using the very latest dCS Bluetooth™). Prices: Phantom, 750 W, Digital Processing Platform and Ring DAC™ 99 dB – £1,390; Silver Phantom, 3000 W, The projected retail price is expected to be technology, originally developed for the 105 dB – £1,690. around £14,000. Vivaldi series. www.devialet.com www.dartzeel.com Available September 2015. UK distributor: www.absolutesounds.com www.dcsltd.co.uk

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ Digibit Aria Mini music server EMM Labs DA2 DAC EXOGAL Ion Digital Amplifier Hegel HD30 DAC/AirPlay- As “one stop” music solutions, new The DA2 is EMM Labs next generation Presenting the EXOGAL Ion Digital compatible streamer Aria Minis are remarkable digital audio flagship DAC. Ed Meitner has once again Amplifier, the long-awaited companion The new full size reference DAC from Hegel servers. Minis include auto CD ripping, created a DAC that significantly improves on to the amazing Comet DAC. The Ion is launches late this year and presents digital to metadata search (including album art), transparency, accuracy, and overall sound a specialized high‑performance digital analog conversion at a level higher than ever indexing, and internal storage. The custom quality. Along with completely redesigning amplifier designed to integrate fully with before. Developing a DAC that offers more hardware/software combo populates up to the analog stages for greater performance, the Comet using the proprietary EXONet than simply fitting the best components off 18 metadata fields by searching multiple Ed’s proprietary MDAC™ is now the world’s interface. The Ion requires no new remotes the shelf means creating totally new designs. on-line databases. In addition to internal first true fully discrete DSD1024/16×DSD D/A or separate smart‑phone apps. The Comet storage, streaming may occur from Ethernet converter. Our multi-award winning MDAT2™ & Ion combination makes an outstanding In the project of the HD30 we went as far drives, USB, and even “linked” hard drives DSP has also been updated and now does Power DAC, providing 250 WPC (into 4Ω) or as to improve even the world’s best Audio within a Wi-Fi router network. real-time transient detection, processing 125 WPC (into 8Ω). Precision measuring equipment, to detect and up-conversion of both PCM and DSD to the minute changes in phase. Understanding The Mini requires an iPad (not included), DSD1024/16xDSD. Every other system from Available October 2015 worldwide. that modern people want to combine is fanless, supports on-board storage to its proprietary jitter removal MFAST™ to Price $3,250 ($4,500 w/ Power Supply excellent sound with flexibility and ease of 2TB, and includes a DAC for PCM files up to its super accurate clock, MCLK™ has been Upgrade). use, the HD30 also offers certified Apple 32 bit/384 kHz (DXD) and DSD64/DSD128. carefully revised for better sound. The DA2 AirPlay, streaming with Hegel’s improved www.exogal.com Mini is compatible with AirPlay™ and DLNA™ will be shipping in late fall, MSRP is $25,000 re‑clocking and digital signal treatment. and has search parameters unequalled by and up depending on options and finish. the competition. Like the original Aria, no PC The HD30 will launch before Christmas 2015, www.emmlabs.com is required! with an estimated retail price of $5000. www.hegel.com Price: £2,295. Available now. UK distributor: Auden Distribution, [email protected]; US distributor: Source systems Ltd., [email protected]. ariamusicserver.com/index.php/aria-mini

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ iFi iDAC2 - True Native PCM384/ Krell Digital Vanguard Leema Acoustics Libra LH Labs Geek Out V2 USB DAC DXD/DSD256 DAC/headamp Integrated Amplifier DAC/ preamp & Headphone Amplifier The micro iDAC2 is iFi Audio’s latest digital- Krell continues its legacy with the Digital The ex-BBC team at Leema Acoustics in Geek Out V2 is a portable DAC and to-analogue converter. As it uses the same Vanguard integrated amplifier, combining Wales has launched its most advanced headphone amplifier that connects to Burr‑Brown chipset as the Nano and Micro the company’s advanced power amplifier product to date: the Libra DAC/preamp your computer or mobile device through iDSD, it handles PCM384/DXD/DSD256 technology, a fully discrete Class A (£5,995). Based around Leema’s (future- a USB port. Designed with the same natively. It runs Class A with an analogue preamplifier, and state-of-the-art digital I/O. upgradable and field-replaceable) fully principle in mind that was used with our circuit using Elna Silmic II capacitors, TDK balanced Quattro Infinity dual-mono DAC original Geek Out, the latest iteration C0G capacitors, and Vishay MELF resistors – The stereo amplifier’s 750 VA toroidal modules, the Libra’s inputs offer unrivalled plays real 32‑bit/384 kHz PCM audio and the iDAC2 has them all. It even has a 3.5mm transformer and 80,000 microfarads of connectivity for the digital age: three coaxial DSD128 natively. headphone output so it is equally adept at storage capacitance help effortlessly drive and three optical (24-bit/192kHz/DSD home or on the road. It has an S/PDIF output 200W per channel. The current mode 64); two I2S via RJ45 (24-bit/384kHz, DXD, Geek Out V2 fully complies with the USB 2.0 for streaming to an A/V amplifier. All this preamplifier provides the wide bandwidth DSD64/128); two AES/EBU (24-bit/192kHz Audio Specification making it plug-and-play comes in one cigarillo-sized, sandblasted necessary to pass high resolution PCM and and DSD64); plus one asynchronous USB on USB 2.0 devices with drivers available for aluminium case that sonically, punches well DSD audio sources with unfettered detail (24-bit/384kHz, DXD, DSD64/128). non-compliant operating systems. Featuring above its class. Price €395 (incl VAT). and resolution. multiple gain settings of 100mW, 450mW Libra is also an advanced analogue preamp, & 1000mW, Geek Out V2 lets you choose www.ifi-audio.com But it’s the Digital Vanguard digital module with three separate analogue inputs offering your power output to best match your that sets it apart, including USB, HDMI, both balanced and unbalanced connections; headphones or sensitive IEM’s. Geek Out V2 coax, and optical digital inputs. Users can the entire signal path, both digital and is now available for $299. stream music to the device from Bluetooth analogue, is fully balanced. There’s also a www.lhlabs.com sources—like phones, tablets or computers— high-quality headphone amp and Bluetooth or they can use dedicated iOS and Android connectivity for simple connection to tablets, apps to stream Ethernet music. Price: $5,999. smartphones, and compatible digital devices. Available now. Available now. www.krellonline.com www.leema-acoustics.com

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ Light Harmonic Da Vinci DAC MKII Lindemann musicbook: 20/25 Linn Series 5 Systems Lumin D1 network music player Back in 2011, Light Harmonic introduced In November 2015 Lindemann will release Linn’s new Series 5 Systems represent a Lumin’s D1 network music player is now the world’s first 32-bit/384 kHz digital-to- its next substantial firmware update for revolutionary concept in high-performance, in global distribution. D1 was developed analogue converter. In 2013, they upped the musicbook: 20/25 network player. As customisable music systems, delivering from flagship products to reach audiophiles the ante with the release of Da Vinci Dual one of the first in the world, the German world-class sound in a package that can seeking excellence at reasonable cost. The DAC, the world’s first dual engine PCM + manufacturer thereby swings aboard the be personalised to complement any décor, D1 provides native decoding of PCM 44.1/16 DSD DAC, called Da Vinci Dual DAC. Now, in “airable” train. This new internet radio and while optimising performance for the up to 32/384 DXD and DSD audio files. 2015, Light Harmonic has released the next podcast software enables network players characteristics of your room and placement Proprietary application technology is used logical step in the evolution of the world’s to access multiple music streaming services. of your speakers. for PCM to DSD & DSD to PCM conversion. highest-achieving DAC. Da Vinci DAC MKII From the start, Lindemann will support TIDAL PCM audio may be up-sampled to 24/192. includes the same dual DAC technology as and DEEZER, both offering music streaming Comprising a Linn network music player and In addition to network, Airplay, Internet its predecessor, but it takes performance in FLAC 44.1/16 (CD quality); other services loudspeakers with integrated, fully Aktiv radio and flash playback, D1 is integrated up a notch by decoding PCM music files will follow. The free web update feature is amplification and Exakt electronics on board, with Tidal and QOBUZ audio streaming. Dual with up to 768 kHz sample rates in true compatible with all musicbook: 20/25-series Linn Series 5 Systems offer unparalleled mono Wolfson DACs are included with fully 32‑bit depth while also decoding all DSD players delivered so far. Besides the musical accuracy within a compact, balanced and unbalanced audio outputs. The files up to 11.289 MHz (DSD256). Pricing: streaming function, musicbook: 20 (€3,500) elegant design that has the power of larger Lumin control “App” is freely provided for To be announced. and musicbook: 25 (€3,900) offer, among separates systems. iPad and other devices. Price: £1,595. other features, a fully balanced control www.lightharmonic.com UK distributor: amplifier and a class A headphone output; As well as enabling truly linear-phase Select Audio, [email protected]; the musicbook: 25 also has a CD drive. loudspeakers, Linn’s ground-breaking Exakt technology also allows each speaker to US distributor: Source Systems Ltd., www.lindemann-audio.de be uniquely tuned to the Fabrik covering [email protected]. you choose, enabling unprecedented www.luminmusic.com levels of aesthetic customisation, without performance compromises. Available now from £9,250. www.linn.co.uk

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ M2Tech Joplin MKII Meridian DSP320 DSP-controlled Metrum Acoustics DACs featuring MOON by Simaudio 780D DAC analogue‑to‑digital converter in‑wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker Transient technology The MOON Evolution 780D elevates digital Joplin MKII is a new A/D converter providing Meridian’s DSP320 DSP-controlled All Engineering (AE) is primarily known audio to an all new level through the use 384 kHz sampling & 32 bits of resolution loudspeaker is designed for in-ceiling/ for its brand Metrum Acoustics, which of a fully balanced differential design that is ideal for digitizing your LPs (or tapes), in‑wall use, bringing Meridian performance launched its first NOS (non-oversampling) with two DAC chips, each having 16 DAC or outputting the digital file with extreme to any room, discretely. DSP320 is voiced DAC by using industrial chipsets. To get more circuits that can decode all digital audio detail and dimension. An aux S/PDIF input for use with any Meridian DSP loudspeaker independence AE decided to create its own formats (including native DSD quad and allows for re-using the digital connection for or in-wall. Particular care has been taken DAC chips, also available for OEMs, under the PCM 32‑bit / 384kHz). The heir apparent to a digital source as well as for redirecting the to minimise the speaker’s visual impact on “Transient” brand name. Forward correction the world-class MOON 750D, the 780D will output from a digital source to a computer. its environment, with installation options techniques guarantee real 24-bit resolution unleash dynamics and detail that you never A proprietary FPGA provides a seamless including “frameless” and “bezeled” grills. for high-end products such as Metrum’s thought existed in your digital audio files. connection between the ADC IC and USB Optimised for sound quality, the paintable flagship “Pavane” DAC. However, Transient port. The analogue stage is based on the best metal grills further reducing visual impact technology is not only available for state of Digital inputs include our MiND network PGA (Programmable Gain Amplifier) available on the room. the art products, but is also incorporated player, allowing native DSD streaming on the market and allows gain as high as in Metrum’s new and affordable “Musette” over Ethernet, and access to TIDAL. Other 65dB. A comprehensive set of equalization In addition to Meridian’s full compliment DAC. Compared to typical oversampling internal features include our MOON Hybrid curves can be selected, to accommodate all of DSP processing and unique wide-range DACs the presentation is organic and Power: a new, ultra-high performance LP formats used from 1925 to present day. driver technology, the DSP320 features a natural—perhaps as close to fine analogue power supply and a modular design to help long-throw “racetrack” woofer for extended as digital can get. Pavane and Musette are make this revolutionary DAC future-proof. UK distributor: Purité Audio, bass, and dynamic range that is perfect for just the beginning of an entire new range of Price: $15,000; available now. [email protected]; today’s high-resolution music. It delivers full Metrum product. www.simaudio.com US distributor: Source Systems Ltd., DSP loudspeaker performance in a compact www.metrum-acoustics.com [email protected]. design, and is MQA-ready. Price: £1,500 per speaker; available now. www.transient-audio.nl www.m2tech.biz www.meridian-audio.com

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ NAD Masters M12 +BluOS Nagra HD DAC Naim Audio NAC-N 272 digital/ Optoma NuForce DDA120 digital multifunction digital preamp/DAC Nagra’s HD DAC sets a new level for natural analogue preamplifier integrated amplifier NAD’s M12 +BluOS combines network media sound and definition. The Naim NAC-N 272 combines the latest Optoma NuForce announces its DDA120 client, preamp, ADC, DAC, and electronic innovations in digital audio technology with digital integrated amplifier, which accepts crossover, into one easily operated and The digital sector uses technology developed classic analogue preamplifier engineering. analogue, digital, and Bluetooth audio sonically transparent component. Radical for professional music studios. Its circuits, It samples the best of both worlds to from computers, consumer entertainment all-digital topology boasts 60dB of digital that adopt the DSD 2X (Direct Stream Digital create an immensely musical hi-fi system. products, and streaming devices. It’s perfect headroom and 130dB of dynamic range, 128) standard, were developed in association Handcrafted in Salisbury, England to take you for those who demand great sound with pure allowing the M12 to create ‘ideal’ preamp with Andreas Koch, the pioneering engineer beyond sound, for a completely immersive simplicity. The versatile DDA120 provides functions like volume, tone controls, and of the DSD format. music experience. The 272 combines one analogue input (via RCA jacks), four crossover filters using DSP—all integrated an all-analogue Naim preamplifier with digital inputs (one USB, one coaxial, and into the DAC for minimum path lengths. The analogue section is also the object of a high‑resolution UPnP(™) streaming, Spotify® two optical), plus an expansion slot for the Network audio is delivered by BluOS™ superlative approach. Thanks to the quality Connect, Bluetooth® (aptX), DAB/FM/iRadio, NuForce BTR1 Bluetooth receiver dongle. with its music management solution that of the signals supplied by the digital circuits, multiple wired inputs, multiroom capability, integrates local high-res music libraries the traditional steep slope filters have been and app control for your iOS or Android The DDA120 packs enough power to drive with music services like Spotify and Tidal, eliminated. The consequence of this is the device. Suggested retail price: £3,300. a majority of home speakers with superb all controlled via a smart device App. preservation of transients and harmonics. dynamics and transparency, delivering a www.naimaudio.com MC/ MM Phono and balanced audio are Nagra’s engineers blessed this section with robust 50Wrms/250W peak power output supported in addition to every flavour of all the refinements: Ultra high performance per channel. With its multi-functionality digital connectivity, including some not yet drivers, hand-wound transformers, and and affordable price, the DDA120 is the invented! Modular Design Construction a tube driven output stage. 25 precision only device you’ll need to run your home allows future upgrades. Price: £3,699; ultra‑low-noise internal power supplies entertainment setup without breaking the available now. drive the unit. bank. Price: $699; available now. www.nadelectronics.com www.nagraaudio.com www.optomausa.com/soundproduct/ DDA120

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ Peachtree Audio shift USB DAC Primare Hi-Res Streaming App PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC Quad Artera Play and Headphone Amplifier The Hi-Res Streaming App completes PS Audio announces the NuWave DSD DAC, The British firm Quad marks its 79th year Shift is a USB DAC, which provides native Primare’s suite of digital playback offerings, successor to the popular NuWave DAC. The with an all-new range of audio components decoding of PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz already including the Primare App and NuWave DSD adds DSD capability (single- called Artera. First out of the blocks this and DSD 64/128 files. It is small, lightweight, Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to and double-rate) to PCM inputs up to 192/32 autumn is the Artera Play (£1,400): a and battery powered and makes an ideal enjoy the full range of today’s digital listening from any digital source including I2S, coax CD player, DAC, and preamplifier combined travel companion to enjoy music “on‑the‑go” options. The app enables playback of and USB. Toslink is limited to 96 kHz; DSD can in a single elegant chassis, designed in while getting the best sound from your high‑resolution streaming services through be input via USB or I2S. consultation with Rodney Mead—the man headphones. Shift has two USB inputs; one any of Primare’s network-enabled digital responsible for the styling of many classic that works with iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, devices, including the NP30 network player, NuWave DSD accepts all signals without Quad products. iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5 and iPod MM30 media board, and PRE60 reference Sample Rate Conversion (SRC), processes touch (5th generation) and another that preamplifier. Services initially supported through a CPLD (Complex Programmable Artera Play is the first Quad component works with most Android devices and include Deezer and Tidal, with more to be Logic Device), and decodes using a 32-bit to incorporate the peerless 32-bit ESS personal computers (Mac/Windows). Shift added in the future via simple updates. ESS Sabre Hyperstream chip. A massive Sabre DAC chip. The asynchronous USB can even “top-up” the battery in iOS devices Compatible with both iOS and Android, it’s power supply and a unique, fully balanced input supports high-resolution PCM files to and includes a fixed output mode for use FREE (download available from the App Store Class-A output stage ensure a seamless 3-D 32-bit/384kHz resolutions and is also DSD as a stand-alone DAC in a hi-fi system. and Google Play), requiring only an account soundstage, and sound quality hand-tuned compatible, while the analogue preamp Shift becomes available in September, with the preferred music service to realize and voiced by Paul McGowan. section is a balanced Class A design. Artera priced $349 SRP. the pure sound of Primare hi-res streaming. Play is design to partner with the Artera Available January 2016, free of charge. NuWave DSD performs well above its price- Stereo power amp, which uses Quad’s www.peachtreeaudio.com point of £1,150; products are available now. famous Current Dumping technology. www.primare.net www.psaudio.com www.quad-hifi.co.uk

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ Questyle QP1R High-Resolution Schiit Audio Gungnir Multibit DAC Soulution 760 DAC Trinnov Audio Altitude32 Audio Player At $1249, Gungnir Multibit brings the Soulution is pleased to announce its new high‑end AV preamp Questyle Audio proudly announces its high- acclaimed multibit technology of Schiit 760 D/A converter, featuring top-class D/A Trinnov Audio released a High-End AV resolution portable digital audio player Audio’s flagship Yggdrasil DAC to a more converter stages, an ultra-precise clock Preamp that will satisfy the most demanding (DAP), the QP1R. The QP1R is able to natively affordable price point. With the only time- generator, and preamplifier grade analogue audiophiles and home theatre enthusiasts. process DSD and Double DSD as “TRUE DSD”, and frequency-domain optimized digital output stages that translate every music The Altitude32 provides the same benefits as well as PCM up to 24/192KHz, via the filter running on an Analog Devices SHARC detail in the analogue world. The versatile as Trinnov’s High-End Preamplifier Amethyst, Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC chip. Questyle’s processor, four medical/military multi-bit 760 provides five digital inputs, including and more. patented, fully discrete Pure Class A “Current DACs in a hardware balanced configuration, AES/EBU, SPDIF, Optical, USB inputs, and Mode” amplifier completely eliminates any and discrete JFET output buffers, Gungnir LAN connectivity. Trinnov’s acclaimed Optimizer technology Transient Intermodulation Distortion (TIMD), Multibit delivers a significant percentage is included to ensure accurate playback. delivering a sound that’s richer and more of Yggdrasil’s performance. In addition, The DSP based USB and LAN inputs get Its unrivalled power ensures true-to-source detailed, yet powerful. With an extremely Gungnir Multibit incorporates Adapticlock™ synchronised on the ultra-precise, internal reproduction with native 24-bit/192 kHz low 0.15 Ohm output impedance and user- regeneration, a unique technology that master clock and ensure optimal reception digital audio processing, without any adjustable gain, the player has the ability to assesses the quality of the incoming digital of all high-resolution music formats: PCM down-sampling and 64-bits floating- drive anything from the most finicky in-ear signal and routes it to the best possible (16-bit/32kHz to 24-bit/192kHz), and point resolution. monitors (IEM) to the most power hungry regeneration technique—VCXO or VCO. DSD (1bit/2.82 MHz) and double DSD headphones with dynamics and authority. Finally, Gungnir’s modular, fully upgradable (1bit/5.62 MHz). The Altitude32 is available in four different This is why the QP1R is in a class of its own. construction—unique at the price—means configurations and is upgradable. Starting Price: $899. Available now. that owners of current Gungnirs can upgrade The 760 DAC uses a polynom-based with 8 channels, the Altitude32 can drive to Gungnir Multibit for $500. upsampling algorithm, digital filters with traditional 7.1 surround sound systems, but www.questyleaudio.com apodizing characteristics, and Soulution’s the channel count can go up to 32 channels www.schiit.com/products/ innovative Zero-Phase-Technology to ensure with active-crossovers and 3D sound formats. perfect treatment of the digital data for best audiophile results. Trinnov Audio released the Altitude32 at the end of 2014. Prices start at £14,950. www.soulution-audio.com www.trinnov.com/products/home-theater/ altitude32

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+ Wadia di122 DAC Wyred 4 Sound Íntimo headphone A leader in high-performance digital audio amp/DAC from Wyred 4 Sound since 1988, Wadia Digital continues to push The Íntimo is a sonic tour-de-force for the technical and sonic boundaries in its quest to discriminating headphone music lover. give music lovers the best possible listening From the start, we knew two things were a experience from digital sources. Inside must: a high-output Class A amplifier and a its classy aluminium and glass casing, the reference-level DAC for hi-res PCM and DSD HEAR, HERE company’s entry-level di122 DAC (£1,598), files. Other features will include an analogue contains sophisticated D/A circuitry to make volume control, touch-sensitive buttons as Get HiFi+ each month the most of a wide range of audio formats. well as balance, phase, and tone controls. All of this comes in a beautiful, custom Print, Digital, iPad or Android editions An asynchronous USB input accepts PCM chassis perfect for hi-fi rack or desktop. files up to 32-bit/384kHz, while two coaxial inputs and a pair of optical inputs accept Two Íntimo versions will be available: data up to 24-bit/192kHz. The USB input single‑ended or fully balanced. Both will is also compatible with DSD64, DSD128, boast multiple digital inputs, and in the DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz files, tradition of Wyred 4 Sound, an affordable while variable balanced XLR and single- price. Projected availability: Fall/Winter ended RCA analogue outputs, plus a high- 2015. Estimated price: $1,000–$2,000. performance headphone output, add to the Photo is of the demo unit; appearance is DAC’s flexibility. subject to change. www.wadia.com wyred4sound.com UK distributor: www.absolutesounds.com

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT www.hifiplus.comGUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: WHAT’S NEXT HI-FI+

HIFI+ magazine generic advert_2015_A4.indd 1 28/10/2015 11:27

MASTER DESIGNERS: DIGITAL AUDIO EQUIPMENT

HI-FI+ INTERVIEWS TWELVE INFLUENTIAL DIGITAL AUDIO DESIGNERS ON THE ART AND SCIENCE OF THEIR CRAFT

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS HI-FI+ Scott Berry, Computer Audio Design (CAD)

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in One of the parameters that I feel correlates digital audio design? to sound quality is the impulse response of Scott Berry: I am an electrical engineer the DAC. An impulse response is obtained and did a fair amount of high-speed digital when you send a single sample digital 0dB design in my previous jobs for Tektronix and (maximum output) input into a DAC and Xerox. I started up Computer Audio Design then look at the output on an oscilloscope. after moving to the UK from the States. I’ve A resistor ladder Non Over Sampling (NOS) always had an interest in music and spent DAC, as used in our 1543 DAC, has an almost my very first earnings on audio equipment perfect impulse response with almost no (a Nakamichi 480 cassette deck) when I was pre or post ringing. In my experience this just 16. I bought quite a few CD players over measurement appears to correlate quite the years, but I have always preferred my well with obtaining a more natural sound turntable for serious listening. To my ear, one quality. One of the perceived downsides of of the biggest issues that I consistently find NOS design is that an output sinewave is with CD players is the inability to reproduce “stepped” and produces a high measured upper frequencies accurately. So I started THD. In my experience high THD in this case working on a DAC design for myself (as a does not correlate to poor sound quality. hobby) to try to understand the issues and If you connect an oscilloscope to a music get a sound quality that I preferred. signal, what you see has very little to do with a test sine wave. In my opinion, designing When you are developing top-tier digital DACs that can output “perfect” sine waves audio products, which performance with low THD does not alone ensure the best parameters do you think have the greatest sound quality. overall impact on sound quality? Many of the audio DAC designers today There is no single magical part in any focus on producing DACs that have low Computer Audio Design product that makes total harmonic distortion (THD) with test them sound the way they do. That said, I sine wave outputs. While THD is of course do believe strongly in the importance of important, the various techniques to obtain power supplies. My power supply designs these low THD results in output sine waves are fundamental to the 1543 DAC sound (oversampling, filtering) can in my opinion quality. The resistor ladder digital-to- have detrimental effects on sound quality. analogue conversion technology is of course important, but the input interface to the DAC chips, the output stage, vibration control,

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: SCOTT BERRY GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: SCOTT BERRY HI-FI+ and reduction of high frequency noise from the industry. The entire case is made from the AC mains (power conditioning) and laser cut 10mm thick acrylic which I do not internal components within the DAC are all believe any audio manufacturer is doing. We absolutely crucial. There has to be a synergy do not use acrylic just to be different, it is within the whole system. actually vastly more complex and expensive to manufacture than aluminium or other In simple terms, what do you feel sets your metals. We tried using aluminium like most designs and products apart from most other other companies, but acrylic has mechanical ones on the market? and electrical advantages that work The CAD 1543 DAC design is pretty unique. extremely well with our design. Our 1543 DAC uses resistor ladder DAC technology with no oversampling nor any What do you consider your top one or two filtering, which is rare these days. Most other product digital audio design achievements DACs on the market make use of delta-sigma thus far? What makes those products D/A technology along with over-sampling special from your point of view? and filtering. The 1543 DAC is a long-term personal project that we decided to take to commercial We also focus entirely on computer- production. The 1543 DAC as you can see audio because we believe that even a from above is unlike any other DAC on the simple computer connected via USB can market and because of that it sounds unlike out-perform an expensive CD transport any other DAC on the market. It was our connected via S/PDIF. first product, and I am very proud of the numerous positive reviews and awards it The output stage of the 1543 DAC is passive, has won. meaning that that there are no transistors, op amps, or tubes between the output of The CAD USB cable contains proprietary the DAC ICs and the RCA connectors on the filtering technology that was just recently back of the 1543 DAC. The output voltage awarded a patent. I tried hundreds of signal on the RCA connectors comes directly different wire materials and configurations from the current output of the chips passing before I began to get an idea of what is through a single extremely high quality needed. As an industry our understanding resistor made to our specifications. Again, of the requirements of audio USB cable is this is an unusual approach – most DACs in its infancy. What works in the analogue employ active parts in the output stage. interconnect world has little bearing on

The mains power conditioning and high frequency noise reduction in the 1543 DAC Right: CAD’s flagship 1543 MkII DAC (top) and is, I believe, one of the most extensive in companion CAD Audio Transport (bottom)

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: SCOTT BERRY GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: SCOTT BERRY HI-FI+ what happens at USB 2.0 speeds. Think of What are two or three key aspects of all the effort made by audio interconnect digital audio that you wish consumers (and companies out there over the last 30+ years perhaps audio journalists, as well) better working on analogue interconnects! Audio understood? Why? USB cables did not really exist until about There is a massive push right now for 3 or 4 years ago. higher resolution, higher bit rates, higher sampling frequencies, quad rate DSD, higher The name of the company is Computer oversampling. Higher resolution is a good Audio Design, so we are also trying to thing, but it is not without its difficulties. understand the key factors in computers 32-bit? I am not sure how many DACs have a that affect sound quality. You can take the noise floor low enough to fully use 24 bits… same exact software and put it on two There are other factors that influence different computers and the sound quality sound quality in digital audio that to me will be different. So that tells you the seem to be being ignored as a result of the hardware matters. You can change software marketing push for higher resolution formats on a computer and the sound quality and devices. changes. So that tells you software matters. Unfortunately, everything matters. To get Another topic that is often overlooked is computer audio to perform at the highest the impact of cables carrying digital data level is extremely complex! Setting up a on sound quality. This is much better computer to get the very best out of it is like understood than it was two or three years setting up a high end turntable. It takes skill ago, but I still see consumers (and audio and patience. journalists) who think USB/Ethernet/SATA cables do not matter. We have combined everything we know about computer hardware and software Finally, consumers and the industry need in our new CAD Audio Transport, or CAT, to recognise how important computer aimed at making computer audio easy along hardware and software is to sound quality. with offering exceptional sound quality. In If you want to get the best sound quality my opinion, I feel that computer audio will out of your computer it needs to be setup someday produce a level of sound quality just for audio use. You cannot use the beyond anything that has been produced. I am not saying that we are there yet, but I feel the CAD Audio Transport is a step in that direction. Above: CAD Audio Transport

Right: CAD 1543 MkII DAC

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: SCOTT BERRY GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: SCOTT BERRY HI-FI+ computer for surfing the net, for work, or my opinion, for people looking for the best When you listen for personal enjoyment, loaning to your kids to play games on. Some sound quality a dedicated music server with what types of music do you most enjoy? of the improvements to both hardware and locally stored files of CD quality or better I listen to a wide range of music but software are low cost and easy to implement. is the way to go. The great thing about concentrate more on “alternative” folk and computer audio is that you can do it all. rock. My music collection has everything What do you see as the comparative merits from 1960’s rock, Oscar Peterson Jazz, Blues, of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and If you are at liberty to say, what will be Gospel, electronic. Since using piano music DSD digital audio file formats? Which of the next digital audio products from your for testing work I have become a bit of a fan these formats do your top products support company, and when? of Schubert and Chopin. I pretty much enjoy and why? Our next product will concentrate on listening to most things – as long as it’s on a I have talked a bit about this already, but I reducing higher frequency noise, and will be good system! feel higher-than-CD resolution can be a good a passive device that can be used with a wide thing, as long as the digital device playing range of audio components. I have a large CD collection that I have the files can do so properly. The 1543 MKII ripped and I purchase CDs and higher DAC will play PCM natively up to 192KHz. The What do you think the high-performance resolution music on line all the resistor ladder DAC ICs that are used in the digital audio marketplace will look like five time. These days used CDs are 1543 DAC will play DSD over PCM or what is years from now? incredibly inexpensive and called “DoP”. Many people have a substantial We will have many more computer audio the selection is massive on CD collection. The CD format itself was well hardware products on the market; at the Amazon and eBay. conceived, but not always implemented to moment there are only a handful. Today its full potential. One of our aims at CAD is to very small companies or individuals are get the very best out of CD format as well as producing most of the audio playback the higher resolution formats now available. software designed specifically to improve sound quality. I expect larger companies will Consumers can potentially deliver digital start trying to improve sound quality with audio files to their systems in a number software too, and it’s already happening. of ways. How do you assess the relative benefits of streaming devices, dedicated The number of audio streaming providers music servers, or PC-based servers— will increase dramatically, but the big names especially in terms of sound quality? such as Google, Amazon, Apple, and maybe I believe that streaming is probably the Facebook will hold the majority of the future of music playback for many people – market for general quality audio streaming. the convenience and choice is unbelievable. There will be dramatic improvements in Customers will no longer purchase music, sound quality by some streaming companies but subscribe to streaming services that they who will support those customers that are prefer. Recently more effort is being made interested in better sound quality. by streaming companies to improve the sound quality of their services. Even so, in Right: CAD’s sophisticated USB cable

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: SCOTT BERRY GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: SCOTT BERRY HI-FI+ Carlos Candeias of B.M.C. Audio

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in In simple terms, what do you feel sets your digital audio design? designs and products apart from most other Carlos Candeias: In 1983, by some weekend ones the on market? jobs and diplomatic help for buying in the Our designs are very innovative and significantly discounted allied military shops advanced in many ways, with clear benefits in West Berlin, and I’ve got the very first CD for the music listening experience. Our player model “Philips CD100”. It offered the designs benefit from our CI (Current promise of better sound and no more LP Injection) I/V conversion process, our troubles—but it wasn’t really able to deliver! lossless analog volume control, our phase One year later, when I started studying independent non-feedback LEF drivers, electronic engineering in Berlin, I started and—as the final consequence—the DAPC changing DAC sections with pretty satisfying (Digital/Analogue Power Converter) design results. Digital audio design, together with itself. All are unique on the market, providing speaker design, became kind of a living for better performance on any domain. me, and two years later in 1986 I founded my first audio company. What do you consider your top one or two digital audio product design achievements When you are developing top-tier digital thus far? What makes those products audio products, which performance special from your point of view? parameters do you think have the greatest The DAPC enables us to have a DAC output overall impact on sound quality? even on the speaker level if required, without Every single stage within a digital component any need for preamplifiers, gain stages, lossy provides its own kind of sound benefit if volume controls, overall feedback loops, etc. designed well. But, besides optimizing single This changes the paradigm of how to design stages, you need new overall concepts for future systems, and how to tie digital and breaking old barriers. analog domains to each other. Years before, our distinctive “Superlink” digital interface The DAC chip itself is overrated in public did set benchmarks for CD players. discussions concerning its sonic significance.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CARLOS CANDEIAS GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CARLOS CANDEIAS HI-FI+ What are two or three key aspects of What do you see as the comparative merits “fluent” and “analogue-like”. But nothing If you are at liberty to say, what will be digital audio that you wish consumers (and of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and is for free: DSD’s need for noise shaping the next digital audio products from your perhaps audio journalists, as well) better DSD digital audio file formats? Which of actually causes its own softened sound company, and when? understood? Why? these formats do your top products support signature—less precise than PCM. Besides, We are now merging audiophile music First, never be so sure of what you know and why? there is virtually no clean and native DSD listening with top-quality video experiences, today! Only the ones questioning the status First, all those formats are just containers approach in music production. simply admitting that both are present in quo will break barriers. and must be filled with excellent recordings most households anyway and that audio in order to have any musical meaning If a DXD recording is free of ultrasonic noise is not a religion. For example, my kids Second, be aware that goals for better audio (and unfortunately there is upsampled DXD discovered the beauty of high quality music have to be defined in the artistic domain, Second, DXD is PCM! It’s just a new term music on the market with a nasty digital by having it always available and by first translated into a scientific task, and then for PCM with 8x the sampling frequency of garbage spectrum of noise), FIR filtering is being attracted by movies. properly engineered. That’s why digital audio the 44.1kHz or 48kHz standards. DSD frees not needed any more. Our DAC changes to design is not easy at all. digital audio from the sonic influences of FIR NOS (non-oversampling) operation for DXD Hi-Fi+: What do you think the high- filtering. Most people find it sounds more and that’s clearly the winner! performance digital audio marketplace will Third, watch fashions with a critical mind. look like five years from now? Consumers can potentially deliver digital It is hard to tell since we have different audio files to their systems in a number movements in parallel. On one side, we of ways. How do you assess the relative see ‘normal’ luxury customers increasingly benefits of streaming devices, dedicated discover our levels of quality. On the other music servers, or PC-based servers— side, we see that the purchasing power of especially in terms of sound quality? average people is decreasing in too many Most streaming devices and even dedicated countries. So we expect the middle class music servers are based on simple consumer products to be weaker, while entry level and solutions and fail to compete with top-grade luxury products will be fine. CD players. When you listen for personal enjoyment, It took us almost two years for the design what types of music do you most enjoy? of an ultimate solution for audio, video, Although my collection includes almost storage and more. The OS must be optimized everything, during the last years I have for this purpose and an audiophile audio started tending more to classical music again. engine takes a very different approach to a Some circles close in life and for me the love computer sound system. of music all started with a classical education in very young years, complete with attending Generally every home now needs a performances in the Berlin Philharmony... server and has multiple devices accessing media content. After being around the globe for decades, our BMC’s UDAC incorporates DAPC new home and flagship store is just a short (Digital/Analogue Power Converter) technology walking distance from the Philharmony.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CARLOS CANDEIAS GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CARLOS CANDEIAS HI-FI+ Philippe Chambon, Nagra Audio

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in they would acknowledge the great quality digital audio design? achieved thanks to this equipment... Philippe Chambon: I`ve been interested in digital audio since the early eighties. Back All this brought me to do some research then I was using a PCM-F1 from Sony coupled about the different A/D conversion with a VCR Recorder, then later I used a technologies, keeping mostly in mind the PCM 501 and 701 as a master recorder. I subjective listening feeling, and with the remember buying the first Sony CD Player: goal to be as close as possible to the truth the CDP-101, as soon as it was out. of the instruments, as they really are, and to preserve the integrity of the emotion. I was young then but I had already built my own amplifiers using the first available I did some research about the quality MOSFET audio transistors from Hitachi, and of the clocks, and also about the R2R a pair of Onken subwoofers. Although the technology, the PCM704 chips, using if new digital tools seemed revolutionary, possible no oversampling. At Nagra we I felt disturbed by their unnatural sound have built an R2R prototype converter using compared to real music listening. only discreet components and ultra-high precision resistors. Years later, during research work at Europe 1, in Paris, I completed a lengthy Previously I didn’t like mono-bit converters, work of listening and measuring over which are mainly used in low cost converters 50 D/A converters, because I had to find ...until I met Andreas Koch. a way to transmit very high quality audio via a microwave link. The solutions offered His work on digital audio strongly surprised by broadcasters at the time were not me, as he had managed to follow the same satisfactory. I had chosen Sonic Frontiers, audio quest as mine, but using techniques which was using Pacific Microsonic that were totally different. The quality of the conversion modules and a triode output oversampling algorithm coupled with mono- stage. I had positioned these converters on bit converters using discreet components the Eiffel tower, which at the time had made (contrary to the low cost, ready-made transmission engineers worried, because budget chips) completely blew me away they did not understand why I was using with its naturalness and sense of reality. It this kind of equipment. Later, however, was very close to the real instrument, and at

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PHILIPPE CHAMBON GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PHILIPPE CHAMBON HI-FI+ the same time keeping all the micro details What do you consider your top one or two and timing information, which are crucial to product digital audio design achievements render the sense of space, all this with an thus far? What makes those products impressive focus. special from your point of view?

We still had to imagine the analog circuits This is easy as the only design we did in necessary to keep the same level of digital in the last three years is the HD DAC! performance, and since they did not exist, we developed them specifically for the Fortunately we do not have to make a Nagra HD DAC. difficult choice.

When you are developing top-tier digital The HD DAC is a D/A converter that offers audio products, which performance the best technology in terms of digital and parameters do you think have the greatest analogue. The analogue part of a converter overall impact on sound quality? is sometimes regarded as less important, In terms of digital parameters, we would but is actually essential. The HD DAC is a single out: clocking, clock phase noise, superlative product. It is the first of a new quality of digital power supplies, and high family of products that we have called the precision calculus. This is why we use 72-bit HD Line. Nagra products are designed with a calculation, oversampling method. non-compromise approach in mind. Though the CLASSIC Line units are compact and In simple terms, what do you feel sets your sometimes some components would not designs and products apart from most other fit-in. The HD Line’s larger dimension allows ones on the market? us to be even more ambitious. In addition Our unique chance at Nagra is that for more the HD Line products have separate power than 60 years, we have been designing state of supplies for audio and digital or control; this the art products. This makes available a wide contributes to a better performance. range of expertise in many fields: analogue or digital, electronics or mechanics, PCB design, The HD DAC is often referred to as “very and so on. Nagra has been involved in many analogue”. This might sound like a paradox technical breakthroughs for six decades, often for a digital product but actually very much bringing new ideas and striving to offer better sound quality. Whenever we work on a new product, no matter its price point, we have Above: Nagra’s HD DAC is one of the finest behind us years of tradition and extremely DACs Hi-Fi+ Editor Alan Sircom has ever heard high expectations. This makes every Nagra a piece of art, as it needs to reach top-level Right: Nagra’s HD DAC uses ultra high-quality performance to bear the Nagra logo. parts throughout

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PHILIPPE CHAMBON GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PHILIPPE CHAMBON HI-FI+ in the direction we were aiming for. Getting on. This is a discussion we always have now If you are at liberty to say, what will be When you listen for personal enjoyment, closer to the music and how it sounded live with recording and mastering engineers; the next digital audio products from your what types of music do you most enjoy? at a concert or in a recording studio. they know that the resolution they hear in company, and when? I listen to a very large panel of music genres: the studio can be directly available to music Nagra is working on a D/A converter that it can go from middle-ages music to Daft What are two or three key aspects of lovers. In the day of analogue tape, the would benefit from the R&D work done on Punk, including also baroque style, great digital audio that you wish consumers (and difference between what the artist heard the HD DAC in a more affordable unit. This symphonies, classical piano and jazz, and a perhaps audio journalists, as well) better in the studio and the LP could be extremely would be the D/A for our CLASSIC Line. It is few great American recordings of the 70s, understood? Why? frustrating. I remember a story told by Bruce based on the digital front-end of the HD DAC such as Chicago, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits... The importance of timing in transient Swedien, Michael Jackson’s Thriller sound with a solid-state analogue output stage. We response; this is essential in analogue and engineer, among many other top artists. plan to launch this product in early 2016. However my genre of predilection is digital. In the case of digital it is what differs They made the first test pressing of Thriller the Baroque music from the 17th and a good algorithm from a great one. It will and, because it was a bit too long, the sound What do you think the high-performance 18th century, with Jean Baptiste Lulli, dramatically alter the image, position, and was really compromise. So they took the digital audio marketplace will look like five St Matthew’s passion, St Yohannes’ Passion, focus of one instrument in the soundstage. difficult decision to cut around 1 minute of years from now? if possible, played on instruments of the So a perfect timing will make the sound more each song, to allow the sound to be better It is a very interesting and difficult question era, using the 432 Hz tuning of A. I also like natural and musical. on the LP; the rest is history. But today an to answer. The available bandwidth will particularly the classical organ repertoire. artist would not have to sacrifice a portion allow higher resolution to be available in What do you see as the comparative merits of his songs, as the format in the studio streaming and not only download. I hope the of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and does not have to be converted to a lower quality expectation of the young generation DSD digital audio file formats? Which of resolution format. will increase because, thanks to the wide these formats do your top products support bandwidth available, lossy compression and why? Consumers can potentially deliver digital based formats will be useless and irrelevant. The HD DAC supports all these formats. audio files to their systems in a number I hope this will bring some aspiration to Nagra was the first company to introduce a of ways. How do you assess the relative listen to better systems and in the end higher high-resolution digital recorder in 1992, the benefits of streaming devices, dedicated resolution formats. famous Nagra D digital reel to reel recorder. music servers, or PC-based servers— It could to do 96 kHz/20-bits and was later especially in terms of sound quality? We also hope that technology will allow on able to do 24-bits when a converter We are lucky to have our own playback music creators to promote their music and became available. So Nagra has always solution with the Nagra VI and Nagra Seven. make it available to a broader audience. been proactive and on the leading edge of The Nagra Seven plays up to 192/24-bit files digital formats. from SD cards. The quality is striking. Of course you can get very good results with the We believe a good recording will be good right computer set-up. It takes a bit of time on a red-book CD, and we demonstrate that and knowledge to have the proper system up at every show, although the new formats and running. We receive a lot of requests to available today ‘take you inside the recording build a music server. At this time we are still studio’. You have now access to the “native” evaluating this possibility. resolution the recording was made originally

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PHILIPPE CHAMBON GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PHILIPPE CHAMBON HI-FI+ Charles Hansen, Ayre Acoustics

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in (e.g., rubber) ‘bearing’ that allow the digital audio design? cantilever to move in unwanted ways. These Charles Hansen: There were two driving are just two examples, and there are many forces. The first was when the LP was still more, both in LP and magnetic tape. “king of the world”, in the late 1980s. This was an era of superbly innovative designs The second was the realization that early on the playback side, with things like Bill digital audio was not well developed at all. Firebaugh’s zero-clearance turntable spindle Everybody familiar with high performance bearing, John Bicht’s air-bearing tonearm, analog could easily hear that digital had real and a completely new level of performance problems. The general thinking then was that from moving-coil phono cartridges using the CD standard simply set both the sampling new advanced material technologies. Times rate and bit depth too low. When the DVD were exciting, and great advances were spec was finalized in late 1996, Pioneer was being made. pivotal in having 96/24 capability included. That was really the trigger point for me. It I was interested in a no-compromise seemed that if some of the fundamental approach to the full analog record/replay limitations of analog could be bypassed, chain and wanted to understand the full a truly high level of performance could possibilities of creating an incredible musical be achieved. experience, which clearly analog can do. I began to explore, and was a bit taken aback Everybody loves the convenience that digital to find fundamental limitations that had no provides, along with the capability to have practical solutions that I could see. perfect copies of a digital master recording. It was obvious that digital would become As examples of these limitations, the the dominant method of music playback. cutterheads used to make an LP acetate Yet digital audio at that time simply didn’t have huge resonances in the top octave that nourish the soul. are controlled (but not cured) by applying massive amounts of feedback from an That is how I became interested in digital incredibly powerful amplifier (hundreds of audio design. Was it possible to equal, or watts). The basic geometry of the playback even surpass, the best analog reproduction stylus motion is not well defined due to with digital technology? I love challenges and the practical limitations of the elastomer this was a good one.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN HI-FI+ When you are developing top-tier digital In analog circuitry, feedback loops take the audio products, which performance time-delayed signal from the output and parameters do you think have the greatest send it back to the input in an attempt to overall impact on sound quality? correct an error that has already occurred. A real problem is that there are almost This creates a form of time distortion that no measurable parameters that correlate cannot currently be measured, yet is clearly with perceived sound quality, or even audible. The math (and test equipment) more importantly, on how well the musical tells us that the correction happens quickly experience is communicated to us. This is enough, but our ears tell us something true for both digital and analog technologies. quite different. Given that, I would say that time-related performance is the most critical aspect of There have been many amplifiers made with sound reproduction in general, and digital is adjustable levels of feedback, and changing it no exception. There is far more to this than changes the sound in obvious ways. Which is just using high sampling rates or a certain correct? I’ve found the answer to be simple. digital filter. And there is the issue of feedback If feedback is good, use as much as possible and how it is used — preferably not at all. — if it’s not good, then don’t use any. The products that have used very high levels of When I look back at everything I’ve done, feedback (yielding incredible measurements) from loudspeakers to analog and digital have not stood the test of time and are no electronics, I think that there is an underlying longer made. In contrast, more and more thread related to time — both timing issues designers are copying Ayre’s zero-feedback and the time domain in general. The ear/ approach. We’ve never done anything else brain is far more sensitive to time-related and we have over two decades of experience information than any other parameter. in this area.

Transducer diaphragms (both microphones In digital systems we have the twin errors and loudspeakers) have significant energy of insufficient time resolution from a low storage problems. They ‘break up’ and sampling rate, combined with the energy release energy in a way that smears the smear created by the filters required to meet time information, just as a cymbal smears sampling theory requirements. (Analog and the energy impulse of the stick impact, or digital filters are no different in this regard — a guitar smears the energy impulse of the there are no free lunches.) pick attack. Most loudspeakers claim to be ‘reproducers’, but in actuality are actually ‘producers’ (much as musical instruments Right: The new Codex DAC/preamp/headphone are) to one degree or another, even most amp makes Ayre performance available at a current designs. very accessible price

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN HI-FI+ The fact that the filter-less ‘non- oversampling’ D/A converters (which don’t even try to comply with sampling theory) can sound musical provides irrefutable evidence that our understanding of what is truly important to the human ear/brain is currently incomplete.

In simple terms, what do you feel sets your designs and products apart from most other ones on the market? My background is in physics, where things are looked at from the level of fundamental principles. This provides a different perspective than a conventional education in engineering.

The difficulty with engineering education is that its vision can be limiting. An engineer experienced in analog design finds many conductors that create analog voltage levels, sonic difference. Many just resort to using Above: Ayre created the digital and analogue digital concepts to be non-intuitive, abstract, which are interpreted as ones and zeroes at pre-packaged IC op-amps, as they have little electronics for Neil Young’s famous PonoPlayer and impenetrable. It took many years for imperfectly defined times. (or limited) understanding of analog design. the traditional high-performance analog Ayre’s digital audio products are rooted in a audio companies to even dip their toes in the Suddenly there is a lot of room for mischief. deep understanding of both domains. Only on the market used separate transport and complex waters of digital. Many of their early All of the limitations of digital audio are by knowing the limitations and their causes D/A converter boxes. It remains something products showed promise, but did not fulfill actually analog limitations. There are no can we find ways to surmount them. of a classic. the potential of digital. infinitely steep waveform edges. There is no clock signal that is perfectly uniform, either What do you consider your top one or two Our QB-9 was the world’s first solid-state Digital engineers, who tend to approach in time or amplitude. There are no perfect product digital audio design achievements asynchronous USB DAC, which paved the things from the abstraction that digital converters between the two domains, yet thus far? What makes those products way for the ongoing revolution in computer- theory provides, design nearly all digital all audio signals both start and end in the special from your point of view? based audio. It was entirely redesigned audio products. Yet if digital audio actually analog domain. The list goes on and on. Ayre’s first digital product was the D-1 DVD/ for the current ‘DSD’ version and is still worked according to theory, then the game CD player from 1999. It was one of the very one of the best sounding DACs available would have ended with the introduction of In addition all digital audio products have first high-resolution digital players, yet it is at any price. the CD in 1982 – ‘perfect sound forever’. analog audio circuitry as well. Few digital still a great sounding piece even today. The In the real world there are no such things engineers are aware of the subtleties hiding D-1 had a slew of radical innovations, and A personal favorite is the design Ayre did as ones and zeroes traveling down wires. in analog design, where things like the bias was the first high-performance one-box for Neil Young’s PonoPlayer. You’ve got a Instead there are electrical fields in the level of each stage in the circuit makes a player during a time when everything else source that will store 500 CDs, play back

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN HI-FI+ both high‑resolution PCM files and DSD, Many people try to reduce performance to It’s easy to make a higher resolution format. experience, part of the excellent sound of drives any set of headphones wonderfully, something like a feature when they attach We can have a fabulous musical experience DSD is the format itself and part comes from yet fits in your pocket and only costs a few numbers to things. “What is the maximum from an analog LP. One can also purchase the fact that anyone willing to go to all the hundred dollars. Its ability to communicate sampling rate?”, or “What is the signal-to- 45 rpm 12” vinyl that sounds even better. trouble to use it will make sure everything the musical intent of the artist is unparalleled noise ratio?”, or “How many picoseconds Does that mean we should then develop else is also done properly. at that price, and I know many people who of jitter does it have?” None of these 100‑rpm records? Where do we draw the have replaced their multi-thousand dollar numbers will give the slightest clue as to line? There is a point of diminishing returns Ayre’s approach is to understand exactly CD players with it because it sounds better. how something actually sounds — or more — just because you can do something what it is about DSD that allows for its high To top it off, Pono has probably sold more importantly, how it will make you feel when doesn’t mean you should. level of performance. And it certainly isn’t players in one year than Ayre has total you listen to music through it. what we were told it was! It turns out that products in over twenty. To reach that many I would rather have an incredible sounding it is really in the time domain, which is no people and change their relationship to The true function of a music playback system CD player than an excellent sounding high- surprise when we understand our marvelous recorded music is very gratifying. is to deliver music on command. We play live resolution player, simply because there is ear/brain hearing mechanism. Once the music and go to concerts to hear our favorite a vastly larger music library available on principles are understood the question What are two or three key aspects of artists live because that experience allows CD. Given the reality of where the content becomes, “can this knowledge be applied digital audio that you wish consumers (and us to feel something deeply fundamental. is means that it is far more important to to PCM?” perhaps audio journalists, as well) better Music is a uniquely human experience. The deliver an exceptional experience from understood? Why? latest research shows that it even predates 44/16 than anything else. If one understands The answer is “yes” — perfectly so for high Adding a feature with digital technology is language — in fact it could even be said that how to deliver a truly emotional experience sampling rates, and much of it can be applied easy. Translating that into the analog world music is what makes us human. from 44/16, it isn’t that difficult to do it even to 44/16 as well. The result is the in a way that grabs our emotions is a much with higher resolution formats as well. superb sound quality of DSD, while avoiding more elusive goal. To be able to capture that experience and “God is in the details, as well as the devil”. DSD’s problems arising from out-of-band re-experience it on command by simply Implementation is everything, and I would noise, plus the ability to use standard tools There’s an old saying, “Performance, pressing a button is not merely a feature. It far rather listen to a lovingly made standard and techniques in the recording studio. features, price – pick any two.” That’s is actually something closer to a miracle. We resolution recording than a carelessly made When the widespread content of the CD is obviously what separates high-performance are very lucky to live in such times. high resolution one. factored in, DSD can be seen to be much audio from the mainstream products. Yet more valuable as a learning tool than a with digital audio it becomes both easy and What do you see as the comparative merits DXD is simply high-resolution PCM, but format per se. Of course there are now cheap to add features. People go down their of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and it may well have gone past the point thousands of wonderful sounding albums checklist of desired features to make sure all DSD digital audio file formats? Which of of diminishing returns. Much more available in DSD format, so it is important to of the boxes are ticked. these formats do your top products support importantly, how much content is available in support it and not limit the choice of music and why? that format? that can be played. There are so many features today that many The only reason to support any format is for people tend to think of performance as just the content that is available. A new format DSD is a different story altogether. DSD another feature. A feature is a quantifiable could be developed that would out-perform recordings almost universally sound superb. thing. A product either has remote control anything available today, but if there is no It is also (as former Philips senior engineer or it doesn’t. Performance is something music available it would be meaningless to Bruno Putzeys points out) “a phenomenally else altogether. support it. clumsy” format for recording. In my

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN HI-FI+ Consumers can potentially deliver digital and yet again five years after that. I have no audio files to their systems in a number doubt that in the near future there will be of ways. How do you assess the relative new ways to deliver music that transcend benefits of streaming devices, dedicated today’s limitations. music servers, or PC-based servers— especially in terms of sound quality? If you are at liberty to say, what will be My experience is there is generally an inverse the next digital audio products from your correlation between convenience and company, and when? performance. AudioQuest does a seminar Ayre has just introduced our Codex USB demonstrating the sound quality of a DAC DAC + headphone amp + preamp. The real connected to the data source with Wi-Fi breakthrough here is bringing an unexpected versus connecting with a standard cable. It’s level of musical connection at a much lower not hard to imagine that if a higher quality price than before. The flip side of this means digital cable can affect the playback quality that we have also learned how to push the that going to wireless is a big step backwards limits of what is possible when the cost is not in performance and that is exactly what the so tightly constrained. seminar attendees experience. Yet wireless is certainly convenient... What do you think the high-performance digital audio marketplace will look like five All of this is still in its infancy. It’s taken years from now? decades to achieve high quality sound from First of all, I don’t have a crystal ball, no one digital audio. Computer-based systems still does, but there are some trends that seem have quite a way to go. Why do various set to continue. bit‑perfect file formats sound different? Why do different USB cables create a different I was surprised to see how big an impact musical presentation if one is using an the PonoPlayer made. We managed to get internally clocked asynchronous DAC with a lot of Ayre performance from a small, galvanic isolation from the computer? These low cost device. This trend is not going to are just a few questions and there’s still a lot stop — the Codex is an evolution from that. more to learn. The continuation of increasing processing

The fact that there are three or four different ways to store and deliver digital files is proof Above: The QB-9 DAC is Ayre’s digital audio that none of them are perfect. They all performance leader exist because they offer different trade-offs, often in performance versus convenience. Right: Ayre’s D-1xe DVD/CD player launched And as with all new technologies, things the firm’s reputation for building stellar digital will have changed significantly in five years audio components

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN HI-FI+ power and reducing storage costs that led When you listen for personal enjoyment, Or enjoy Shawn Colvin’s songwriting. She’s how human communication started. Music to the emergence of digital audio players in what types of music do you most enjoy? the only folk artist I know who’s written is sublime and the closer we can get to the first place is certainly going to continue. I love all genres of music. Further I don’t limit several songs using ‘the Bo Diddley beat reproducing how we actually communicate If Moore’s Law holds true then in 5 years myself to ‘Western’ music. I love music of (actually an ancient African rhythm), as she through music, the better we know and time we will have four times the storage and other cultures as well, from Balinese gamelan did with ‘Polaroids’. understand each other. These are exciting computing power that we have now, for the to Bulgarian vocal music to traditional times; we are on the threshold of something same price. Gordon Moore said that “we are Chinese instruments to Nubian folk songs. Hamza El Din preserved the unique rhythms wonderful, of that I am sure. Just to be on the second half of the chessboard” — the It’s all good. of Nubian culture that were nearly destroyed a part of it is a privilege. When I see the gains are enormous. when the High Aswan Dam flooded most of look on people’s faces when they hear an I find I’m particularly attracted to music that their homelands and dispersed their people. album through something as small as the Such quantitative changes enable qualitative has rhythmic complexities and subtleties. I In ‘Ollin Arageed’ he presents us with the PonoPlayer or as refined as our Ayre systems change too. High res will no longer be an issue, studied African percussion music for a few complex tapestry of three interwoven tar I know in my heart that we are on the right to store, replay, or transport. Lower cost, high- years, and when you only have percussion, (frame drum) beats, overlaid with a clapped track. That is the reward for all of the effort. performance systems will be possible and timing is everything — literally! Once I rhythm of astounding intricacy. It is truly worth it. available. We need to work on loudspeaker understood what was underneath, I could design though, as improved DAC and amplifier recognize that it was everywhere in all of my Before I had children I played in a local performance needs better loudspeaker favorite music. Balinese orchestra, Tunas Mekar, a gamelan systems that match them. I can foresee small angklung. Our instruments only had four powerful systems that have great digital The Beatles were famous for changing time notes, so melody and harmony are clearly capabilities, don’t take a lot of real estate, and signatures in a song. Listen to ‘Strawberry limited. That shifts the focus shifts to the embody the core design principles of Ayre that Fields Forever’ closely. Not only does other two fundamental elements of music: we have pioneered for the past 20 years plus. the time change, but also everywhere dynamics and timing. To play the rapid time is warped and twisted in completely melodies, alternating notes are played by Right now, high-resolution audio is an issue unexpected ways — from syncopations in different players on different instruments, in the mainstream. That will become the new the rhythms to the distinctive drum-work creating an interlocking whole. normal. Much more important is that people to the orchestral overdubs that cut across I’ve found that our conscious mind can only are finally becoming aware of what we’ve the beat. Or any of Beethoven’s works — focus on one thing at a time. Expanding lost when an entire generation has grown up there’s always an underlying insistent driving your awareness to encompass two things listening to nothing but compressed digital rhythmic force, yet it comes and goes. In simultaneously shuts off the nagging voice audio played through a cheap portable Symphony No. 7, he literally pulls the rug out in our heads that is always talking to itself. player. Ayre is helping to restore that loss. from beneath us in the first movement by When you silence that voice, there is an stopping the music in what seems to be the infinite number of things that can be heard. The job of the designer is to deliver middle of a phrase — twice! convenience and performance, yet doing One thing that is clear to me is the power so at a reasonable price is the trick. That Listen to any Hendrix guitar solo and he and importance of music. It always has requires new ways of thinking and new fluidly and effortlessly moves in a way that is been clear to me, and why I do what I do. solutions. With technology developments, almost free from any rhythmic constraints, Music is elemental and primordial, healing the possibilities are limitless. and at the same time is incredibly precise. and inspiring in equally measures. It is

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: CHARLES HANSEN HI-FI+ Paul McGowan, PS Audio

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in When you are developing top-tier digital digital audio design? audio products, which performance Paul McGowan: My first introduction to parameters do you think have the greatest digital audio was in late 1982, when the first overall impact on sound quality? CD players from Sony and Philips/Magnavox The output stage and power supply. were produced. They sounded dreadful, but I was intrigued with the concept and hungry The vast majority of high-end DACs utilize to learn more. The first thing we did was off-the-shelf ICs available to every designer. replace the output stage of a Magnavox CD Most companies in our field use the same player with one of our own design, and this DAC chips, yet their products sound very significantly improved sound quality. That different indeed. The biggest differences in was when I first knew we could work with sound quality are found in implementation this medium, and my interest was piqued. of the voltage to current converter and in the output stage of IC DACs. In PS Audio’s The next step in our digital journey was case we developed our own discrete discovering the digital output connector current converters, where most companies on the back of the Magnavox CD player. use op‑amps instead. Choice of a discrete At the time we hadn’t any idea what its op‑amp for current to voltage conversion is purpose was, and one of my engineers effective, though the high open loop gain of reverse-engineered to S/PDIF output. an inverting I/V converter can lead to harsh We built our own receiver and, in 1983, and bright sound. Our approach uses discrete showed a prototype at CES of what would means with low open loop gain and zero become the world’s first high end DAC. induced artefacts. We unintentionally created an entire equipment category, one that today is the Next in importance is the output stage itself. means by which most music is listened to There are many, many means of designing by audiophiles. output stages, including IC op-amps, discrete circuits, tubes, and even transformers. Each must be carefully chosen to perfectly match the sonic characteristics of the preceding DAC circuit. Our DirectStream DAC (based not on an off-the-shelf IC DAC, but a custom FPGA), has one of the simplest output stages

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PAUL McGOWAN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PAUL McGOWAN HI-FI+ ever made, and it sounds better than any did not follow this lengthy process of design, series would not be far behind. DirectStream been. Digital data of all kinds are upsampled DAC I have ever heard. So, complex isn’t listen, and design again until it outperforms is the creation of designer Ted Smith who and converted to DSD, then output at always better and simple, properly executed our expectations. There are others who follow spent more than seven years of his life double rate DSD into a simple output stage designs can often sound the best. these guidelines as well, and we tip our hat to designing, listening, coding, listening, and consisting of a high quality audio output them for honoring the music first. finally developing for sale what I consider the transformer coupled to high speed current Last, power supplies have a major impact world’s finest sounding DAC, at any price. buffers. The sound is simply stunning. on sound quality in DACs. The reasons are What do you consider your top one or two many, but chief among them is lowered product digital audio design achievements DirectStream’s construction is unique, and The advantages of designing digital products jitter affecting subsystems within the DAC thus far? What makes those products so is the way in which it processes signals. around rewriteable silicon as found in an chain. Every time a digital audio circuit special from your point of view? DirectStream is built around an FPGA (Field FPGA include programmability, customization switches from a 1 to a 0, there is a change in The DirectStream DAC is by far our greatest Programmable Gate Array), rather than the and the ability to update units in the field. power supply current that can be reflected digital achievement in the last decade, usual DAC chip, and its processing method is To date we have upgraded DirectStream throughout the entire chain. Multiply that by though classic products like the Ultra Analog as innovative an approach as there has ever DACs three times by means of freely-given billions of bits per second with simultaneous processes occurring and you have a lot of power supply noise that affects everything in the circuit. PS Audio focuses on extremely low impedance, high-speed regulation and star wiring to lower noise, as well as large power supply transformers lowering impedances for the best sound.

In simple terms, what do you feel sets your designs and products apart from most other ones on the market? Every step of the design process is evaluated by ear, and design choices are made based on the results of the listening tests. Certainly, a great deal of time and engineering resources are invested in measurement and in design practices learned over decades, but in the end, decisions are based on how they sound. No PS Audio product has ever been produced that

Right: PS Audio’s DirectStream DAC offers an innovative decoding topology and is firmware upgradable for superior sound

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PAUL McGOWAN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PAUL McGOWAN HI-FI+ downloadable codes. Those upgrades have In our opinion DSD continues to sound more We’re working on a number of novel When you listen for personal enjoyment, remapped the DAC’s operation for the best like the sound of live unamplified music than approaches to storage and distribution of what types of music do you most enjoy? sound attainable, and have measurably PCM and it’s easy to see why. DSD streams digital music files, as well as some cost-no- Classical, mostly opera, mixed in with some reduced noise and distortion. That’s quite an are close to analog in nature and require object products which... jazz. If it’s strictly personal without family accomplishment! We’re thrilled to be able to minimal filtering to convert to analog. involved, it’s nearly always opera. If more offer a product that is obsolescence-proof, well, you’ll have to wait and see! than a few people come to the house to and will continue to provide state of the art Consumers can potentially deliver digital listen, we switch to jazz, which is more performance for years to come. audio files to their systems in a number What do you think the high-performance widely accepted. of ways. How do you assess the relative digital audio marketplace will look like five What are two or three key aspects of benefits of streaming devices, dedicated years from now? If I am demonstrating the system to people digital audio that you wish consumers (and music servers, or PC-based servers— We’re pretty sure we know how to I will play a combination of classical, pop, perhaps audio journalists, as well) better especially in terms of sound quality? make great sound. We think the biggest folk, and a smidge of opera depending on the understood? Why? Relative to optical discs we find the sound developments in digital audio will be in tolerance levels of those participating. I do Bits may be bits most of the time, but the of streamed full resolution PCM and DSD making it easy to use—for everyone. try and judge my audience. transitions from A-to-D and back to D-to-A generally superior, but much depends on the ain’t easy, and are poorly understood. And interface. USB vs. Ethernet with a PS Audio control of noise is even more critical in Bridge sound very different. And using a USB the digital domain than in analog, believe regenerator sounds different too. Like cables, it or not. digital audio responds to many of the same things analog audio What do you see as the comparative merits does: careful setup, proper of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and interface cables, power supply DSD digital audio file formats? Which of improvements, and isolation. these formats do your top products support and why? If you are at liberty to say, what Our DACs and A/D processor support will be the next digital audio both high-resolution PCM and DSD. High- products from your company, resolution audio has a number of advantages and when? in sound quality: relaxed filter requirements, We just introduced our NuWave lower noise, finer inner detail, and dynamics. DSD DAC, which will outperform However, DACs such as our DirectStream DACs at twice its price of $1299. have also advanced the performance levels of good old CDs to the point where differences are increasingly harder to hear. Well recorded CDs can, when played through the right equipment, come close to the performance of both high-resolution Right: PS Audio’s Sprout integrated amp/DAC PCM and DSD. makes an ideal platform for starter systems

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PAUL McGOWAN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: PAUL McGOWAN HI-FI+ Mike Moffat, Schiit Audio

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in Second, I pioneered the “mega-combo digital audio design? burrito” DSP-driven digital filter used in Mike Moffat: I listened to early examples the original Theta converters of the late of digital audio reproduction hardware in 1980’s and that is still offered in the current the early 1980’s and was appalled at their Schiit Audio Yggydrasil and Gungnir Multibit horrible sound, particularly in the context of converters today. This is the only filter to analog reproduction hardware of the period. optimize not just for the frequency domain, It started me on the path that became Theta but also for the time domain as well. It Digital Corporation some 5-6 years later. also maintains all of the original samples. Uniquely, it is the reason that Schiit Audio When you are developing top-tier digital converters (and old Theta Digital gear to a audio products, which performance lesser extent) deliver the stunning spatial parameters do you think have the greatest rendering they do. overall impact on sound quality? Lack of aberrations not just in the frequency What are two or three key aspects of domain and in common distortion digital audio that you wish consumers (and measurements, but also in the time domain perhaps audio journalists, as well) better and in terms of jitter control. understood? Why? The complete record-playback chain is In simple terms, what do you feel sets your primarily based on solid hard science. designs and products apart from most other ones on the market? It is inescapable that some artistry – Experience - I have been doing this for particularly on the record side, for example, 42 years. I have designed more D/A microphone placement – is also involved. converters for myself and other companies of This makes audio more complex than that all technical descriptions than anyone else. which can be solved on sound science forums. Congruently, it also dictates caution What do you consider your top one or two when arguing the merits of technologies product digital audio design achievements such as mounting cones, speaker wire thus far? What makes those products suspenders, magic solutions to be used, etc. special from your point of view? First, at the dawn of the digital audio era, I introduced the concept of the D/A converter Right: Jason Stoddard-left & Mike Moffat-right as a standalone audio component of Schiit Audio

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: MIKE MOFFAT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: MIKE MOFFAT HI-FI+ What do you see as the comparative merits of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and DSD digital audio file formats? Which of these formats do your top products support and why? Any and all digital audio releases are typically in PCM. There is no way a PCM release can be made ‘automagically’ better by re-encoding it in some reputedly superior format, be it DSD or whatever. The distortions still add in a square root of the sum of the squares manner. A far more obvious question arises: Unless you either A) really want to hear the ‘Exstacy of the Orkney Island Shepheards’ or whatever other unique DSD recordings there may be, or B) you have so much money that you want to rebuy your entire music collection all over again re-encoded, why bother?

Consumers can potentially deliver digital audio files to their systems in a number of ways. How do you assess the relative benefits of streaming devices, dedicated music servers, or PC-based servers— especially in terms of sound quality? People are creatures of convenience. That is exactly why so many of the current D/A converters are delta sigma types (they are far easier to design). The majority of consumers will go for whatever is the most convenient. Having more bits is usually a good thing

Right: Foregoing delta sigma approaches, Schiit Audio’s flagship Yggdrasil DAC uses a so‑called ‘multibit architecture’ for spectacular sound quality

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: MIKE MOFFAT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: MIKE MOFFAT HI-FI+ when it comes to streamers/servers; however, remasters in higher def formats may or may not be improvements. Check each one out and may the buyer beware. Users of Schiit upgradable gear are usually just fine with Redbook.

If you are at liberty to say, what will be the next digital audio products from your company, and when? We will continue to bring multibit technology into the lowest levels of Schiit upgradable gear, since it is so objectively superior to delta sigma.

What do you think the high-performance digital audio marketplace will look like five years from now? Just like it was 40 years ago: PCM without silly buzzword compliant “new” technologies”. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

When you listen for personal enjoyment, what types of music do you most enjoy? Any reproduced music originally created by musicians singing or playing instruments; nothing created as rhythmic noise on a computer, and nothing that lacks chord changes.

Right: Schiit’s new Gungnir Multibit makes Yggdrasil’s multibit architecture at a more accessible price point

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: MIKE MOFFAT GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: MIKE MOFFAT HI-FI+ David Steven, dCS

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in digital audio design? David Steven: My Father spent his career in the audio industry and after a number of years working in software development and product management I joined dCS in 2009. It’s such an exciting company as we develop our own proprietary hardware and software that is truly state of the art. I see my role at dCS being more focused on developing the product vision and managing/enabling the development process so we continue to innovate and improve our technologies. The real clever digital audio design goes on in our R&D department.

When you are developing top-tier digital audio products, which performance parameters do you think have the greatest overall impact on sound quality? That’s easy! Linearity first, as poor linearity results in a loss of fine detail and a system that is not musical. This is actually very difficult for standard measurement equipment to measure at very low levels, for example –120dB0 and below. Secondly, jitter rejection, as any variations in a DAC’s timing accuracy results in distortion of the output signal – i.e., the music. This is bad! Next it would be filter performance. Unfortunately, there is no “perfect” filter that will be optimum for all recordings but in essence the DAC filter you use affects amplitude response, phase response

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: DAVID STEVEN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: DAVID STEVEN HI-FI+ (transient performance) and image rejection. All of this is less of a problem at higher sample rates, which is why we lead the market in that direction. Finally, it would be the analogue output performance and specifically you are looking to achieve a low noise floor, low harmonics, but also ensuring that higher order harmonics are not present.

In simple terms, what do you feel sets your designs and products apart from most other ones on the market? It’s easy to be good but there are very few truly great companies. Just like Rolls Royce and Patek Philippe, great companies—no matter what the industry—offer discerning customers a combination of technological excellence, unparalleled quality, and timeless products. In the world of music recording and digital playback we believe dCS is that company. We are innovators, constantly improving the state of the art in digital, manufacturing and testing to astonishingly high standards, and as a result our products are timeless in their performance and design.

What do you consider your top one or two product digital audio design achievements recording world you can then start to see the • dCS 972 - World’s first high res Digital Above: dCS’ newest digital audio products thus far? What makes those products effect these innovations had on the industry to Digital Converter – enabling the comprise two Rossini-series models: a Player special from your point of view? as a whole. For example, here is a list of ‘Upsampling’ effect to be discovered. (shown here) and a DAC We have been at the forefront of digital some of our industry ‘firsts’: In the audiophile world you only have to audio for over 25 years and pioneered look at the pages of Hi-Fi+ to see that every many breakthrough technologies in digital • dCS 900 and 950 - World’s first 24-bit digital component now embraces the very audio. That is down to the flexibility of our Analogue to Digital Converter and Digital technologies we brought to the market. Our hardware and software but also our ability to Analogue Converter. finest moment to date was probably the to anticipate the future. I’m not sure where • dCS 904 and 954 - World’s first 24/192 launch of Vivaldi as it was a culmination of to begin here but when you look at the capable Analogue to Digital Converter and our years of technological achievements and revolutionary path our company took in the Digital to Analogue Converter. sounds absolutely wonderful.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: DAVID STEVEN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: DAVID STEVEN HI-FI+ What are two or three key aspects of Native DXD offers incredible crystalline digital audio that you wish consumers (and clarity, revealing amazing depths of detail, perhaps audio journalists, as well) better but also laying bare flaws in the recording understood? Why? and mastering process. In comparison, native Measurements are often quoted, but DSD has a more rounded and often more misunderstood or misused. For example, musical presentation, unveiling nuances you some people work out a DAC’s resolution want to hear while concealing flaws that from the audio-band noise specification as might detract from the pleasure. perhaps 19 bits. That’s not how it works; if the DAC can genuinely reproduce signals Consumers can potentially deliver digital down to the 24-bit level, then that is the audio files to their systems in a number effective resolution. The importance and of ways. How do you assess the relative usage of a top-rate Master Clock is another benefits of streaming devices, dedicated area of confusion. The system must be music servers, or PC-based servers— designed with the Clock as an integral especially in terms of sound quality? part, so that all the sources can lock to it in At heart we are a converter company so some way. we have always tried to remain agnostic to how we receive the data. In the early days What do you see as the comparative merits it was purely silver disc and then we saw a of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and move to computer audio where audio was DSD digital audio file formats? Which of received via USB. Now we have embraced these formats do your top products support network streaming from NAS devices and why? and are moving towards Apple Airplay, We try to avoid getting dragged into the subscription streaming services and the arms race of chasing ever higher sample like. Our challenge as a manufacturer is to rates! We all know high res material sounds make sure that no matter how we receive fantastic and our products support both DSD the 1’s and 0’s we deliver fantastic sound. and DXD, but often it’s the recording itself In theory, streaming high res audio over a that determines how enjoyable our listening home network should have less jitter and experience is. many performance benefits over silver disc, for example, but we all know that there are A well-recorded CD can give excellent results many variables in a playback system that on a top-quality system, but the fine detail affect the sound quality so it is impossible and presentation will always be limited by to guarantee superior performance 100% the level of detail in the data. of the time.

Right: dCS Rossini DAC

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: DAVID STEVEN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: DAVID STEVEN HI-FI+ If you are at liberty to say, what will be What do you think the high-performance the next digital audio products from your digital audio marketplace will look like company, and when? five years from now? We have invested a huge amount of resource There is definitely an increasing momentum in our hardware and software. The last few toward streaming and subscription based years we have really tried to improve our music services. Bandwidth and connectivity user interface, network streaming capability is no longer an issue for most music lovers and supporting the emerging methods of so I think I speak for most of us when I say streaming audio such as Apple Airplay and I really hope that in the next five years the subscription services. All of this work has major labels and streaming services start been in parallel with our continued efforts offering us high res (or even 24/44.1!) on to improve the performance of our unique demand. If we can stream 4k videos into technologies, the dCS Ring DAC and dCS our home then why can’t we make high res Processing Platform. music available on demand too?

I’m happy to say that we have just launched When you listen for personal enjoyment, Rossini DAC and Player and these products what types of music do you most enjoy? will ship in September 2015. Rossini has been I have a real eclectic taste in music (it goes designed with the future in mind and will with the territory!) and if listening at home make superb sounding digital music from any I tend to listen to indie rock, pop, and source more easily accessible. electronic music. However, one of side benefits of this job is that I travel the world listening to and sharing wonderful music. As a result my collection includes all genres from blues to classical to jazz.

Right: Many regard the dCS Vivaldi digital playback system as the ‘gold standard’ against which all others must be compared

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: DAVID STEVEN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: DAVID STEVEN HI-FI+ Robert Stuart, Meridian and MQA

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in In simple terms, what do you feel sets your digital audio design? designs and products apart from most other Robert ‘Bob’ Stuart: My interest in audio ones on the market? engineering goes back before digital, having I think my designs reflect a single-minded, been into it long before the first digital chip uncompromising quest to make the sound existed! I have core skill in analogue design better. Plus, only listening is the arbiter (after and psychoacoustics, but when digital audio objective measurements are confirmed), was in its infancy it was the promise of to check against the gold-standard of live repeatability, dependability, and a secure natural sound. time-base (when compared to analogue storage and transmission) that motivated What do you consider your top one or two me. So my first work in digital audio was product digital audio design achievements in 1980, pre-CD. When it was clear that CD thus far? What makes those products was coming it was a perfect place to evolve special from your point of view? my skills. I’m a designer and as a breed we tend to like our latest thing! It’s hard to pick two but When you are developing top-tier digital if you force me I’d answer in this way: for audio products, which performance Meridian, the DSP7200 and the 800 Series; parameters do you think have the greatest for a wider view, MLP and MQA. All of them overall impact on sound quality? express my sound-quality ideals. A chain is as strong as its weakest link; there is no magic parameter. I think the key to a What are two or three key aspects of great product is continuous refinement in digital audio that you wish consumers (and many directions and often with each step perhaps audio journalists, as well) better we see improvements manifest in different understood? Why? aspects of the sound. So, for example, in First, for consumers it’s Numbers—all my a DSP loudspeaker everything matters: research since 1981 has made it clear that mechanical, electrical, magnetic, EMC, sample rate, bit depth and data-rate numbers, integrity of signal-processing, driver design while significant, are very poor predictors and mounting, crossover design, analogue of sound quality. Second, for those in the and digital electronics, jitter, box shape … the recording chain, to remember that proper list is endless. use of dither should never be optional! Third, for journalists—please don’t try to design listening tests to prove MP3 is fine!

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT STUART GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT STUART HI-FI+ What do you see as the comparative merits of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and DSD digital audio file formats? Which of these formats do your top products support and why? This is a complex question. Higher sample rates permit finer temporal resolution, which is important and can be understood from a neuroscientific basis. Higher sample rates also ameliorate embedded defects in the filters commonly used in A/D and D/A converters, but the process is inefficient. PCM and DXD can be linearised and processed; DSD is, in my opinion, a backwater and unsuitable for archives. Meridian products have supported higher- than-CD sample rate and bit-depth since around 1993.

Consumers can potentially deliver digital audio files to their systems in a number of ways. How do you assess the relative benefits of streaming devices, dedicated music servers, or PC-based servers— especially in terms of sound quality? In general, the PC is a tricky place to handle audio. I prefer dedicated machinery where there is certainty of the signal path. However, the critical item is the renderer where digital is converted to analogue; ideally it lives in a dedicated box where interfering electrical noise and jitter can be minimised.

Right: Through continuing updates, Meridian’s 808 Reference CD player has stayed at the forefront of digital audio performance

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT STUART GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT STUART HI-FI+ If you are at liberty to say, what will be Above: Recognising the potential of digital the next digital audio products from your audio early on, Meridian was one of the first company, and when? to offer a truly high performance CD player Meridian doesn’t pre-announce new such as the very early MCD Pro CD Player products. We do anticipate seeing a lot of shown here MQA activity by the time we get to CES. Right: Meridian not only offers digital source What do you think the high-performance components, but digital loudspeakers such as digital audio marketplace will look like five the DSP7200 shown here years from now? I would hope that our efforts to improve the content delivery chain, by enabling high- quality releases in MQA, will be making a When you listen for personal enjoyment, difference. If we are lucky, we can also teach what types of music do you most enjoy? the concepts on which MQA is based and ‘Classical’. When alone I will reach reduce the current ‘anarchy of resolutions’. for Chamber music, Choral or Song, There is only one sound in the studio, so why anywhere from the Renaissance up to the have such a diversity of deliverables? 21st century.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT STUART GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT STUART HI-FI+ Gilad Tiefenbrun, Linn

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in In simple terms, what do you feel sets your digital audio design? designs and products apart from most other Gilad Tiefenbrun: I was an engineer before ones on the market? I came to Linn so when I joined I was The design team at Linn possess a unique presented with the opportunity to use the combination of skills not normally found latest digital techniques to improve audio in a hi-fi company. Having expertise in all performance, which was really exciting areas of software, electronics, mechanics, and alluring. and acoustics allows us to think differently and design products that are not bound by When you are developing top-tier digital normal hi-fi conventions. audio products, which performance parameters do you think have the greatest In the fast moving world of digital audio it is overall impact on sound quality? also important to create products that are Linn’s overall design ethos is to extend adaptable and upgradeable. A Klimax DS the digital signal path as far as possible, bought in 2007 can still be updated to run removing sources of analogue noise and our latest Space Optimisation algorithms, distortion along the way. Keeping the signal giving the product a whole new lease of life digital all the way to the loudspeaker, for no additional cost – how cool is that? as we do in Exakt, allows us to achieve performance levels that would be impossible What do you consider your top one or two in a traditional analogue system. But of product digital audio design achievements course we can’t escape the analogue thus far? What makes those products domain completely – at some point we have special from your point of view? to convert our digital signal back into an The original Klimax DS would definitely be analogue one. The quality of this conversion up there. It was our first network music is critical to the quality of the overall system, player, and probably the first digital product so we focus heavily on parameters such as where we were in complete control of clock jitter, power supply noise, and circuit the entire signal path from source file to layout to ensure that the signal we hear is as analogue output. close to the original source as possible. The Klimax Exakt system was also a high point as it finally achieved our long term goal to push the digital path all the way to the loudspeaker. Exakt is actually far more than

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: GILAD TIEFENBRUN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: GILAD TIEFENBRUN HI-FI+ a digital transport; it contains powerful DSP What do you see as the comparative merits algorithms that correct for deficiencies in the of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, loudspeaker and optimise performance for and DSD digital audio file formats? Which the listening environment. The algorithms of these formats do your top products had been in development for a number of support and why? years, but as is often the case, it took the All three formats have merit as ‘packaging’ right combination of minds and disciplines to for high res audio, but it is debatable realise its full potential. whether we need more than one. DXD is really just PCM at a very high sample rate What are two or three key aspects of and offers no benefit in terms of capturing digital audio that you wish consumers (and audio bandwidth signals. DSD is a 1-bit perhaps audio journalists, as well) better format that claims to be the direct output understood? Why? of the ADC used to make the recording, but Digital works best when it does things that very rarely is. Our products support PCM, can’t be done in the analogue world, so I think up to 192kHz/24-bit, as this is by far the we should concentrate on the big differences most common format for studio master that digital can make: correcting loudspeaker recordings. In reality, one can convert phase and compensating for room acoustics, between these formats off-line using and spend less time arguing about the relative processes that are essentially lossless in the merits of a $10k Ethernet cable.

Right: Linn Akurate Exakt system

Below: Linn Klimax DS

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: GILAD TIEFENBRUN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: GILAD TIEFENBRUN HI-FI+ audio band, so our customers can still enjoy If you are at liberty to say, what will be the music in a DSD or DXD file even though the next digital audio products from your we don’t explicitly support them. company, and when? Our latest products launched in early Consumers can potentially deliver digital September 2015 – two brand new audio files to their systems in a number Linn Systems featuring Exakt and Space of ways. How do you assess the relative Optimisation+ technologies – also featured benefits of streaming devices, dedicated in this guide. music servers, or PC-based servers— especially in terms of sound quality? What do you think the high-performance Network streaming is by far the best way to digital audio marketplace will look like five play back your digital music, especially when years from now? you use a dedicated network music player such Lossless streaming services such as Tidal and as a Linn DS player. In a network streaming Qobuz are gaining traction, and streaming system, the player is in complete control resolutions will inevitably increase as of playback quality and all other network internet bandwidth improves, so it looks like influences such as packet jitter and data this will eventually become the way many errors are eliminated by design. The inherent of us consume our music. On the hardware isolation of wired Ethernet and the absence side I think we will see many of any noisy disk drives mean that the internal more network-enabled environment of a Linn DS player is ideally products as consumers suited to high quality audio reproduction. become more comfortable with the technology and By contrast, many PC based systems rely audio becomes part of the on complicated operating system settings connected home. in order to guarantee bit perfect operation, especially at studio master sample rates. When you listen for personal enjoyment, what types of music do you most enjoy? The internal environment of a PC is also far The great advantage of owning a Linn System from optimal and even external USB DACs is that because music is reproduced to such a can be influenced by noise coupled though high standard, I can appreciate and enjoy all shared ground connections. types of music.

Right: Linn Klimax Exakt System

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: GILAD TIEFENBRUN GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: GILAD TIEFENBRUN HI-FI+ Xuanqian Wang, AURALiC

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in What are two or three key aspects of digital audio design? digital audio that you wish consumers (and Xuanqian Wang: Digital audio design is a perhaps audio journalists, as well) better domain that allows you to create something understood? Why? very unique — or highly “innovative products”. Digital audio is changing very fast. The I like the challenge and that’s the reason we digital audio component will soon become are mostly focusing on digital audio design. a software-driven product (rather than a “fixed” piece of hardware out of a box). When you are developing top-tier digital Manufacturers can add new features, audio products, which performance functionalities, and improve the sound parameters do you think have the greatest quality by software updates and it will be overall impact on sound quality? almost transparent and extremely beneficial From the hardware side, the system’s jitter for customers. In the future, you will no performance contributes most to the sound longer be buying a “box” or static piece quality; from the software side, the digital of hardware. filter algorithm is the key to best sound. That is perhaps the most important In simple terms, what do you feel sets your “transition” that consumers have to designs and products apart from most other understand about what is going on in the ones on the market? audio industry today. And I’m referring not Unique functionality, better software, only to “Audiophiles”, but anyone who loves and of course better sound quality at to listen to music. It’s the latter group that comparable prices. will drive our industry’s growth. We want both segments of the market to benefit from What do you consider your top one or two our work. digital audio design achievements thus far? What makes those products special from your point of view? The ARIES streaming bridge is no doubt the No. 1 as it has created several innovative new industries and began a new era for music lovers. The VEGA DAC has also become an industry standard and a very successful product.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: XUANQIAN WANG GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: XUANQIAN WANG HI-FI+ What do you see as the comparative merits of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and DSD digital audio file formats? Which of these formats do your top products support and why? The benefit of higher sampling rates is to allow musicians and engineers to more easily create better digital music, but it also requires more data processing capability. As long as the CPU power is not a problem, we can always benefit from higher sampling rates.

AURALiC products support DXD and DSD256 formats, which are the highest resolution formats now available for commercial recordings.

Consumers can potentially deliver digital audio files to their systems in a number of ways. How do you assess the relative benefits of streaming devices, dedicated music servers, or PC-based servers— especially in terms of sound quality? There is not a lot of difference between a streaming device and a dedicated music server; the only difference is where your music is stored. Both systems can sound very good. The PC-based server is, however, less ideal because the hardware is not designed and optimized for music playback. And, it is hard to maintain the same levels of sound quality on different PC’s.

Right: AURALiC’s ARIES wireless streaming bridge can turn virtually any DAC into a powerful streaming system

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: XUANQIAN WANG GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: XUANQIAN WANG HI-FI+ If you are at liberty to say, what will be What do you think the high-performance the next digital audio products from your digital audio marketplace will look like company, and when? five years from now? We will keep focusing on streaming audio, From the hardware side, the trend is towards improving the software, adding expanded higher integration: to have more features functionality, and trying to reduce the price and better sound quality in a smaller size of of the product to let everyone be able to device. From the software side, the way that afford it and benefit from the technology. people keep and listen to music will change; we will no longer need to keep “files”, all What is vital is to make it as easy as possible music will be stored in the cloud in high for everyone to operate—one shouldn’t resolution format and ready to stream have to be an engineer to set up and enjoy anytime to many types of devices. streaming music. It should be for everyone! When you listen for personal enjoyment, what types of music do you most enjoy? Classical music, particular the works of period from J. S. Bach to about Debussy.

Left: AURALiC ARIES’ motherboard

Right: AURALiC’s deceptively simple- looking ARIES is chockfull of impressive technical features

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: XUANQIAN WANG GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: XUANQIAN WANG HI-FI+ Robert Watts, Chord Electronics

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in a handle on how complex the FIR filter is) – digital audio design? something quite impossible. So this seemed Robert ‘Rob’ Watts: Well, I have been an a big barrier to digital audio. An additional audiophile since a teenager, which was a problem with early digital audio was that long time ago – well before digital audio. they relied on R2R DAC’s and because it Then in the early 1980’s, digital recordings is impossible to match the resistors, there started to be available on vinyl. I heard some was a problem with substantial distortion of them, and was initially impressed by the with small signals. Now this problem is the transparency; but then noticed that it lacked opposite of good analogue systems where musicality – that it was not emotionally distortion increases with larger signals; but involving as analogue master tape. At that with digital distortion increases with small time I was studying electronics at university, signals. This is the opposite of the ear’s and sampling theory was part of the course, performance, where the brain is rather and I realised that a substantial problem good at accommodating the ear’s natural with digital audio was the reconstruction distortion characteristic. interpolation filter – the FIR filter. I had also studied the physiology of hearing, and knew Then CD started, and I abhorred the sound that timing accuracy was essential for the quality of early CD – hard, aggressive, very perception of music. Looking at the sampling unmusical sound quality. I put this down theory I knew that time domain (or timing to the two problems I have talked about accuracy) performance with digital would – poor timing accuracy, and poor small need very long tap length filters, and this was signal distortion. impossible with the technology one had in the 1980’s. But then in late 1988 I heard the Phillips bitstream DAC, the SAA7320. This was PDM, Indeed, if you use an ideal sinc function and is the same technically as DSD 256. This impulse response, you will perfectly experience surprised me: CD that sounded reconstruct the original bandwidth limited relatively smooth and musical. So at that signal – this is what sampling theory proves. point I wanted to develop DAC’s and went Looking at a sinc function, if you were on to design the Deltec PDM 1. In developing to do this to 16 bits accuracy, you would this DAC, I managed to reduce the major need 1-million tap FIR filter (taps are part digital problem of increasing distortion of the FIR filter and more taps mean more for small signals by using the PDM chips processing and more memory, which gives from Phillips. Since PDM is single bit, it can

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS HI-FI+ be made to have an analogue distortion characteristic in that distortion increases with signal level. But studying the theory of PDM led me to a worrying thought: how can you accurately reproduce small, high frequency signals with only 256 pulses to encode a 22uS sample? Intuitively, it seemed way too small a number.

So I started experimenting with using multiple noise shapers (a noise shaper creates the PDM or DSD 256 bit stream) fed with different randomised data, so adding the outputs together gave more resolution as each noise shaper would have a different sequence. This strategy did indeed give better sound quality, and was in the PDM 1024 DAC. on high end performance. At this point my But I knew that having multiple noise Pulse Array DAC was developed. This enabled shapers was not solving the problem, just very high speed noise shaping at 2048 FS, reducing it by a bit; but the fact that it made and ran at 5 bits output, so it had much substantial differences indicated that there better resolution than 256 DSD/PDM. The was indeed a major problem with resolution approach had other benefits; much lower of PDM or DSD. jitter sensitivity, zero measurable noise floor modulation, and lower out of band noise, The PDM 1024 used an FPGA (these are which enabled simpler output stages. blank digital chips upon which you can design your own digital logic) – it was one With Pulse Array I felt that I had solved one of the first devices available – to create the of the major problems of digital – the low randomised data. But FPGA’s started to get level distortion and resolution problem – initially a 1024 tap filter, and gave substantial Above: Chord Electronics’ DAVE DAC (for Digital more advanced, and by 1994 I was capable of but that still left the timing problem from improvements in sound quality over the very Audio Veritas Extremis) is by far the highest doing a noise shaper entirely on an FPGA. So, sampling theory. limited tap FIR filter available then (and still performance DAC the firm has ever offered I acquired FPGA design skills and the tools to today). So it proved that the timing problems design FPGA’s and this set me off onto the By 1999 FPGA’s were capable enough to from limited tap length FIR filters did have digital design path, where I was no longer do FIR filtering as well – so I could look a severe sound quality consequence. The limited by using silicon that is designed for at the timing problem and this led to the first product to use this filter was the the mass market, but could concentrate only development of the WTA filter. This was Chord DAC 64.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS HI-FI+ When you are developing top-tier digital audio products, which performance parameters do you think have the greatest overall impact on sound quality? The interesting thing about audio is that the ear/brain is an incredibly complex and sophisticated system – we can separate individual sounds out into discrete entities with an illusion of 3D space to an amazing degree of accuracy. And one takes it completely for granted. Science has no idea how the brain manages to create the illusion of sound in 3D space, and that means as engineers we can’t take simple models of the ear’s performance as the basis to make engineering decisions. For example, if an error is below the threshold of hearing, it’s assumed as irrelevant and good enough. But I have been able to perceive errors much smaller than the threshold of hearing, as these errors interfere with brain’s processing of the data from the ears – and science has no understanding how the brain processes work.

You can make no assumptions about distortions or errors, which means that all parts of a digital design need thorough listening tests. I have heard unbelievably small errors making an easy to perceive rate against the sound of real unamplified sound 200 feet away. Lambs baaing 300 feet Above: Although based on Chord’s portable difference, which unfortunately means that instruments? In my view there are three away sound 300 feet way. A dog barking Hugo, the larger HugoTT (for Table-Top) ups the there are lots of ways to upset the sound major limitations: 2 miles away from the farm on the opposite performance ante considerably quality. So we are really talking about a very side of valley sounds 2 miles away. But when complex mix of different things that can have Perception of depth. I live in Carmarthenshire you listen on high end Hi-Fi the perception a very substantial difference to sound quality. in the country. I often early in the mornings of depth is severely limited – it often sounds open the window and just listen from my “flat as a pancake”. So one of my tests is Part of my job is traveling the world at lab. Birds are tweeting – I shut my eyes to use a well-recorded organ recorded in different hi-fi shows, and I get to hear lots and I can tell where a particular bird is to a cathedral, and I use this to assess the of high-end systems. How do these systems an alarming accuracy – birds 200 feet away perception of depth.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS HI-FI+ Timing. By this I mean the perception of you to perceive the starting and stopping the starting and stopping of a note. When of individual instruments it’s better (more one hears a live acoustic guitar, it is easy to timing variation); and if it can simultaneously perceive the starting of a note, when the portray timbre and instrument power it’s guitar string is first plucked, it is easy to hear better (more timbre variations). In short, the initial starting transient. But hear it on a I use the variation concept as a way of high-end system, the initial start is a blurred, assessing whether a design is transparent or out-of-focus smear. not, as nobody has heard a perfect device, so one has no idea what a truly transparent Timbre and instrument power. Hear a live device would be like. unamplified instrument – bright sounding instruments are bright (horns, say), rich In simple terms, what do you feel sets your sounding ones are smooth and dark designs and products apart from most other (saxophones, say). But on a high end system, ones on the market? the timbre is compressed without a wide Looking at the three major problems – range of tonal colours. You can hear some depth, timing, and timbre – I have unique systems sounding rich and smooth – where solutions to all these problems. all instruments are smooth, even the bright ones – or bright systems where everything On the perception of depth, this is a very is hard and bright. The trick is being able complex subject, and something I am still to simultaneously portray a wide range of attempting to fully understand. There are tonal colours. some very bizarre things about how the brain calculates depth and how vanishingly Additionally, listen to live instruments. small errors can make a big difference. In They can sound incredibly powerful (even the case of DAVE (DAC launched at Munich if played at a low volume). On high-end 2015), because I am using a very large systems the perception of an individual FPGA, I kept on improving the noise shaper instrument having its own individual power without regard the to size of the noise is quashed. Indeed, most systems have a shaper. It was with depth that I had the loudest instrument domination effect; your most interesting experience, and I found attention is constantly drawn to the loudest instrument, and quiet instruments are drowned out. Right: Sporting a radical and highly-capable In simple terms we are talking about a FPGA-based DAC, the portable Hugo system being capable of variation: if you can headphone amp/preamp/DAC stunned listeners accurately place instruments in space it’s with performance that challenged many better (more space variation); if it can allow premium-priced, full-size components

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS HI-FI+ significant problems. I kept on improving the other problems, so it is not down to one the right path, but I was limited by FPGA powerful – it can lead you into areas one noise shaper until I could no longer perceive simple parameter. capacity and frankly knowledge. But Hugo would not dream of doing otherwise. depth improvements – and I ended up with attacked all of the problems – timbre being a massive 17th order device with a unique But to sum it up I guess my approach is a big improvement. It also had remarkable What are two or three key aspects of structure. It has 48-bit resolving capability (it unique – on top of designing for Chord, I timing abilities, and resolved sound quality digital audio that you wish consumers (and can resolve signals below -300dB), and I have have had a very successful career in chip problems I was not even aware of. The odd perhaps audio journalists, as well) better found that this level of accuracy is needed design, so I have the financial freedom now thing about Hugo was the way it times – it understood? Why? to the correct perception of depth. In terms to concentrate only on what interests me. has a very natural flow, and a very engaging The bit perfect myth. The most important of resolving abilities this noise shaper is a With the fact that I make no assumptions as rhythmic quality. The biggest surprise was its idea for digital audio is sampling theory and trillion times more capable than traditional to what makes a difference to the sound and musicality, in particular the way you could understanding that if you do use limited high end noise shapers. so listen to everything, and that I uniquely listen to old poor quality recordings and still tap length FIR filters this will lead to a cross the bridge having designed very high enjoy them. I found myself listening to much degradation in sound quality. Everybody in On timing, the biggest influence is down to performance analogue and very complex more music, in particular piano music, which the audio business forgets or misunderstands the FPGA tap length and the interpolation digital designs. Another factor is that I before Hugo sounded a jumble of notes. Now sampling theory. But I guess the most filter. I have created my own interpolation have been designing digital for a very long you could perceive each key being struck, important concept here is that the job of a filter, the WTA algorithm, which has been time – it often amuses me when a company and how the timbre varied depending upon DAC is NOT to reproduce the digital data – optimised by many listening tests, and is the launches a product with “new” technology, the pianist! but to reproduce as accurately as possible only algorithm that addresses the sampling when I was trying and doing exactly that the original analogue signal before it is timing error. Moreover, Hugo took the 25 years ago. That said, designing a DAC But there were aspects about the sampled by the ADC. In order to accurately record on its launch with the longest tap from beginning (digital inputs) through the performance that I did not understand. reproduce the bandwidth limited analogue length filter ever at 26,000, and Dave has interpolation filters, and noise shapers, plus Hugo happened to be the first project that signal before it is sampled means a very now improved upon that at 164,000. With the digital and analogue part of the DAC used a major upgrade on all the digital complex digital section, and this flies in that said, the perception of starting of notes gives a unique ability to control every part modules in the FPGA. This upgrade was the face of analogue practices – where is not just down to the interpolation filter. of the chain. But to do all this expertly has improving aspects that I knew had sound every component, every resistor, every There are other aspects that are important taken a very, very, long time – you could quality aspects, but the surprise was that I soldered joint makes a difference to sound such as oversampling to 2048 times, which is argue that Hugo was a thirty year project. was hearing things that were unexpected quality. Digital is not like this, you must 32 times more than usual; this allows much – the perception of timing for example, have complexity to make it accurate or better timing accuracy for small signals. Moreover, I don’t pretend to know it all – it was much better than expected. So transparent. My biggest problem is with DSD there is still much to discover, which is what the upgrades had unexpectedly brought evangelists who wrongly believe that DSD On timbre, this again is a multi-dimensional keeps me interested! other improvements too. And it took the must be bit perfect and not converted to problem. Certainly noise floor modulation DAVE project for me to understand what PCM. But this approach is simply wrong; raw is an important problem – noise floor What do you consider your top one or two those parameters were. Once I understood DSD is hopelessly sensitive to jitter and needs modulation is where the noise changes with product digital audio design achievements where the performance from Hugo was very complex analogue filtering and doing it signal. Since white noise is bright, any noise thus far? What makes those products coming from I could further improve upon this way gives hard, aggressive sound quality floor modulation hardens up the sound when special from your point of view? it in the DAVE as I had a 10 times larger with gurgle noise (idle pattern noise) and its bad, but even vanishingly small levels The Chord DAC 64 went some way to FPFA than Hugo does. This illustrates that distortion. In order to accurately reproduce makes smooth instruments sound brighter. solve two of the problems – depth and understanding why something has an the analogue signal before the ADC you must Again, the perception of timbre is linked to timing. With the DAC 64 I knew I was on improvement on sound quality can be very convert it to PCM.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS HI-FI+ Things are way more complex than they What do you see as the comparative merits Consumers can potentially deliver digital Secondly, Hugo has gained traction with seem, and the ear/brain is amazingly of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and audio files to their systems in a number the pro-audio community where mastering sensitive – don’t make any assumptions DSD digital audio file formats? Which of of ways. How do you assess the relative engineers appreciate its transparency and about something not being audible. That these formats do your top products support benefits of streaming devices, dedicated musicality. We will be producing DAC’s for said, listening tests themselves are a and why? music servers, or PC-based servers— pro audio – but more importantly is the ADC problem, they need to be very carefully done All formats are supported. But that said I especially in terms of sound quality? using pulse array. It long been my ambition – it’s very easy to make confirmation biases have big problems with DSD – it is incapable I used to hear major differences between to go from microphone to loudspeaker, and sway you into the wrong direction, so one of being transparent, particularly with the PC’s and laptops. But having put galvanic this will enable that! has to be neutral and careful. perception of depth. Depth depends on isolation on Hugo TT, it now means that the extremely accurate rendition of very small source is unimportant, so long as the data is What do you think the high-performance Some listeners listen with their wallets signals, and by extremely I mean that there correct. I stream using my main design PC. digital audio marketplace will look like five (it costs more must be better) or listen with is almost no limit to how accurate small years from now? ideas (this idea is a good one it must sound signals need to be for the brain to decode One surprising thing: AAC 320 KB can sound No idea! But I know that I will be doing a full better) and some people prefer the sound depth. With PCM, a properly dithered signal surprisingly good, I am often amazed by range of digital power amps and WTA filters of distortion (it is less musical but more has no resolution problems – it will encode its musicality! with 1,000,000+ taps – fulfilling a dream impressive) or listen to the brand (it must an infinitely small signal by changing the started in 1980. Hopefully, there will be a be better because it’s an ‘xxxx’ product). But probability density – but with DSD this does If you are at liberty to say, what will be number of recordings available using my for me, although I do a very large number of not happen – signals below the DSD noise the next digital audio products from your ADC’s too! listening tests where I try to be as accurate floor are irretrievably lost. company, and when? and neutral as possible, this is only a test. Firstly, I am an independent design When you listen for personal enjoyment, The most important aspect is the musicality It amazes me how good red-book consultant working with Chord on high-end what types of music do you most enjoy? – that is how enjoyable the music is. And it (16‑bit/44.1 kHz) can be and perhaps this is audio and I create intellectual property for Mostly classical, but I enjoy progressive rock makes no difference how many clever ideas not so surprising. An infinite tap length FIR use with audio for silicon chips. But I have and electronica too. there are, how much it costs, and what the filter will make a bandwidth-limited signal’s two projects that I hope will have profound brand is – musicality is the only final arbiter. sampling rate (22 kHz, say) irrelevant. It changes. One of the beauties of Hugo is would make no difference if it were sampled that it is a simple power DAC – it has a very at 22uS or 22 ρS; either way, you would simple single stage with just two resistors have identical analogue signals. And 16‑bit and two capacitors. You can even use it properly dithered is merely noisy; it is to drive efficient horn loudspeakers, and capable of encoding infinitely small signals. when you do this the perception of depth So I believe red-book has even further to go. is absolutely extraordinary. I have been working on digital power amp technologies for 15 years now, and next year Chord will be releasing power amps that have Hugo’s simplicity and transparency but using a new technology.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: ROBERT WATTS HI-FI+ Trevor Wilson, Naim Audio

Hi-Fi+: How did you become interested in In simple terms, what do you feel sets your digital audio design? designs and products apart from most other Trevor Wilson: I came to Naim Audio via the ones ON the market? automotive industry (Bentley), but previous We are not alone, but we believe there are to Bentley I did a PHD in microwave amplifier only a few brands/products that deliver the design at Manchester in the UK. When the connection to performance we do. The key opportunity at Naim was offered it appealed elements of music are pitch and time. If we to me because of their quality and attention can’t deliver those correctly the result is to detail, but also the use of my design skills. musak: music designed not to involve, not Digital audio was very much a key part of to stir the emotions. If a product of ours my job experience in the last 8 years since can’t deliver accurate pitch and time it never NaimUniti (my first Naim product). escapes from R&D.

Digital Audio has a way of getting under The markets and various fora tend to use one’s skin as there are so many aspects of all sorts of terms to express this but I would performance we cannot measure but which simply say it’s communication. are easily audible on a good system. What do you consider your top one or two When you are developing top-tier digital product digital audio design achievements audio products, which performance thus far? What makes those products parameters do you think have the greatest special from your point of view? overall impact on sound quality? The NDS network player is our finest digital Everything, and I mean everything, affects audio product yet. I’m glad to say Robert sound quality. Of course one has to prioritise Harley (Editor in Chief of The Absolute but we start with power supplies and then Sound) seemed to agree with us in his review consider just how that power is used. last year. It’s easy to say the sound quality Isolation between digital, control, and makes it special and that’s of course what we analogue signals is again essential. This list all chase, but we believe that products must could go on forever as it all matters; even also now be easy to use for all the family. something as inconsequential looking as the Less and less high-end systems are now feet on a product has a bearing on the final installed in man- or woman- caves; they are performance. We like to consider the whole: in family rooms being enjoyed by all. the mechanical, the electrical, and the electronic design.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: TREVOR WILSON GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: TREVOR WILSON HI-FI+ What are two or three key aspects of digital audio that you wish consumers (and perhaps audio journalists, as well) better understood? Why? Computer audio and the digital world has so many areas that are outside the traditional boundaries of audio companies. Cheap/ free or poorly configured routers are a real pain issue and the general understanding of the capabilities of wireless networks when related to real time audio streaming demands (as opposed to website browsing). The assumption that because it’s digital it doesn’t need attention to detail. Attention to setup is just as critical as with a TT/Arm/ Cartridge – all digital is not created equal!!

What do you see as the comparative merits of higher-than-CD resolution PCM, DXD, and DSD digital audio file formats? Which of these formats do your top products support and why? Consumers can potentially deliver digital We support DSD64 and PCM up to 192kHz audio files to their systems in a number at present. We selected these formats based of ways. How do you assess the relative on market availability/accessibility. We benefits of streaming devices, dedicated see the priorities as primarily being good music servers, or PC-based servers— We have nailed our colours to the mast in music, good recording, and good mastering. especially in terms of sound quality? a UPnP streaming world and believe this is Assuming this, the differences between DSD At Naim we have our own server solution the best solution. We understand it takes a and PCM – while they are there – are largely that we strongly believe adds value to the bit more setting up than a simple Mac and akin to ‘does one prefer jam or marmalade archiving and listening experience for our DAC solution, but once set up, the benefits on one’s toast for breakfast’. I’d encourage customers. We decided to offer the solution are legion. readers to visit our web site to our customers (server and streamer and (www.naimlabel.com) for examples. pre/power) in order to manage the whole If you are at liberty to say, what will be chain for audio reproduction. We have the next digital audio products from your listened to many other competent solutions company, and when? (and indeed continue to do so) yet our own We are in a constant state of development, we feel imparts an emotional intent to the but as to which products will be next I shall Above: “Naim NDS: One of the world’s finest music that we enjoy. be mute. digital audio streamers”

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: TREVOR WILSON GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: TREVOR WILSON HI-FI+ What do you think the high-performance digital audio marketplace will look like five years from now? I think the high-end market will be more digital files-driven (UPnP streamed and PC/Mac/DAC solutions) than now, with CD players being less significant. I see the cloud being far more significant for backup as prices drop, but at the moment I still see the high-end playback from local (NAS) storage. For the medium to lower end, I expect the market to evolve to have a group of innovative, technology driven brands that drive the general trend of the market space product wise, but as to how customers will consume music, that will vary according the the geographic market. Certainly in Europe and the USA, I would expect to see premium streaming services to be a major part in the music consumption with maybe three or four key players.

When you listen for personal enjoyment, what types of music do you most enjoy? This varies massively with my mood and current work focus/work load. At present I’m in an alternative rock and metal phase. I enjoy the energy and power of bands like Muse but also some more classic rock like AC/DC. I expect my system to do justice to this music as much as it can for the finest audiophile recordings.

Right: Naim NDS with companion power supply

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: TREVOR WILSON GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: MASTER DESIGNERS: TREVOR WILSON HI-FI+

A SURVEY OF HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL AUDIO STREAMING & DOWNLOAD SERVICES Steven Stone

As if we needed another sign that physical These music sites and services fall into media is going the way of the buggy-whip several categories. First we have Internet and spats, a longtime fixture on the U.S. sites that sell albums of music via purchased music scene, the Columbia House music download. Next we have sites that offer “club” shuttered their doors recently. And subscription services that provide new while Record Store Day may be keeping music downloads on a regular basis. Finally independent record stores in business, we have subscription streaming services, music lovers who don’t live in a town that which offer a library of music that you can still has a store that sells CDs or records listen to anytime without downloading any are being forced to find new ways to music files. Each kind of site has advantages acquire fresh music. What follows is a and disadvantages and is best suited to list of potential on-line sources for new different kinds of listeners. This survey will music with some descriptions of their most attempt to make it easier for you to decide salient features. which services are best for you.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY HI-FI+ Acoustic Sounds – Super Hi-Rez Blue Coast Records Bowers & Wilkins Society of Sound HD Tracks www.store.acousticsounds.com www.bluecoastrecords.com www.bowers-wilkins.com/Society_of_ www.hdtracks.com Sound/Society_of_Sound/Music At Acoustic Sounds you will find both Based in the Silicon Valley, Blue Coast Records HD Tracks ranks as one of the most complete downloads and physical media in addition to is the brainchild of Cookie Marenco, who is The Society of Sound is a curated music download sites in the world. With hardware. Downloads are primarily in FLAC also the recording and mastering engineer subscription service that offers two newly all this music to choose from, finding what format but range from Redbook 44.1/16 all for all Blue Coast albums. Most Blue Coast recorded downloads every month. The you want could be daunting, but HD Tracks the way up to 352/24 DXD and DSD. At the recordings are captured in DSD format while curators include Peter Gabriel and the supplies its potential customers with many time of this survey I found 5502 different a few others are recording in analogue and London Symphony Orchestra and according ways to find the music they are looking for. albums listed for download. 1075 were then mastered onto DSD format. Releases to B&W’s copy, “the music includes artists You can shop by label; Sony Classical, Warner, 44.1/16, 952 were 192/24, and 580 are available in PCM 44.1/16 WAV, 96/24 you know and introduces you to artists you Blue Note, Atlantic, ECM, Motown, Verve, available on DSD. Some titles, such as Jazz PCM WAV in addition to 2.8 DSD in DSF and should know.” The trial membership allows and Legacy each have their own dedicated at the Pawnshop, are available in multiple DFF. The current catalog has over 50 original you to download a selection of tracks to catalog pages. You can also search within a formats including DSD 64x, 352/24 DXD, releases, primarily folk, acoustic, and classical see if the music suits your tastes. At the genre for a particular artist. There is even a multi-channel SACD, 180-gram vinyl, and small ensembles. Blue Coast offers Cookie time I looked at the site it was featuring an dedicated Hi-Res store page. On this page JVC half-speed mastered vinyl. Looking Marenco’s unique auteur’s view on high- interview with Hannah Peel, Peter Gabriel’s you will find 44/1/24. 48/24. 96/25, and through the “top sellers” repertoire most of resolution recording. Her releases all have a album So, and an album by Bjork Vulnicura. 172.6/24, and 192/24 files in AIFF, FLAC, ALS, the selections were “boomer rock” with a warmth and intimacy in both their aesthetic The Society of Sound also has a download and WAV formats. By way of an introduction smattering of jazz and classical. A keyword and sonic viewpoints. If you are a fan of the section, which includes a slew of recordings HD Tracks offers a free high-resolution search for “Beethoven” brought up Windham Hill label’s releases I recommend by Maria Callas available as either Apple sampler for download that will not only 332 possible selections while “Kanye West” Special Event 19 Alex de Grassi. You can Lossless or FLAC format. You will also find familiarize you with their sound quality, brought up 4. If you are an audiophile with purchase the entire 10-song album for $15 Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells available in four but also give you a chance to try out their traditional tastes you will be right at home in for 44.1/16, 96/24, or 2.8 DSD in DSF or DFF. different versions including a 2.32 GB Bundle download methodology and assure that it Acoustic Sounds’ virtual music shop. Unlike many sites Blue Coast does not charge and 5.1 FLAC version, and Peter Gabriel’s works for you. a premium for its higher resolution versions. Scratch My Back project.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY HI-FI+ iTrax Linn Records Naim Label Pono Music www.itrax.com/Pages/PostSignUp.php www.linnrecords.com www.naimlabel.com www.ponomusic.com iTrax was launched in November of 2007, Classical music connoisseurs will find an This site features classical, jazz, and “edge” A major part of Neil Young’s vision for his making it the world’s first high-resolution, enticing number of options on the Linn genres. Most of the jazz and edge musicians Pono player eco-system is the Pono Music digital audio download site. Currently iTrax Records site. All of the albums are available are names you may not be familiar with site. According to the site it has “over includes real HD-Audio projects from 2L, in what Linn calls “Studio Master” files which (I iwasn’t) but if you have the time, the 2 million tracks and still growing” with the Harmonia Mundi, Naxos, and SFS Media are encoded at 24-bit or higher, and currently site lets you audition all the tracks. The focus on pop and rock with a smattering of in their roster of available releases. The up to 192kHz. Most are also available Marc Ford album, for instance, has twelve jazz. Most downloads are available in 44.1/24 site’s current top seller is their iTrax-Sprint in other formats. Ingrid Fliter’s Chopin: tracks, all with previews. It is available in and 96/24 resolutions, but a few, such as Ultra HD sampler, which includes 19 cuts Preludes is available in seven different 320 k MP3, 44.1/16 WAV, 44.1/16 FLAC, The Art of John Coltrane The Atlantic Years by the likes of John Gorka, Albert Lee, formats including 192/24 FLAC, 192/24 ALCA, 44.1/16 ALAC, 48/24 WAV, 48/16 FLAC, and are available in 192/24. There are still some Laurence Juber, Monty Alexander, Carl 96/24 FLAC, 96/24 ALCA, 44.1/16 FLAC, 48/16 ALAC. Prices range from $11.99 for the holes in the site, such as when you select Verhheyn, and Willie Nelson. It is available 44.1/16 ALAC, Compact disc, and 320k MP3. 320kbps MP3 version to 17.99 for the 48/16 “support” the page requests your Pono in 96/24 FLAC and 96/24 WAV formats. If Prices vary from $11 for the MP3 to $24 for versions. You can also buy individual tracks employee user name and password, which as you are looking for DSD or 192/24 or higher the 192/24 versions. With approximately for between $.99 and $1.79. On its classical a customer you don’t have. Given how long resolution PCM, you will not find any here 400 titles, most classical, but some folk and page you will find performances by the Royal the site has been active this gaffe points to – the site’s owner, Mark Waldrep firmly pop, Linn Records offers audiophiles the Philharmonic Orchestra. An album of Mozart a site that is less than fully flight-checked. believes that 96/24 is the best combination opportunity to compare MP3 and Redbook Wind Serenades is available in 88.2/24 in On the plus side, Pono recently announced of resolution and file size, so that is what formats with higher resolution versions. The WAV, FLAC, or ALAC as well as standard that they will institute a free upgrade policy he offers. He also guarantees that none of only omission on the site is that it is not clear and MP3. – anytime they release a higher resolution the tracks are upsampled 44.1, but genuine which recordings were originally made in version of an album anyone who previously high‑resolution recordings. high definition and which were upsampled purchased the album is entitled to an from standard definition albums. upgrade to the higher resolution copy.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY HI-FI+ Primephonic Qobuz Sony High-Res Music Services The Classical Shop www.primephonic.com http://www.qobuz.com www.sony.co.uk/electronics/hi-res-audio- www.theclassicalshop.net music-services Dedicated exclusively to classical music, Although Qobuz is not yet available in the The Classical Shop is a division of Chandos Primephonic offers downloads in 44.1/16 United States, versions are available for Unlike all the other sites in this survey, You Records and is located in England. They as well as 96/24 FLAC and 2.8 (64×) DSD most continental European countries and can’t buy music from this Sony site, but you are, in their own words, “one of the world’s for some selections. Labels represented for the UK. Looking at the Qobuz French can find referral links to most of the other premium DRM-free download stores include Ars Nova, Academy of Ancient Music, site I learned that it offers high-resolution sites in this survey via this Sony page. There dedicated to classical music. As a classical BIS, Carpe Diem, Chandos, Delos, Centaur, streaming with a deep catalog and a nice are also a couple of sites that are not in this music devotee, you have access to 1 528 287 LSO Live, Naxos, Obsidian, Pentatone, clean and easy to navigate interface. Even survey, such as the Berlin Philharmonic’s tracks from the world’s leading independent Sarastro, Reference Recordings, Sono if you are not a subscriber Qobuz lets you download page, Bleep, Cybele, Gimell, and labels, with free sampling of any track.” Luminous, Wilson Recordings, and others. sample 30 seconds of anything in its catalog hd-klassik. Naturally this page also links to Depending on the album, The Classical shop Prices for albums vary from £9 to £31 at VBR 320kbps. The sound was impressive the Sony Store and Sony support. offers 320kbps MP3, CD-quality 44.1/16, depending primarily on the length of the even from this lossy stream. US-based and studio quality at 88.1/24 and 96/24. recording. You can, if you wish, even buy rock fans will discover many performers The price for a full-length studio quality individual movements of classical albums. and bands they have never heard before, download is £17.99 and individual tracks cost Adrianne Pieczonka’s album of Strauss and which they are free to sample through free £1.20. The site is well configured with nice Wagner Lieder cost £16.49, but individual 30-second auditions. US-based classical touches such as descriptions of each album songs are only 60p each. The website is well fans will find more on Qobuz to like. The popping up when you roll your mouse over designed with nice touches, such as other catalog is deep and the sound quality on its image. There are also regular 3-album “related” albums available on the website the selections I sampled, such as Yoon Soo discounts (33% off when you order three and its own dedicated download manager. Lee playing Bach’s Partita No. 4 in D Major albums) and a monthly newsletter that BWV 828 released by Musideco Classical, informs you of new releases. was surprisingly good.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY HI-FI+ BACK ISSUES!

Tidal/WiMP 7 Digital.com www.tidal.com/us, www.wimpmusic.com www.7digital.com

Pay no attention to that disastrous news Another download service based in Great Complete your conference; TIDAL is far more than Jay-Z and Britain, 7.Digital.com, has pop, rock, and collection superstars. With its own dedicated player classical downloads available in 320kbps app and integration into many digital players MP3 and M4A, 44.1/16, 44.1/14, and Read previous reviews TIDAL ranks as the most likely to achieve the 96/14 FLAC formats. Most of the tracks can of the UK’s best loved goal of a fully portable music library (if your be auditioned and individual tracks can be library is primarily rock, pop, and jazz). In purchased as well as whole albums. 7 Digital audio magazine HiFi mode TIDAL streams in lossless 44.1/16 has a section dedicated to high‑resolution, resolutions and if your connection is poor, but a majority of the music here is 16‑bit. POSTAGE & PACKING it has a lower-resolution stream available. If Fortunately the formats are all clearly UK: £1/Magazine you are looking for a site to preview new pop noted, but there is no information about Europe: £3/Magazine music TIDAL is hard to beat with lots of new the resolution of the original sources or Rest of World: £5/Magazine titles added every week. Appending albums where the albums were sourced. While UK orders are sent by Parcel Post, please allow 2 weeks for delivery. to your own music list is easy, too. All you 7 Digital.com is certainly not unique in this Overseas orders are sent by air mail. do is click on the album as a “favorite” and lack of transparency, it would be far better it joins your TIDAL music library. TIDAL’s HiFi if customers knew exactly what they were sound is so good that in A/B tests versus a buying. Although 7 Digital has a nice clean, CD you will be hard-pressed to discern an easy to navigate site, it needs something audible difference. more to differentiate itself from other sites that offer similar inventory options, such as HD-Tracks. ORDER TODAY!

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY www.hifiplus.comGUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY HI-FI+

HIFI+ BackIssues_210x297.indd 58 30/10/2015 10:12 Survey of High-Quality Digital Audio Streaming & Download Services Download Streaming Highest Resolutions Global Markets Name of Service URL Service? Service? Pricing? File Formats Offered? Available? Served?

Acoustic Sounds store.acousticsounds.com/superhirez Yes No $10.00 – $29.98 ALAC, DSD, FLAC 352/24 DXD, 128X DSD, Yes 192/24

Blue Coast Records www.bluecoastrecords.com Yes No $10.50 – $20.00 WAV, DSF, DFF 2.8MH DSD Yes

Bowers & Wilkins www.bowers-wilkins.com/Society_of_Sound/ Yes No $16.00 – $24.00 ALAC, FLAC 96/24 Yes Society of Sound Society_of_Sound/Music

HD Tracks www.hdtracks.com Yes No $9.98 – $24.98 AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, WAV 352/24 Yes

iTrax www.itrax.com/Pages/PostSignUp.php Yes No $9.99 – $19.99 WAV, FLAC, WMA Lossless, 96/24 Yes MP3, Doby Digital, DTS

Linn Records www.linnrecords.com Yes No $11.00 – $20.00 FLAC, ALAC, MP3 192/24 Yes

Naim Label www.naimlabel.com Yes No $11.99 – 21.99 FLAC, WAV, ALAC, MP3 96/24 Yes

Pono Music www.ponomusic.com Yes No $7.69 – $25.69 FLAC 192/24 Yes

Primephonic www.primephonic.com Yes No €12.99 – €24.99 WAV, FLAC, DSD 2.8 MHz DSD Yes

Qobuz www.qobuz.com/fr-fr/ No Yes £4.99 – £19.99/ MP3, AAC, OGG Vorbis, AAC, 128 kbps, 320kbps, Most continental month AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, WAV 44.1/16, 44.1/24, European countries, the www.qobus.com/gb-en/plans/ 88.2/24,176.4/24, 192/24 UK, and soon to the US. music‑streaming‑subscriptions

Sony High-Res Music www.sony.co.uk/electronics/hi-res-audio-music- No: Site is a referral No: Site is a referral Not applicable. Not applicable. Depends on services Yes Services services service only. service only. referenced.

The Classical Shop www.theclassicalshop.net Yes No £7.99 – £13.99 MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV, AIFF 96/24 Yes

Tidal/WiMP www.tidal.com/us No Yes $25.99/month HIFi 44.1/16 No

7 Digital.com www.7digital.com Yes No $9.99 – $17.99 MP3, FLAC, AAC 44.1/24 Yes

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: DIGITAL AUDIO SURVEY HI-FI+ Introduction to streaming JASON KENNEDY

Streamed audio is not a new format, nor the best CD players will split opinion of even new technology, but it has taken course, but in my experience streamers excel the place of the CD in many enthusiasts at low level detail, refinement, and openness systems. This means it has the characteristics while disc spinners have the upper hand at of a format in our world, but streaming’s timing, and the emotional engagement that strength is that its almost format free. In good timing delivers. The fact that Naim theory (and often in practice as well) you uses its NDS streamer to demonstrate the can stream existing audio formats on a piece megabucks Statement amplifiers rather than of hardware that can also accommodate the more costly CD555 CD player should tell future formats. This may require a hardware you something. It’s clear from sales data update, but often a software update over the that CD players are being squeezed out by web is sufficient. Streaming is tremendously the revival of turntables and the ascent “The CI industry used computer platforms flexible in that respect. of streamers. and storage systems to develop means of producing multiroom audio without But why has streaming proved so popular? The other obvious advantage streaming multiple sources, and companies including There are number of reasons, but prime devices have in the digital arena is the Linn and Naim started out in streaming among them is the ease of access to your ability to play higher bit and sample rate this way.” music collection. We no longer expect to fine recordings. Unlike CD players, streamers tune a turntable every time we sit down for are not restricted to the 16‑bit/44.1kHz a session. Instead, we want easy access and Red Book format. Chipsets exist that can good sound. And there’s nothing quite as replay sample rates up to 384kHz and easy as selecting your music on a tablet from quadruple DSD (DSD256), and quite possibly the comfort of your listening chair. That’s not higher by the time you read this. Higher bit to say sound quality is secondary however, and sample rates are not in themselves a as a good streaming source is extremely panacea for good sound of course; you can resolute and engaging. The majority of probably remember numbers races in the streamers sound more refined than the past, such as THD, where better figures did majority of CD players; pound for pound not mean better sound. I heard recently they are a revelation in this respect. If the that the BBC used to send FM signals to harsh glare of digital audio has kept you in its transmitters at 13‑bit in the 1970s, and the analogue fold you might be pleasantly FM was considered pretty good back then. surprised by the presentation of a decent Today’s DAB broadcasts stretch to 128kbps streamer. Pitting the best streamers against if you’re lucky.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: AN INTRODUCTION TO STREAMING GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: AN INTRODUCTION TO STREAMING HI-FI+ History approach is dubbed the ‘push’ approach, Sonos has proved wireless networks are good that can be saved. It’s a bit like a compilation Streaming started in what is now called the because the computer ‘pushes’ the signal enough for many. tape but a lot more flexible as you can have CI or custom installation world back in the to the converter. A streamer on the other almost as many tracks as you like and you 1990s. When you want to send audio to hand ‘pulls’ the data from the source, Another school of thought is to have the can have the same track on as many playlists multiple rooms and control it from a single usually a NAS drive. Using a computer has music stored on the player itself, eliminating as you want. As an old school album listener, point, you can’t beat transmitting that signal the advantage of flexibility in the choice the need for separate music storage, this is this is not something I have adapted to through a network. The CI industry used of playback software and cost, but to get what happens in a Naim HDX and a variety in truth: I tend to play tracks or albums, computer platforms and storage systems decent sound quality you need a dedicated of both high-end and budget products. but rarely get around to building playlists, to develop means of providing multiroom computer that has been built with this It simplifies initial set up at the cost of despite the ease with which it can be audio without multiple sources, and purpose in mind. This tends to undermine flexibility. But, it does mean that the network achieved. But I get the impression I am in the companies including Linn and Naim started the cheapness factor. In most instances, is only necessary for control and grabbing minority in this regard. out in streaming this way. Both have now you need direct access to the computer metadata and so can be wireless without abandoned CI and concentrate on domestic to control playback, but software such as sonic compromise. Formats streaming hardware, Linn doing so in the JRiver Media Center can be controlled with I mentioned formats earlier. There are many most dramatic fashion, when it announced the JRemote app on a tablet. The only other Networking of these to choose from, but if sound quality that it would stop making CD players in limitation is that USB leads do not perform The network approach means the media is important then the list gets a lot shorter. late 2009. quite so well if they are over a metre server or storage device need not be in the The choice is essentially between those that or two long. same room as the player, and as NAS drives losslessly compress the audio data such as The more affordable entry point in the early are not the quietest things, this is quite FLAC and Apple’s variant ALAC, and those days was Squeezebox’s range of rendering A streamer or renderer is built from the handy. It also means that multiple players that do not: WAV, AIFF, and, more recently, devices or players. Squeezebox released a ground up as a dedicated audio component, can share the same drive, both wired and DSD. The reason for choosing the lossless full-size streamer called the Transporter, so attention is paid to keeping out RFI wirelessly. One of the nice things about formats used to be that they require about but it was the smaller and rather more through the use of linear power supplies having your music on a network is that any half as much storage space, but now that affordable Touch that captured the attention and minimising jitter and the other ills of streaming device can access it; in my case space is so inexpensive, that argument is less of enthusiasts. The brand itself has been digital audio that the computer world is that means the iPod Touch that plugs into valid. What is more important is metadata: absorbed into the Logitech fold and most not bothered about. Streamers connect to the kitchen radio, but it could just as easily all the information about the track including of the Squeezbox hardware is no longer a computer network, where they can pull be a smartphone. And while you need a artist, track title, album title, artwork, etc. manufactured, but the Touch remains audio data from a media server, generally tablet or smartphone to use the control FLAC, ALAC, and AIFF all support metadata, a popular player with numerous mods a network attached hard drive or NAS with app for a dedicated streamer, that same which means that if you transfer your music and tweaks available to the enthusiast. an operating system such as Twonky media handheld device can be both controller and collection to a player that uses different You can even get it to stream the latest onboard. Companies including Naim and player. Therein lies the rub of course; if you software it will be able to display this music services. more recently Melco offer higher quality leave the iPad in the kitchen, it won’t be on key information. servers that can also rip CDs and offer the sofa when you want to choose an album Computing alternative connections alongside the RJ45 or playlist on the main system. However, WAV is regarded by many to be the The computer has always been the basis of socket required for connection to a network best of the best. It’s not Apple-centric like digital audio streaming; the least expensive wired with Ethernet cable. For best results The playlist is another aspect of streaming AIFF and it does not compress data, and so way to dip a toe is to connect a laptop and high resolution formats a network that is very popular; essentially it’s a means long as you stick with the same software, the to a DAC via a length of USB cable. This should be wired rather than wireless, but as of collecting a selection of tracks in a list metadata is available. It was the exclusive

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: AN INTRODUCTION TO STREAMING GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: AN INTRODUCTION TO STREAMING HI-FI+ format of the Naim UnitiServe until last year. turned up at the Bristol show this year; streaming: Qobuz from France and Tidal Streaming glossary The thinking today has swung toward FLAC the Stack Audio Onset, with its dCS style (also known as ‘WiMP’) from Norway. The because of its portability and because a good casework, looks very promising. catalogues from both are large, if not in Control point: usually an app on a touch streamer has no difficulty ‘unpacking’ the Spotify’s league, but don’t include certain screen device that is used to select and FLAC container to expand the data within. Online sounds major artists (The Beatles are not represented, play music The fact that high resolution music files are As well as providing easy access to your own and neither are artists on the ECM label, Ethernet: a standard for computer sold in this format is a factor, but possibly music collection, a streamer also opens up which is perhaps more pertinent). Qobuz has networking and the name given to the more significant is that not many people can the world of Internet radio and streaming a considerably larger classical library of the cabling used to create such networks hear the difference on most streamers. Linn’s services. There are seemingly millions of two and offers a 15‑day free trial, Tidal’s trial Gapless playback: continuous playback position is that there is no audible difference. net radio stations around the world that is only seven days, unless you can pick up a of multiple tracks without gaps can be searched for by region or genre, and voucher at a show. Both services cost £20 a between them DSD many can only be accessed online. If you are month and sound quality is pretty good: not NAS: network attached storage, usually On the other side of this fence is that revival looking for niche programming, there is no quite as good as your own library, but good a hard disk drive controlled by a small of the format that SACD was based on, DSD easier way to find it. While sound quality is enough to enjoy on a decent system. dedicated PC – a format for which very little mainstream variable, it’s not a lot worse than other digital Media server: media storage device with original content is available, yet which has broadcasting. In some cases companies get Conclusion server software onboard, such as a NAS become the flavour of the season in the exclusive access to higher quality streams: Streaming has not quite scaled the sonic drive world of DACs. Even Naim has incorporated Naim streamers provide both Naim Radio heights of the best analogue and digital Metadata: tags in a data file that carry DSD compatibility in its NAC‑N 272 streaming and Radio Paradise at 320kbps, for instance. sources, but being a young technology in information about that file. In streaming preamplifier, this despite the fact that audio terms there is room for improvement audio this means title, artist, album, the UnitiServe it sells to complement its Streaming services are more like an online in the software provided by some companies. album artwork, date, etc streamers is not yet DSD compatible. You library from which you can pick and mix That said, it is 21st century audio technology Playlist: list of tracks that you build up can get server software that will stream DSD tracks, albums, and artists. For sheer breadth that need not cost a fortune. I use streaming and save for future playback. Usually however, Naim use one called MinimServer of catalogue, it’s hard to beat Spotify but for the majority of my reviewing work; it created in the control app for its demonstrations. that is limited to 320kbps on its £10/month doesn’t sound as good as my turntable, but Renderer: a streaming source component/ premium service or 128kbps otherwise. it’s pretty damn fine and a whole lot more player Another approach to streaming hardware is There are two services that offer CD quality user friendly. exemplified by the AURALiC ARIES among a Ripping: the process of copying music from an optical disc. Turning a CD into a few others. The ARIES is a ‘bridge’, which is file that can be streamed requires it to essentially a streamer without a DAC. It has be ripped USB output for high bit/sample rates as well as S/PDIF outputs on coax and optical. The Switch: in network systems, a junction that shares data across its outputs. absence of a converter and analogue output Gigabit switches are preferable for stage makes it less expensive than a high-end audio networks streamer, but theoretically able to compete with such things if you already own a serious UPnP: Universal Plug and Play, the protocol DAC. There are not many bridges on the for sending data around a network market yet, but a high-end British example

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: AN INTRODUCTION TO STREAMING GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: AN INTRODUCTION TO STREAMING HI-FI+ HI-FI+ REVIEW INDEX – DACs ISSUE 100 TO PRESENT

 Analogue Audio Vivace Solid-State DAC Hi-Fi+ 123 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/audio-analogue-vivace-dac/  Arcam irDAC Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 116 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/web-exclusive-arcam-irdac-digital-convertor/  Astin Trew Concord DAC 1 Valve DAC Hi-Fi+ 113 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/astin-trew-concord-dac-1-digital-converter/  AURALiC VEGA Digital audio processor/DAC Hi-Fi+ 106 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/auralic-vega-digital-audio-processor/  B.M.C. Audio DAC1PreHR DAC/preamp Hi-Fi+ 115 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/bmc-audio-bdcd11-cd-player-and-dac1prehr-dacpreamp/  CH Precision C1 DAC/controller Hi-Fi+ 120 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ch-precision-d1-c1-and-a1-system/  dCS Vivaldi (part one) SACD/CD transport & DAC Hi-Fi+ 104 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/dcs-vivaldi-cd-transport-and-dac-part-1-hi-fi-plus/  dCS Vivaldi (part two) Upsampler & master clock Hi-Fi+ 105 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/dcs-vivaldi-upsampler-and-master-clock-part-2-hi-fi-plus/  Electrocompaniet ECD 2 DAC Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 103 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/electrocompaniet-ecd-2-dac/  Exogal Comet Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 125 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/exogal-comet-dac-and-power-supply/  Hegel HD12 Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 121 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/hegel-hd12-dsd-compatible-dac/  HRT Airstreamer Wireless USB DAC Hi-Fi+ 116 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  HRT Music Streamer III USB-powered DAC Hi-Fi+ 113 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/hrt-music-streamer-iii/  HRT Music Streamer III USB-powered DAC Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/unboxing-of-sorts-hrt-streamer-iii/  Longdog VDT1 Valve DSD DAC Hi-Fi+ 107 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/vdt1-stereo-24192-dsd-dac/  Meridian Audio Director Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 109 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/meridian-director-dac/  Metrum Hex DAC Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 100 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/metrum-acoustics-hex-digital-converter/  Metrum Pavane Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 127 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Nagra Audio HD DAC Solid-State DAC Hi-Fi+ 122 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/audio-analogue-vivace-dac/  Naim Audio DAC-V1 DAC Solid-State DAC http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/naim-dac-v1-dac-nap100-amplifier/  PS Audio DirectStream DAC Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 125 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ps-audio-perfectwave-disc-transportdirectstream-dac-with-pikes-peak-os/  PS Audio DirectStream DAC Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/first-listen-ps-audio-directstream-dac-with-pikes-peak-operating-system/  PS Audio DirectStream DAC (follow-up) Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 128 Current newsstand issue  Schiit Audio Modi DAC Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 104 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Shanling H1.1 Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 107 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/shanling-h11-dac/  TEAC UD-501 DAC Solid-state DAC Hi-Fi+ 104 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/teac-ud-501-digital-converter/

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HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: REVIEW INDEX GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: REVIEW INDEX HI-FI+ HI-FI+ REVIEW INDEX – DISC PLAYERS AND PORTABLE PLAYERS ISSUE 100 TO PRESENT

 Electrocompaniet EMP3 Universal disc player Hi-Fi+ 101 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/electrocompaniet-emp3/  Ayon Audio CD-3s Valve CD player/preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 103 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  dCS Vivaldi (part one) SACD/CD transport & DAC Hi-Fi+ 104 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/dcs-vivaldi-cd-transport-and-dac-part-1-hi-fi-plus/  MSB Signature Data CD IV CD transport Hi-Fi+ 104 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/msb-technology-signature-data-cd-iv/  Oppo 105D Audiocom Signature Upgraded universal disc player Hi-Fi+ 111 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/oppo-bdp-105d-audiocom-signature/  Vitus Audio SCD-025 CD player/DAC Hi-Fi+ 113 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/vitus-audio-scd-025/  Norma Revo DS-1 CD transport/DAC Hi-Fi+ 113 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/norma-revo-ds-1/  Computer Audio Design CAT Computer audio transport Hi-Fi+ 115 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Moon by Simaudio 260D CD player/DAC Hi-Fi+ 115 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/sim-audio-moon-260d-neo-and-250i-neo/  B.M.C. Audio BDCD1.1 CD player Hi-Fi+ 115 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/bmc-audio-bdcd11-cd-player-and-dac1prehr-dacpreamp/  AVM Inspiration CS 2.2 CD/DAC/streaming Integrated amp Hi-Fi+ 118 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/avm-inspiration-cs22-system/  Roksan Audio K3 CD player Hi-Fi+ 118 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/roksan-k3-cd-player/  Resolution Audio Cantata Preamp/disc player/DAC Hi-Fi+ 118 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/resolution-audio-cantata-music-centerm100pont-neuf-syste  CH Precision D1 CD/SACD player/transport Hi-Fi+ 120 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ch-precision-d1-c1-and-a1-system/  TAD D1000 CD/SACD and digital file player Hi-Fi+ 125 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/tad-d1000-cdsacd-player/  PS Audio PerfectWave Transport CD & high-res disc transport Hi-Fi+ 125 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ps-audio-perfectwave-disc-transportdirectstream-dac-with-pikes-peak-os/  PS Audio PerfectWave Transport CD & high-res disc transport Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/first-listen-ps-audio-perfectwave-memory-player-transport/  Audio Research Reference CD9 Valve CD player Hi-Fi+ 128 Current newsstand issue  Yamaha CD-S3000 CD player Hi-Fi+ 128 Current newsstand issue

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HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: REVIEW INDEX GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: REVIEW INDEX HI-FI+ +44 (0)118 981 9891 www.audioconsultants.co.uk FINE TWO CHANNEL AUDIO SYSTEMS

For those seeking true excellence from their audio system

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[email protected] 4 Zephyr House Calleva Park Aldermaston Berkshire RG7 8JN UK AC/HFP/87 HI-FI+ REVIEW INDEX – PREAMP/DACS, INTEGRATED AMP/DACS & PORTABLE PLAYERS ISSUE 100 TO PRESENT

 Alpha Design Labs X-1 Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 109 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/adl-x1-portable-dac-and-headphone-amplifier/  AMI Musik DDH-1 Headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 108 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ami-musik-ddh-1-dacheadphone-amplifier/  Apex Hi-Fi Glacier Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 103 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/apex-hi-fi-glacier-portable-headphone-ampdac/  Astell & Kern AK120 Portable high-res digital audio player Hi-Fi+ 103 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Astell & Kern AK380 Portable high-res digital audio player Hi-Fi+ 126 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/astell-kern-ak380-high-res-digital-audio-player/  AudioQuest Dragonfly 1.2 Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 111 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/audioquest-dragonfly-v12/  Aurender Flow Portable headphone amp/DAC/player Hi-Fi+ 122 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/aurender-flow-portable-headphone-ampdacpreampplayer/  Aurender Flow Portable headphone amp/DAC/player Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/first-listen-aurender-flow-portable-headphone-ampdacpreamp/  AVM Evolution SD5.2 Streaming preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 122 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/avm-evolution-sd-52-streaming-dacpreamp/  Ayon Audio CD-3s Valve CD player/preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 103 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ayon-audio-cd-3s-cd-player/  B.M.C. Audio DAC1PreHR Preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 115 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/bmc-audio-bdcd11-cd-player-and-dac1prehr-dacpreamp/  Burmester 151 Network music player Hi-Fi+ 121 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/burmester-151-musiccenter-media-player/  Burson Audio Conductor Headphone amp/preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 105 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/burson-audio-conductortimekeeper-amps/  Cambridge Audio 851N Network streaming preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 127 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Cambridge Audio Azur 851D Preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 115 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/cambridge-audio-azur-851d-851w/  Celsus Sound Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 126 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Celsus Sound Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/first-listen-celsus-sound-companion-one-portable-headphone-ampusb-wi-fi-dac/  CEntrance HIFI-M8 Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 110 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/centrance-hifi-m8-dacheadphone-amp/  CH Precision C1 Preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 120 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ch-precision-d1-c1-and-a1-system/  Chord Electronics Hugo Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 111 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/chord-electronics-hugo-dacheadphone-amplifier/  Chord Electronics Hugo Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/first-listen-chord-electronics-hugo-portable-high-res-dacheadphone-amp/  Cocktail Audio CA-X30 Media centre/amplifier Hi-Fi+ 114 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Cyrus Lyric 09 Integrated media player system Hi-Fi+ 114 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/cyrus-audio-lyric-09/  Devialet 170 Integrated amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 104 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/devialet-170-integrated-dacamplifier/  Devialet 240/250 Integrated amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 112 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/devialet-250/  Devialet Ensemble Integrated amp/DAC & speaker system Hi-Fi+ 116 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/devialet-ensemble-system/

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HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: REVIEW INDEX GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: REVIEW INDEX HI-FI+ HI-FI+ REVIEW INDEX – PREAMP/DACS, INTEGRATED AMP/DACS & PORTABLE PLAYERS ISSUE 100 TO PRESENT

 HRT dSp Portable USB headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 128 Current newsstand issue  HRT i-dSp Portable USB headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 128 Current newsstand issue  iFi Audio Micro iDSD Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 118 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  iFi Audio Micro iDSD Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/first-listen-ifi-micro-idsd-portable-headphone-ampdacpreamp/  iFi Audio Nano iDSD Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 112 http:/www.hifiplus.com/articles/ifi-nano-idsd-portable-dsd-dacheadphone-amplifier/  iFi Audio Nano iDSD Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/first-look-ifi-idsd-nano-dacheadphone-amp-ican-nano-headphone-amp/  iFi Audio Retro Stereo 50 & System Headphone & integrated amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 125 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ifi-audio-retro-complete-system/  iFi Audio Retro Stereo 50 & System Headphone & integrated amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/first-listen-ifi-audio-retro-music-system/  Krell Vanguard Integrated amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 121 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/krell-vanguard-integrated-amplifier/  LH Labs Geek Out V2 Portable USB headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 126 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/lh-labs-geek-out-v2/  Linn Akurate Exakt Akudorik Streaming active audio system Hi-Fi+ 122 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/linn-akurate-aukdorik-exakt-system/  Linn Products Majik DSM Streaming integrated amplifier Hi-Fi+ 126 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/linn-majik-dsm-integrated-streaming-amplifier  Meridian Audio Prime Headphone amp/preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 106 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/exclusive-meridian-prime-headphone-amplifierdacpreamplifier/  MiZiK dPlay Preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 111 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/mizik-dvin-phono-preamp-dplay-and-dstream-preamplifier/  Moon by Simaudio Neo 430HAD Headphone amp/preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 122 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/moon-neo-430had-desktop-headphone-amplifierdac/  Naim Audio DAC-V1 USB preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 102 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/naim-superuniti-network-integrated-amplifier/  Naim Audio Superuniti Streaming integrated amplifier Hi-Fi+ 122 www.hifiplus.com/articles/naim-superuniti-network-integrated-amplifier/  Oppo HA-1 Headphone amp/preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 119 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/oppo-ha-1-desktop-headphone-amplifierdac/  Oppo HA-1 Headphone amp/preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/first-listen-oppo-ha-1-desktop-headphone-amplifierdacpreamp/  Peachtree Audio Nova220SE Integrated amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 117 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/peachtree-audio-nova-220se/  Peachtree Audio Nova220SE Integrated amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/first-listen-peachtree-audio-nova-220se-integrated-ampdacheadphone-amp/  Resolution Audio Cantata Preamp/disc player/DAC Hi-Fi+ 118 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/resolution-audio-cantata-music-centerm100pont-neuf-system/  ReVox Joy Streaming integrated amplifier Hi-Fi+ 120 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/revox-joy-s120-integrated-amplifier-and-network-audio-player/  Roksan Oxygene Integrated amp/Bluetooth DAC Hi-Fi+ 104 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/roksan-oxygene-integrated-amplifier-bluetooth-dac/  Trinnov Amethyst Preamp/digital audio processor Hi-Fi+ 106 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/trinnov-amethyst-preamp/  V-MODA Vamp Verza Portable headphone amp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 105 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/v-moda-vamp-verza-portable-headphone-ampdac/

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HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: REVIEW INDEX GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: REVIEW INDEX HI-FI+ NuPrime IDA-8 Ultra Low Noise Class A+D Integrated Ampli er with DAC & Wireless Port

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• Single End JFET input stage circuitry design provides Inputs: superior second harmonics • 1 × Phono Input • Provide high input impedance, high S/R • 2 × Analog Stereo RCA and ultra low input bias currents • Non-feedback output stage design provides Outputs: low Temporal Distortion • 1 × 3.5mm headphone/ • Pure Class A headphone amp design earphone output • Phono (RIAA) input module: Internal setting to MM or MC • 2 × 6.3mm headphone/ • Maximum headphone impedance support range earphone output from 8 ohm and up to 1K ohm • 2 × Analog RCA Line out MSRP $599

International Inquiry: [email protected] USA Inquiry: [email protected] www.nuprimeaudio.com HI-FI+ REVIEW INDEX – STREAMERS, SERVERS, TUNERS & STREAMING SYSTEMS ISSUE 100 TO PRESENT

 Atoll ST200 Network streamer/DAC Hi-Fi+ 114 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  AURALiC ARIES Wireless streaming bridge Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/auralics-aries-streamer-bridge-adds-hi-res-streaming-to-any-dac/  Aurender W20 Network music server Hi-Fi+ 116 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/aurender-w20-music-server/  AVM Evolution SD5.2 Streaming preamp/DAC Hi-Fi+ 122 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/avm-evolution-sd-52-streaming-dacpreamp/  AVM Inspiration CS 2.2 CD/DAC/streaming integrated amp Hi-Fi+ 118 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/avm-inspiration-cs22-system/  Cabasse Source Network streaming client Hi-Fi+ 117 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/cabasse-stream-source/  Cambridge Minx X1 Network audio system Hi-Fi+ 109 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/cambridge-audio-minx-xi/  Cocktail Audio CA-X30 Media centre/amplifier Hi-Fi+ 114 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Digibit Aria Mini Music server Hi-Fi+ 122 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/digibit-aria-mini-media-player/  Electrocompaniet ECM-2 Media server Hi-Fi+ 112 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/electrocompaniet-ecm-2/  Krell Connect UPnP digital network streamer Hi-Fi+ 105 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/krell-connect-digital-media-player/  Lindemann musicbook: 25 Network audio player Hi-Fi+ 128 Current newsstand issue  Linn Akurate Akudorik Exakt Streaming active audio system Hi-Fi+ 122 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/linn-akurate-aukdorik-exakt-system/  Lumin A-1 Network audio streamer Hi-Fi+ 109 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/lumin-a-1-audio-streamer/  Lumin D1 Network audio streamer Hi-Fi+ 123 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Magnum Dynalab MD807T Internet media tuner Hi-Fi+ 109 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/magnum-dynalab-md807t/  Melco N1Z Music server/streamer Hi-Fi+ 124 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Meridian Audio DSP7200SE Digital active loudspeaker Hi-Fi+ 117 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/meridian-audio-dsp7200se-loudspeakers/  Meridian Audio DSP7200SE Digital active loudspeaker Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/meridians-bob-stuart-on-the-dsp7200/  MiZiK dStream Digital streamer Hi-Fi+ 111 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/mizik-dvin-phono-preamp-dplay-and-dstream-preamplifier/  Naim Audio mu-so Network music centre Hi-Fi+ 119 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/naim-mu-so/  Naim Audio NDS Digital streamer Hi-Fi+ Blog http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/naim-audio-nds-the-birth-of-the-superstreamer/  Naim Audio ND5 XS Digital streamer Hi-Fi+ 107 http://www.hifiplus.com/publications/hi-fi-plus/  Naim Audio SuperUniti Streaming integrated amplifier Hi-Fi+ 100 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/rega-rp6-naim-superuniti-and-focal-1028be-system/  Naim Audio SuperUniti Streaming integrated amplifier Hi-Fi+ 122 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/naim-superuniti-network-integrated-amplifier/  Primare NP30 Network audio player Hi-Fi+ 117 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/primare-np30/  QAT Audio RS3 Music server/player Hi-Fi+ 123 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/qat-rs3-music-serverplayer/  ReQuest Audio The Beast Music server Hi-Fi+ 122 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/request-audio-the-beast/  ReVox Joy Streaming integrated amplifier Hi-Fi+ 120 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/revox-joy-s120-integrated-amplifier-and-network-audio-player/  Simple Audio Roomplayer+ Streaming integrated amplifier Hi-Fi+ 113 http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/simple-audio-roomplayer/

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HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: REVIEW INDEX GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: REVIEW INDEX HI-FI+

EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS (Sponsored by Peachtree Audio)

DACs HEADPHONE AMP/DACs & PORTABLE PLAYERS

DISC PLAYERS AND TRANSPORTS STREAMERS, SERVERS, TUNERS & STREAMING SYSTEMS

PREAMP/DACs & INTEGRATED AMP/DACs

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+

HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – DACs

AURALiC VEGA Digital Audio B.M.C. Audio DAC1PreHR dCS Vivaldi DAC Exogal Comet Processor If there were an equivalent to the Richter The Cambridge, UK based firm dCS has The Comet is part of high-end audio’s ‘new The VEGA is the brainchild of AURALiC’s scale for value for money, B.M.C. Audio long been considered at the forefront of wave’ of game-changing audio. Designed Xuanqian Wang, who is both an would be off the charts! This big, beautifully digital audio technology, and the Vivaldi by a team of ex-Wadia engineers as a digital accomplished electrical engineer and made combined DAC and digital or analogue is the company’s current top of the range audio nerve centre, replacing both DAC and recording engineer, and a classical pianist preamplifier with its impressive central DAC. Little wonder that it we consider it preamplifier in a next-generation system, to boot (influences readily apparent in the display makes a bold statement. It also the best DAC we know of. Forming a key the sophisticated Exogal design features a VEGA). The VEGA supports PCM up to 32/384 sounds extremely good, with a sound that component in the multi-component Vivaldi custom DAC made of programmable chips, and DSD64/128, and provides extensive user- is fundamentally neutral and effortlessly replay system, the DXD-capable DAC is the insuring the Comet isn’t going to be sidelined selectable digital filter options that allow dynamic, yet capable of great subtlety when culmination of years of development in dCS’ if tomorrow brings new formats, and is best fine-tuning of the DAC’s sonic character. required. This is a DAC built with B.M.C. Ring DAC technology. Vivaldi’s performance used with Exogal’s own app. Upgradable The DAC also incorporates a highly accurate Audio’s own amplifiers in mind, as the is hard to summarise because it represents a both with firmware and power supply, the ‘Femtoclock’ with user configurable control company’s balanced ‘Discrete Intelligent paradigm shift in digital audio sound quality, Comet DAC is very demanding of digital options. The DAC’s ‘secret weapon’ may Gain Management’ architecture allows the but those who hear it praise its uncanny sources, but at its best can punch well be its proprietary ORFEO class-A analogue digital converter to control the gain of the abilities to define texture and expression on above its weight, creating a clean, crisp, and output modules, which give the DAC a power amp. any recording. detailed presentation. sound that deftly balances superb detail and definition with a naturally warm, ‘organic- sounding’ presentation.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+ AURALIC LIMITED 1F, Building No.7, 1A Chaoqian Road, Beijing, 102200, China 163 E Compton Blvd, Gardena CA 90248, United States http://www.auralic.com [email protected] HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – DACs

Nagra Audio HD DAC PS Audio DirectStream DAC Ones to watch… Nagra is one of the world’s best-known The DirectStream DAC supports DSD and Over the next year, Hi-Fi+ plans to investigate manufacturers of high-performance PCM playback in an innovative way. The the promising DACs listed below, some of professional audio recorders, but that DAC converts all PCM digital audio data which are likely to become review subjects. doesn’t prepare you for the sheer excellence to DSD format, upsamples all files to 10X of the Nagra HD DAC’s sound quality. The the standard DSD rate, then converts the • Benchmark Audio Systems DAC2 first in Nagra’s new higher-end line, the files down to the double DSD rate for • Computer Audio Design CAD 1543 MkII hybrid DSD-compatible HD DAC bends playback. The DAC incorporates a powerful • Chord Electronics DAVE the rules, especially when used with the FPGA-based ‘DSD Engine’ to manage • Chord Electronics Hugo TT company’s optional dedicated MPS power this computation-intensive process. The • Light Harmonic Da Vinci DAC MKII supply. Unlike most DACs, the Nagra converts DirectStream DAC is capable of superb • Moon by Simaudio 780D all digital data streams to DSD in order to resolution and nuance, with an expansive, • PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC create a ‘phase-perfect’ digital architecture. free-flowing sound reminiscent of analogue • Schiit Audio Yggdrasil DAC Combine this with a fantastic sounding tape, but without the tape hiss. Better still, • Schiit Audio Gungnir Multibit DAC output stage, and Nagra just makes some of the DAC’s sound continues to improve via the most ‘organic’ and ‘flowing’ sounding periodic PS Audio operating system updates, digital audio you’ll ever experience. offered free of charge.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+ HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – DISC PLAYERS AND TRANSPORTS

Audio Research Reference CD9 B.M.C. Audio BDCD1.1 Computer Audio Design CAT dCS Vivaldi CD/SACD transport At this point in the optical disc’s life, it would There aren’t many CD transports available If anything marks this period out as one In designing the Vivaldi disc transport, dCS be easy to cover the bases and make a player today, but fewer still when you add ‘belt- of ‘digital transition’, it’s CAD’s CAT. The pulled out all the stops, leveraging all the that supports SACD and Blu-ray. But, that driven’ into the mix. B.M.C. Audio is one Computer Audio Design Computer Audio skills the company has picked up over years isn’t how Audio Research rolls. Instead, in of the rare exceptions. This top-loading, Transport (to use its full moniker) is a of CD/SACD manufacture, and distilling them its Reference CD9 – only the third Reference phenomenally well-made machine looks truly bespoke, dedicated player/ripper/ into this one disc-spinning box. The result disc player in the company’s history – Audio a million dollars, but is comparatively network storage device for CDs built to your is so good that dCS effectively ended the Research made the best CD player it possibly affordable. Used as a CD player in its specifications and designed to complement production of several of it’s own product could. Although with four digital inputs own right, the B.M.C. Audio BDCD1.1 is a the company’s highly respected USB-only lines. Since Esoteric – makers of the VRDS (including USB, all up to 24/192 precision), formidable performer, but used in context of 1543 DAC. CAD has long provided best- mechanism inside the Vivaldi – no longer the CD9 is more than just a ‘CD player’. a full-blown B.M.C. Audio electronics chain, it practice set-up instructions for an audio-only supplies drives to rival makers, there can When tested as part of an all Audio Research becomes an unbeatable combination of high- computer, but in the CAT, CAD takes this be no more CD/SACD lines from dCS after system, the CD9’s fabulous soundstaging and grade build, excellent sound, and great value. concept to its logical extreme, right down Vivaldi. Fortunately, dCS have stocked up and effortless tonality made it a perfect player. If you are looking for a great ‘final’ CD player, to modifying the computer motherboard, SACD’s last hope is also its best; Vivaldi offers you can’t get better: this one might just placing the OS on a separate hard-drive, and unparalleled, sublimely natural sound quality. outlive your great-grandchildren. replacing the standard switch-mode PSU with a four-in-one external linear design.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+ OPPO Digital, Inc. | www.oppodigital.com | Menlo Park, California, USA

Hifi+ Final.indd 1 10/23/2015 4:44:46 PM Anticipate the Future

state of the art technology + flexible architecture + simple updates

At dCS we recognise that technology is constantly changing.

Our product architecture is completely flexible and modular allowing us to continually improve our products so music lovers can build and expand their dCS system over time.

This means an investment in dCS will provide listeners with an unrivalled musical and technical performance now and long into the future.

[email protected] | dCSonlythemusic | www.dcsltd.co.uk Manufactured in the UK by Data Conversion Systems Ltd Unit 1, Buckingway Business Park, Anderson Road, Swavesey, Cambridge, CB24 4AE HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – DISC PLAYERS AND TRANSPORTS

Oppo Digital BDP-105D/BDP-105EU TAD D1000 Ones to watch… Oppo Digital rose to prominence by building Designed as both a headphone/DAC, and a Over the next year, Hi-Fi+ plans to investigate sophisticated universal disc players that offer DAC with a CD/SACD transport mechanism, the promising Disc Players and Transports exceptionally rich features sets and superb TAD’s 1000-series digital player is the listed below, some of which are likely to audio and video performance at down to company’s cheapest digital player, but no become review subjects. earth prices. The BDP-105D/BDP-105EU, in one would ever know from build and sound turn, are Oppo’s flagship Blu-ray universal quality terms. A high-end spin out from • Aesthetix Romulus players/DACs that support virtually every Pioneer, Technical Audio Devices laboratories • dCS Rossini CD players video and audio disc format known to man, was always destined to show what the brand • Leema Acoustics Spectrum Stream IV while providing sophisticated dual-ESS chip- could do when cost and design constraints • Roksan Oxygene CD player based DAC sections, complete with fully were removed. As a result, the D1000 • Roksan Blak-series CD player balanced stereo analogue output circuitry. player uses an ultra-precision clock to lower • Townshend Glastonbury The BDP-105 series players are not only the signal/noise ratio, and its own custom strong performers in their own right, but also current-to-voltage conversion because make excellent platforms for exotic, high-end TAD would not settle for ‘regular’. The upgrade projects. No other player we know result is an incredibly communicative and of does so much, for so little. dynamic player.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+ HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – PREAMP/DACs & INTEGRATED AMP/DACs

Burmester 151 Musiccenter Cambridge Audio Azur 851N Devialet Expert 200 iFi Audio Retro Stereo 50 Following in the footsteps of the large Networked audio has sparked a French audio enfant terrible Devialet hit The Retro Stereo 50 is a valve-powered 111 Musiccenter from the company’s democratising revolt in the audio world, the market with the D-Premier in 2009. The integrated/headphone amplifier/DAC that, Reference Line, Burmester’s Top Line 151 fuelled by companies like Cambridge Audio. brand’s next wave of products introduced despite its retro name and appearance, media player is every bit a 2015 design. It Its Azur 851N can cope with signals from bigger and smaller amps, including the 170. is as modern as tomorrow and leverages abandons its older brother’s front-panel MP3 to DSD as a DAC, or a network streamer, The company’s constant firmware updates technical and sonic know-how drawn from touchscreen (and preamplifier stage), but retains the company’s strongly value- have increased the power output of that parent company Abbingdon Music Research. providing instead full control over disc driven sense of priorities. Set-up and use are product, and as a result it’s now the (Expert) In essence, the amp incorporates versions ripping, music playback, and digital radio use easy, and its performance gives the listener 200. With a built in 24/384 precision DAC as of iFi’s critically acclaimed MM/MC-capable through an iPad. The 151 retains mirrored a true taste of the best in high-end audio core to its architecture (analogue sources are iPhono phono stage and hyper-versatile 2TB internal and connections for external with its engaging and detailed presentation. digitised), a hybrid Class A/Class D amplifier Micro iDSD DAC, while adding modern storage, disc play or ripping, USB stick The sound quality is aided by the 851N stage, and an ability to support sources old Bluetooth capabilities. The 25Wpc valve- playing, 24/192 precision playback, and a upsampling all signals to 24bit/384kHz in and new, digital and analogue, Devialet may powered amp section is an old-school design basic volume control function. The creamy, a manner that even helps music services be focused on its Phantom speakers, but the using quad EL84x and dual ECF82 valves. expansive, yet surprisingly pacy sounding like Spotify. The company’s Connect app is 200 is still one to watch… For many loudspeakers, the amp makes player might take its time to rip discs, but it also excellent. up in nuance and panache what it lacks in clearly rips them right! outright power output, while also serving as a spectacularly good headphone amp.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+

HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – PREAMP/DACs & INTEGRATED AMP/DACs

Naim Audio SuperUniti Peachtree Nova 220SE Ones to watch… For the last decade, Naim Audio has been Nova-series integrated amp/DACs Over the next year, Hi-Fi+ plans to investigate at the forefront of network streamed audio, traditionally have been versatile and offered the promising preamp/DACs and Integrated as evidenced by the SuperUniti. Combining excellent value for money, but what sets the Amp/DACs listed below, some of which are an 80W/channel integrated amplifier (not Nova 220SE apart is that it has stepped up its likely to become review subjects. dissimilar in performance and sound to performance game in a major way. The 220SE the Naim SuperNAIT) with one of Naim’s uses an ESS 9022-based, 24/192-capable DAC • DarTZeel LHC208 streaming ‘front-ends’ has produced a section, a powerful 1170mW headphone • Entotem Plato one‑box system that – for several years – has amplifier, a user-selectable 6N1P-based valve • Linn Series 5 been one of the only integrated amplifiers buffer stage, and a potent 220Wpc ICEpower- • Mark Levinson 585 over £2,000 that sold in the UK. Part of the based class D amplifier section. The resulting • Quad Artera Player Naim SuperUniti’s success comes down to amp/DAC is one of the most nuanced and the sheer ease of installation and operation three-dimensional sounding units Peachtree (thanks to some excellent iPad apps), but a has yet produced—an amp that, to borrow lot comes down to that beguiling, intrinsically the words of U.S. President Theodore musical sound it produces. Roosevelt, manages to, “walk softly and carry a big stick.”

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+ HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – HEADPHONE AMP/DACs & PORTABLE PLAYERS

Astell & Kern AK380 Chord Electronics Hugo iFi Audio Micro iDSD Meridian Audio Prime Astell & Kern’s expensive flagship AK380 The Chord Hugo is ta watershed high-end An unnamed marketer quipped that winning The Prime was Meridian Audio’s first desktop high-res portable digital audio player justifies audio product that forever re-defined products are those that arrive ‘firstest with USB DAC and headphone amp, neatly styled its price through its exemplary versatility and what compact, portable, battery-powered the mostest’, by which standard the Micro in the livery of the company’s classic G stunning sound quality. More a sophisticated headphone amp/DACs can do. Featuring a iDSD portable headphone amp/DAC is plainly series devices, and potentially upgradable digital playback platform than a mere high-resolution PCM and DSD-capable DAC a winner. The versatile DAC supports such by adding a matching Prime power supply. pocket-sized player, the AK380 combines the with a highly advanced, FPGA-based, long futuristic digital audio standards as PCM It plays up to 24-bit, 192kHz precision functions of a music server, a DAC featuring tap-length digital filter system, Hugo was at up to 32/768 rates and octa-speed DSD and its two ¼” jack sockets can be used in native high-res PCM and DSD decoding, a at its inception the most sophisticated DAC files. Next, the unit includes multiple digital balanced mode. It includes Analogue Spatial pristine-sounding headphone amp, and a Chord had ever offered. Indeed, the tiny filters, a bass enhancement circuit, and a 3D Processing, which helps reduce lateralisation studio-grade parametric EQ system. Astell unit often handily outperformed many more soundstaging enhancement circuit. Finally, effects that can upset non-headphone & Kern offers an optional high-powered costly, full-size DACs. Add to this Hugo’s the Micro iDSD provides a robust battery/ users. It’s a good sounding headphone headphone amp, a CD ripper drive, and an exceptionally low noise floor, clean and USB-powered amplifier with multiple gain DAC, but one that will be transformed I/O dock to expand the AK380’s capabilities. powerful headphone amp, stylish good looks, settings and with voicing by Abbingdon soon by the upcoming inclusion of the Sonically, the player is characterised by its and exquisite build quality and you have a Music Research. In short, the Micro iDSD is a company’s innovative MQA (Master Quality terrific transparency, openness, nuance, and unit that rightly has become the benchmark tour de force at a surprisingly modest price. Authenticated) decoding and rendering for almost boundless attention to detail. for portable products of its kind. appropriately coded recordings.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+ HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – HEADPHONE AMP/DACs & PORTABLE PLAYERS

Moon by Simaudio 430HAD Oppo HA-1 Ones to watch… Moon’s 430HAD leverages everything the Following in the tradition of Oppo’s high- Over the next year, v plans to investigate Canadian firm has learned about designing performance/high-value universal disc the promising Headphone Amp/DACs high-end amplification and digital audio players, the HA-1 headphone amp/DAC and Portable Digital Audio Players listed components in an effort to build a state-of- represents an attempt to deliver near below, some of which are likely to become the-art headphone amp/DAC. The 430HAD’s top‑tier performance at a reasonable review subjects. DAC section is high-res PCM and DSD-capable price (relative to the capabilities on offer). and comes courtesy of a DAC3 module that To this end, the HA-1’s high-res PCM/ • Astell & Kern AK Junior is indirectly patterned after the firm’s full DSD DAC section is essentially a higher • AudioQuest Beetle size Neo Series DACs. In turn the 430HAD’s performance version of the DAC section • Lotoo PAW Gold potent amplifier section features a low-noise, from Oppo’s critically acclaimed BDP-105 • Peachtree Audio Shift wide bandwidth, and fully balanced design. disc player. Then, the HA-1 adds a fully • Pioneer UA-5 After extensive listening, our conclusion balanced, discrete class A amplifier that can • Questyle QP1R was that the 430HAD combined a very, very be controlled via an intuitive user interface, good DAC section with an absolutely world- complete with a front-panel colour display. class amplifier sure to please even the most When used with top-class headphones, the finicky ‘headphonistas’. HA-1 serves up stunning layers of power, subtlety, and finesse.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+ HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – STREAMERS, SERVERS, TUNERS & STREAMING SYSTEMS

Aurender W20 Linn Akurate Akudoric Exakt Melco N1Z Merging NADAC Although becoming better known for A true system from front to back, Linn Melco is the name of the parent company Merging is best known for its Pyramix DSD more down-to-earth products (like the Products’ current ‘source is in the speaker’ of Buffalo. And the boss of that parent recording system and for collaborating with Flow portable player), Korean audio brand ethos is perfectly expressed in this elegant company is a passionate audiophile who Philips to develop DXD. Now, its exciting Aurender started life making more esoteric package. Combining network controlled, discovered the next great audio revolution Swiss-made networked NADAC arrives as products like the W20 Music Server. With active loudspeakers with a sophisticated of streaming was more about computer- a near consumer equivalent of the Horus a chambered aluminium architecture to media renderer that can accommodate based products than audio products. So, the and Hapi converters found in the best house sub-systems, and using lithium ion the dynamics of the room in the digital name Melco was pulled out of mothballs, studios in the world. Using super-robust batteries to buffer power idiosyncrasies, the domain without heavy-handed DSP, Linn’s dusted off, and put to work in making RAVENNA audio-over-IP networked audio W20 was one of the first ‘post-CD’ products Martini-dry Akurate Exakt may be tough on audio-dedicated network attached storage/ in place of UPnP (or USB), the NADAC is to demonstrate that all is not lost. The W20 spell-checkers, but makes a great case for media players and the equivalent of the the closest you’ll get to the sound of DSD could be considered a ‘computer transport’ next-generation audio systems. Linn was one digital audio Swiss Army Knife. There are as originally mastered, with phenomenal as it does not feature a built in DAC, but of the first big brands to call time on CD, and two models in the range; the spinning disc, detail and soundstaging. The NADAC permits it features a range of precision clocks for its development in the networked streaming stripped back N1A and the no-quarter-given completely independent control of its built-in controlling the best DACs around, as a world has put the company back into being a N1Z. Either can transform your computer DAC and headphone amplifier, even allowing product of this calibre richly deserves! force to be reckoned with. audio playback… especially when running simultaneous playback of separate music Minimserver software! files through both.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+ ENGINEERED BY PROFESSIONALS. COVETED BY CONNOISSEURS.

Introducing NADAC, the network attached DAC that delivers the excellence of the recording studio, into the home environment for the most discerning audiophile. Developed by Merging Technologies - the world’s foremost manufacturer of high-resolution digital audio recording systems, NADAC allows listeners to finally enjoy master quality recordings at home, with the same equipment with which it has been recorded and mastered. With the introduction of RAVENNA networked audio, supporting all file formats and sample rates from 44.1kHz - 384kHz PCM , DSD 64, 128 and 256, we have totally transformed the performance that can be delivered in the comfort of your home.

210x148mm HIFI+ NADAC Ad.indd 2 06/10/2015 12:32 HI-FI+ EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – STREAMERS, SERVERS, TUNERS & STREAMING SYSTEMS

Naim NDS ReQuest Audio The Beast Ones to watch… The current top of the Naim Audio network The most expensive music server/media Over the next year, Hi-Fi+ plans to investigate tree, this two-box media player couples player we have ever encountered, The Beast the promising Servers and Streamers listed decades of good analogue working practices by ReQuest Audio not only lives up to its below, some of which are likely to become (such as ‘floating’ key circuit boards on name, but also lives up to the hype. One review subjects. springs to limit vibration pollution) with one of the largest players made, with its touch of the best media rendering platforms in screen display, a vast range of options and • AURALiC ARIES and ARIES MINI the business. The result is not simply good configurations available to the user, The • Aurender N100H for Naim Audio users, but works universally Beast is a difficult device to pin down. Except • Cyrus Stream XSignature as a top-class front end for many systems. for one thing – it routinely sounds excellent • Leema Acoustics Pulse IV The Naim NDS marked a renaissance for the in all its guises. Even those who steadfastly • Lumin T-1 brand, and showed the audiophile world reject listening to anything digital unless it’s what’s possible from streaming. Recent on a disc, have been won over by the beauty updates have brought DSD replay to the of The Beast when they heard it. table, but that doesn’t matter – the NDS is something special.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: EDITORS’ CHOICE HI-FI+ From the creative mind of renowned hi-fi engineer Peter Madnick, comes the exciting return of Audio Alchemy.

Beautifully engineered, versatile, software upgradeable and uncompromising, the latest Audio Alchemy products/systems are designed to easily access all your music from a variety of sources.

Delivering truly world-class sound - you could say... its a kind of magic.

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SYMM Hi-Fi Plus landscape HP Sep 2015 AD v2.indd 1 07/10/2015 09:14 LOVE AT FIRST SOUND

www.lindemann-audio.com

network music players

USB audio music players

class D power amplifiers

Lindemann audiotechnik GmbH, Am Anger 4, 82237 Wörthsee, Germany +49 (0) 8153.9533.390 [email protected] www.lindemann-audio.com ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA DIGITAL TERMINOLOGY EXPLAINED, Hi-Fi+ Staff

Perhaps no single category in all of high‑end audio has spawned a more convoluted ‘alphabet soup’ of technical terms and abbreviations than has digital audio. Indeed, the topic has given rise to so many TLAs (three-letter acronyms) that at times it seems almost impossible to keep them straight in one’s mind. We present here a minimalist glossary that, while by no means exhaustive, covers at least a few of the more common acronyms and terms you are apt to encounter when you go shopping for digital audio components.

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA HI-FI+ AAC AIFF is compressed, but can be decoded for Byte This acronym stands for ‘Advanced Audio This acronym stands for ‘Audio Interchange playback in a lossless manner. ALAC digital An 8-bit ‘word’ of digital data, abbreviated Coding’, which is one of several coding File Format’, which is a digital audio file audio files are roughly one half the size of with a capital ‘B’ – as in, “I store my digital standards for lossy digital audio compression format developed by Apple. AIFF stores equivalent uncompressed files. music library on a 2TB drive” (where 2TB (see ‘Compression’ in this glossary for more audio data in uncompressed pulse- means ‘2 Terabyte’). The digital word lengths details). AAC was originally developed as the code modulation (PCM) format and is Bit used in digital audio are typically multiples of successor of MP3, which is another form of therefore lossless. Because they are both One unit of digital data, typically represented 8-bits: hence, 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit words lossy compression. AAC is generally thought uncompressed and lossless, AIFF files require by voltages either above or below a clear- are frequently discussed. to deliver somewhat better sound quality more data storage space than compressed cut threshold and by convention held to than MP3 for any given bit rate. audio files would do, but the trade off—one represent a ‘1’ or a ‘0’ as used in binary CD that many audiophiles happily embrace—is numbers. Typically abbreviated as a lower- The acronym stands for ‘Compact Disc’, AAC comes up often in product specifications that AIFF introduces no sonically deleterious case ‘b’ – as in, “My DAC can handle PCM a physical storage format for digital audio sheets because it is the default audio format ‘compression artefacts’ of any kind. digital audio files at resolutions up to commercially launched in the early 1980s by for such popular products and services as: 32-bit/384kHz.” Philips and Sony. CDs are polycarbonate discs YouTube, iPhone, iPod, iPad, iTunes, and the ALAC (and ALE) that incorporate a highly reflective metallic Sony PlayStation 3. The acronym ALAC stands for ‘Apple Bit-rate layer upon which ‘pits’ can be etched along Lossless Audio Codec’, which is sometimes The speed, expressed in number of bits with shiny spaces in between the pits, known ADC alternatively called ALE (for ‘Apple Lossless per second, at which digital audio data is as ‘lands’. The pits and lands effectively The acronym ADC (sometimes also shown Encoding’). In short, ALAC is a method processed or transferred from one device represent the ‘1s’ and ‘0s’ inherent in digital as ‘A/D’) is shorthand for ‘Analogue-to- for compressing digital audio data in a to another or playback. For example, one of audio data. Digital Converter’. Realistically, not many completely lossless manner (meaning all of the better sounding and more popular forms audiophiles own, or would have any reason the original audio data is preserved). of MP3 transfers data at 320kbps (kilobits By convention, CD standards are set forth to own, ADCs, but it is worth bearing in mind per second). in the so-called Red Book, which calls for that recording studios and production houses ALAC was initially a proprietary Apple use ADCs in order to create the digital audio standard, but as of 2011 Apple made the music files that most of us enjoy. codec available as open source and royalty- free software. Both iTunes and iOS devices ADCs receive analogue audio signals, sample support ALAC (whereas Apple systems those signals at very high frequencies (under and devices typically do not support other the control of extremely accurate clocks) lossless standards), so that ALAC has become and then generate digital bit-streams (that the de facto lossless compression standard is, multi-bit words of digital audio data) for audiophiles who use Apple computers that represent the sampled analogue audio and/or iOS devices. signals as accurately as possible. As with any other type of audio equipment, ADCs are Note that AIFF and ALAC are not the not created equal and some have audibly same things. AIFF digital audio data is superior performance capabilities to others. not compressed at all and therefore is inherently lossless; ALAC digital audio data

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA HI-FI+ the digital audio data to be stored in 16-bit be audible. The more accurate, stable, and to reduce them to a more compact and DAC words of data sampled at a rate of 44.1 kHz. precise a clock is, the better the sound of the manageable size for storage; then, later on, This acronym stands for ‘Digital-to-Analogue- When writers talk about ‘CD resolution’ component will be (all other things being the compressed files are decoded or de- Converter’, with the DAC serving as an digital audio files, they will often refer equal). Some very high-end components compressed for playback. There are many essential ingredient in any digital audio to them as ‘16/44.1’ files. While CDs are use extremely exotic Rubidium (or ‘atomic’) types of audio compression algorithms, but playback device. In simple terms, the job of arguably the most popular digital audio clocks to achieve the ‘nth’ degree of they generally fall into two categories: lossy the DAC is to receive digital audio data at format on the planet, other storage formats sound quality. compression and lossless compression. extremely precisely clocked intervals and to are now on the rise, many of them offering convert that data into an analogue output that resolutions (and, in principle, sound quality) Codec Lossy compression algorithms do the most mirrors (or is proportionate to) the numerical much higher than that of CDs. A codec is a software or firmware program efficient job of compressing data, but with values of the digital audio data received. that can encode or decode a digital audio the trade off that—when it comes time Clock stream. The term ‘codec’ represents a to decode the lossy files—only part of the DACs can be, and often are, condensed to Digital clocks are extremely important in condensation of the more cumbersome original digital audio data is restored, while fit on single integrated circuit chips, with digital audio, both when encoding and phrase ‘encoder-decoder’. Some popular some is irretrievably lost (hence the name popular DAC makers including firms such as decoding or playing back digital audio files. codecs you may have heard of include ‘lossy’). Two of the more popular lossy Burr-Brown, ESS, Texas Instruments, Wolfson, Since clocks govern the precise time intervals MP3, MP4, ALAC, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, and compression codecs are AAC and MP3. and many more. However, it is possible at which digital audio files are captured, many more. to create DACs from individual, discrete and then later played back, it is critically Lossless compression algorithms are less parts—an approach some audio component important for clocks to be stable and Compression efficient than lossy algorithms in terms of manufacturers have pursued pursue in the accurate so that the intervals between clock Compression is a data manipulation process conserving storage space, but they have the interest of superior sound quality. beats are maintained with extreme precision. where digital audio files are condensed in benefit that—when it comes time to decode order to conserve data storage space. It is the files—fully 100% of the original digital Either way, it is important to understand that The human ear is remarkably sensitive to useful to think of compression, as it applies audio data is restored. Most audiophiles the DAC devices used in a given component clock timing errors, so that errors occurring to digital audio, as a two-part process. perceive lossless compression to offer do not necessarily define or determine the down at the picosecond lever are thought to First, digital audio files are compressed audible performance benefits vs. lossy component’s characteristic sound (other compression (although there is some debate circuit elements also play a major role in on this topic). determining sound quality).

As broadband internet speeds continue DSD to increase and very high capacity storage The acronym stands for ‘Direct Stream devices have become less expensive and Digital’, which is a digital audio encoding and more commonly available (even in small, decoding system developed by Philips and portable, handheld devices) there is less Sony as the format of choice for use in their pressure on audiophiles to conserve storage higher-than-CD-resolution Super Audio CD space, so that over time lossless compression discs (commonly called SACDs). algorithms have become increasingly popular. Two of the more popular lossless Unlike, PCM (pulse code modulation) formats, compression codecs are ALAC and FLAC. which store digital audio data in the form

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA HI-FI+ of 16, 24, or even 32-bit words sampled or ways that would be difficult if not impossible Part of today’s emphasis on higher-than- As mentioned elsewhere in this glossary, clocked at rates ranging from 44.1 to 384 kHz, to achieve solely through analogue means. CD-resolution digital audio files involves the ear is extraordinarily sensitive to timing DSD is a single-bit, delta-sigma modulated For example, DSP can be used to implement the fact that 24-bit files offer dramatically errors and thus can readily differentiate encoding process, but with extremely high complex digital filtering systems that can higher dynamic range than do the 16-bit files between clocks with errors measured in sampling rates of 2.8224 MHz (known as shape the sonic character of the ultimate found in CDs. the parts per million vs. clocks with errors DSD64) or 5.6448 MHz (known as DSD128). playback presentation in extremely subtle measure in the parts per billion. The point is In principle, DSD files are extremely easy to and potentially desirable ways. Likewise, DSP FLAC that, all other things being equal, the digital decode for analogue playback, requiring only makes possible certain elaborate equalisation The acronym stands for ‘Free Lossless Audio playback system with the lowest jitter almost a basic low-pass filter. Some critics argue that (EQ) systems that would be very difficult to Codec’. FLAC is one of the most popular invariably sounds best. DSD files have high frequency noise issues execute with a purely analogue EQ system. and widely supported lossless audio codecs to contend with and that the delta-sigma Finally, DSP allows designers greater control in use today, in part because it is an open- kbps and Mbps process has some inherent errors that are over various sonic variables including noise, source, royalty-free software package, but The former acronym stands for ‘kilobits per difficult to overcome. Proponents of DSD, transient response, resolution, etc. as well also because FLAC readily supports metadata second’ and the latter for ‘megabits per however, argue the DSD achieves a smooth, as greater control over various processing/ tagging, complete with storage of album second’; both terms are used to express data free-flowing, analogue-like sound that is playback artefacts. cover art and the like. transfer speeds. ‘kbps’ figures often come up often difficult for PCM to achieve. in discussion of lossy compression codecs as a Dynamic Range Jitter means of comparing the net amount of audio While SACD discs have never achieved In audio, dynamic range is the difference As mentioned under ‘Clocks’, above, data one codec can supply vs. another codec the popularity of conventional Red Book between the smallest and the largest timing is absolutely crucial in digital audio (typically, the higher the data rate, the better CDs, their underlying DSD file format has usable signal that can be passed through a with particular emphasis on maintaining the lossy codec’s sonic performance will be). won widespread popularity in recent transmission or playback system; this difference absolutely identical time intervals between years, since many music lovers now prefer is expressed as a ratio and typically is quoted clock pulses. Unfortunately, nothing is You might, for example, see digital downloads listening to files downloaded or streamed in dB (decibels). The human ear is said to have perfect so that small variations or errors offered in two types of lossy formats: ‘MP3 from the Internet (or a local network). DSD about 140dB of dynamic range (which is also, in between intervals can and do occur—errors (CBR at 128 kbps) or MP3 (VBR at 320kbps)’— files can be streamed or downloaded via a rough terms, about the same dynamic range as called ‘jitter’, which will usually be quoted where CBR stands for ‘constant bit rate’ and transfer process called ‘DoP’, which stands some of today’s best microphones). as worst case timing variations (for example: for ‘DSD over PCM’. This process does not ‘Jitter:

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA HI-FI+ VBR is short for ‘variable bit rate’. In this case, MP3 and perceived. The concept was to reduce a digital format. Many audiophiles use the the MP3 128kbps digital audio file would take MP3 is one of the oldest and most widely dramatically the amount of data that needed terms PCM and LPCM interchangeably, though up less storage space, but the MP3 320kbps supported lossy digital audio compression to be stored while still appearing to deliver in fact the terms do not mean the same thing. digital audio file would offer markedly codecs in the world. Over time MP3, full fidelity sound for most listeners, most of PCM/LPCM is by far the most popular digital superior sound quality. which was created by the Fraunhofer the time. Naturally, the idea of throwing out audio encoding format in use today. Institute in the early 1990s, has emerged potentially useful sonic data did not sit well One small tip: In talking or reading about as a free ISO (International Organisation for with most audiophiles and has been a topic Both PCM and LPCM sample the amplitude acronyms like these bear in mind that a Standardisation) standard that has also been of controversy and heated debate ever since. of analogue signals at precise and identical lower case ‘b’ denotes ‘bits’, while a capital incorporated by the MPEG (Motion Picture timing intervals. When each sample is taken, ‘B’ denotes ‘Bytes’. Experts Group) as part of both the MPEG-1 Networked Audio/Network the amplitude of the signal is quantized and and MPEG-2 Audio Layer III standard. Streaming recorded as a multi-bit digital word. The Metadata Music stored on a computer can be removed difference between PCM and LPCM involves Literally ‘beyond data’, metadata is MP3 was instrumental in the explosive to devices distributed across a home network the manner in which signal amplitude is information about the data itself. For growth that personal digital audio device have (more accurately, a LAN or Local Area quantized; in PCM, samples are quantized to example, in an audio file, this might mean enjoyed over the last 15 years or so, because it Network). This typically involves storing music the nearest value within a range of possible the title track, the artist, the composer, offered a means of substantially compressing on a computer or network attached storage digital steps, whereas in LPCM, samples are the genre, date of recording, date of large digital audio files so that even fairly device, which also runs some form of music quantized to steps that are uniform in level. composition, the album cover, band large music libraries could be condensed to fit server program to store and order these music members, and more. This information about in devices with limited storage capacity (for files. The music itself is played through a The quality of PCM and LPCM encoding is the music is generally ‘embedded’ within example, early generation iPods). ‘media renderer’ in your audio system that is largely controlled by two factors: the sampling the file itself, to be read and displayed by also attached to the same computer network. rate (that is, the rate at which samples are media players and music servers alike. MP3 also served, for many listeners, as an taken) and the bit-depth of the samples taken Metadata is enormously useful for listeners, introduction to ‘perceptual coding’, where Functionally similar to internet streaming, (that is, the length in bits of the digital words simply because ‘Good Vibrations’ is a more the general idea is to reduce the amount networked audio distributes your own music used to represent each sample). As a general memorable file name than ‘a156e03c’ to of data used to represent aspects of sound library within the local network, instead of rule, all other things being equal, higher humans. Older file formats (such as WAV) are thought to beyond the perceptual resolution relying on online providers to stream their sampling rates and greater bit depths equate less robust in preserving metadata than their of most listeners, while devoting data to own music. While the popularity of personal to better sound quality. Thus, a 24-bit/384kHz more modern counterparts. the aspects of sound most readily heard libraries stored locally looks set to wane as file of a song would likely sound superior online services proliferate, the networked to a 16-bit/44.1kHz file of the same song, audio system is a great way to store all assuming the master recording captured your existing music collection in one easily high levels of sonic detail and nuance in the accessible place. first place.

PCM (and LPCM) Resolution The former acronym stands for ‘Pulse-code In simple terms, ‘Resolution’ is the catchall modulation’, while the latter stands for ‘Linear phrase most audiophiles use to describe pulse-code modulation’; both are means the amount of digital audio data used to of representing analogue audio signals in represent analogue audio signals. As a

HI-FI+ GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA GUIDE TO DIGITAL AUDIO: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DIGITONIA HI-FI+ general rule, the less data used the lower the of on-board buffer memory), but rather are supports ‘high resolution audio’ (at up to WAV and AIFF files are compatible resolution (and sound quality) will be, while capable of detecting, accessing, and playing 24-bit/96kHz levels). with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux the greater the amount of data used the (or ‘streaming’) digital audio content from • The WMA Lossless codec is a lossless operating systems. greater the resolution (and sound quality) other network-attached resources, such as compression algorithm. will be—up to a level where a perceived PCs or Macs, smartphones, tablets, or the • The WMA Voice codec is a low In simple terms, WAV—much like AIFF— ‘point of diminishing returns’ is reached. Internet. Like servers, streamers have user bit‑rate, lossy compression algorithm is all about preserving maximum sound interfaces to allow their owners to view, focussed specifically on conversational quality while eliminating compression Generally speaking, lossy compression choose, and play audio content from the voice content. artefacts of any kind. Two drawbacks codecs yield what are considered low- available network resources at hand. are that WAV files take up considerably resolution digital audio files. CD files, WAV (or WAVE) more storage space than files encoded captured at 16-bits/44.1kHz are considered UPnP/DLNA This acronym stands for ‘Waveform by lossless compression codecs and that the standard, and files with higher-than- UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and DLNA Audio File Format’, which was developed WAV files do not lend themselves to CD bit-depths and/or sampling rates are (Digital Living Network Alliance) are similar by Microsoft and IBM and which is an storage of album/song-related metadata. considered to be high-resolution files. sets of interoperability guidelines, allowing uncompressed and therefore lossless file Recognising the sonic potential of WAV, digital media devices to work together with format that typically uses LPCM encoding. many manufacturers of ripping and/or Can listeners hear the difference? In a word, little or no need for complex ‘handshaking’ In theory, WAV supports compressed music server software have come up with yes. The only area where there is room for protocols. Devices that fall under one (or audio as well, though this is rarely seen in workarounds to allow WAV files to be discussion involves the question, ‘When is more usually, both) standards are designed to actual practice. stored with associated metadata. high resolution high enough?’ be compatible with one another as standard, and fall into three broad categories for audio Servers systems: control point (which might be an app This term is the shortened form of the term on a tablet), media renderer (the network- ‘music server’. Typically, music servers provide attached DAC or streamer), and media server a means of storing large quantities of digital (that might be a computer or NAS drive). audio files along with user interfaces that facilitate loading, organising, and playing WMA digital audio files. As a general rule, servers This acronym stands for ‘Windows Media are typically thought to be self-contained units Audio’ a family of audio data compression that not only store digital audio files, but also codecs developed by Microsoft that together can deliver them for playback on demand. are part of the Windows Media framework or ‘ecosystem’. Streamers By definition, streamers are network-attached The are four WMA codecs: devices that may offer Ethernet, Internet, • The original WMA codec is a lossy Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth connectivity, or compression algorithm comparable to MP3. any combination of the above. As a rule, • The WMA PRO codec supports multi- streamers do not have storage of their own channel or surround sound files (with (apart from perhaps a relatively small amount up to eight discrete channels) and

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