DAC for Hegel separates

[sentient.dust]

Hi all, looking for DAC (or Streamer/DAC unit) recommendations for Hegel separates (P30A + H30A), if you have experience with Hegel gear, please advise.

I previously owned only integrated solutions from Hegel, so have little experience with dedicated DACs and/or streamers.

 

[davidf]

What do you need the DAC to do, format wise?

 

[sentient.dust]

What do you need the DAC to do, format wise?

Preferrably to handle DSD256.

 

[Jasonovich]

Preferrably to handle DSD256.

Most modern DACs can handle upwards of DSD256.
There are two different technologies to consider, Ladder R2R DACs, like the Denafrips Ares ll, Holo or Schumann or more commonly available Delta Sigma chips, the cream of the bunch there, possibly the Gustard A26 or if you have a much higher budget, The Laiv Harmony.
You may prefer to have it with a Streamer, the Aurender N20 is top notch.
DACs are not like speakers, you don't need to audition them, so anyone of these should work well with the Hegel Separates.
It all depends on your budget.

 

[sentient.dust]

Most modern DACs can handle upwards of DSD256.
There are two different technologies to consider, Ladder R2R DACs, like the Denafrips Ares ll, Holo or Schumann or more commonly available Delta Sigma chips, the cream of the bunch there, possibly the Gustard A26 or if you have a much higher budget, The Laiv Harmony.
You may prefer to have it with a Streamer, the Aurender N20 is top notch.
DACs are not like speakers, you don't need to audition them, so anyone of these should work well with the Hegel Separates.
It all depends on your budget.

Thanks for the concise summary, will get on with the reading.

 

[nopiano]

There are so many DACs available these days, at all price points and with every conceivable decoding methodology!

I can’t confidently suggest where to start, except that a very fussy Hifi friend has had great results with Chord Qutest and later the TT Hugo with his Hegel H360. He uses Quad Electrostatics amongst other speakers, so any weaknesses would soon be apparent. The Qutest is often available used - a safe buy, I’d say - for around £795.

Chord deploy their own proprietary FPGA designs, so are neither chip nor ladder designs. Personally I don’t like their ‘glowing ball’ controls, but I can’t deny their clarity.

Alternatively, some popular Chinese brands offer DACs that measure ‘perfectly’ at prices from £100 or so upwards. You might consider that a cheap way to experiment. Lacking a typical dealer network, they are widely talked about in YouTube videos, but you’ll have to mostly rely on forums for support.

 

[Jasonovich]

Thanks for the concise summary, will get on with the reading.

@nopiano I
Oh forgot to mention bespoke designs, like FPGA from likes of Chord.
So much out there!
I also hate those balls so idiosyncratic but understand some people find it appealing 🙂

 

[twinkletoes]

@nopiano I
Oh forgot to mention bespoke designs, like FPGA from likes of Chord.
So much out there!
I also hate those balls so idiosyncratic but understand some people find it appealing 🙂

They really arnt that bad and certainly easier than the mobile units there are only 4 inputs. But the best thing about the chord qutest is they don’t limit dsd to only the usb. In all honesty I hardly see it go past green, 88hz. But it’s certainly capable of more

If remember correctly it does up sample everything to 32bits don’t quote me on that it’s been a long time since I read it’s tech sheet.

You just have the bear in mind that the inputs are limited so will need to suit the system perfectly. Ie no HDMI only one optical.

I’ve had mine 8 years now and it hasn’t put a foot wrong.

 

[RoA]

@nopiano I
Oh forgot to mention bespoke designs, like FPGA from likes of Chord.
So much out there!
I also hate those balls so idiosyncratic but understand some people find it appealing 🙂

Love 'em 🙂

 

[Stuart.W.D]

Hi all, looking for DAC (or Streamer/DAC unit) recommendations for Hegel separates (P30A + H30A), if you have experience with Hegel gear, please advise.

I previously owned only integrated solutions from Hegel, so have little experience with dedicated DACs and/or streamers.

Is there a way to request a home demonstration of Mytek Brooklyn Bridge?

 

[Jasonovich]

My recent flirtation with tubes and tube rolling, had brought about some positive outcomes in terms of discovering the lovely lush sound from tubes, which was a welcome addition to the more clinical sounding solid state amps, I am of course referring to xDuooTA-66.

Well, xDuoo done something remarkable, they brought out something really interesting, a new DAC & Tube Balance Headphone Amplifie, the TA32 ROHM BD34301 . I appreciate this may not be your thing.

They're using ROHM BD34301 DAC instead of conventional chipsets and here's the ketchup, the ROHM DAC is replaceable.
I love the concept, you don't have to change your headamp when you need to upgrade, just change the DAC card.

This must be some kind of proprietory design from xDuoo? I wonder if this is unique to xDuoo or maybe other manufacturers are doing something similiar?

Here's the link below

xDuoo TA32 ROHM BD34301 DAC&Tube Balance Headphone Amplifier

Buy xDuoo TA32 ROHM BD34301 DAC&Tube Balance Headphone Amplifier with Free shipping on HiFiGo, you can enjoy a year warranty and the best after-sales service.

hifigo.com