Who are interested in Hi-End Hi-Fi (Digital) Audio?

HKPhysicist 9 months ago

Dear Friends,

I am a long-time hi-end audio lover.

I am resuming to learn more about contemporary trend in hi-end audio parts.

Which DAC IC is being the leader in the industry?
What are Bluetooth speakers?
Which digital coaxial cable (from Element14) would you recommend to form an Hi-End audio grade cable?
Does metal core purity have strong effect on the audio quality delivered by a digital coaxial cable?

I personally prefer UK and Swiss speakers. I am planning to compose a DAC for myself.

Let's discuss.

Top Replies

dougw 9 months ago

I received a large pair of Fluence speakers (as an element14 prize) that include a Bluetooth capability, probably making them the highest quality Bluetooth speakers you can buy.

Stereo Prize - Hack The Holidays
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acdc90 9 months ago

Hello i have been doing audio repairs for years.

I see some Audio-Files(perfectionist) reguarly

none of them have any digital units

i have also worked on Amps with built in DAC

so digitial from cd etc

you can use twisted pair wires instead of coax and it wont affect the audio

Blue tooth speakers evan i can hear the difference (but like most people i don't care )
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HKPhysicist 9 months ago in reply to acdc90

Which DAC IC is being the leader in the industry in year 2024?

Hi-end high resolution CD players produce astonishing 3D musical stage! I am setting up my gears this winter.
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balajivan1995 9 months ago

I do have an IEM earphone with inbuilt USB DAC. No idea what IC is inside in it though.
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DAB 9 months ago

I like high quality audio, but my hearing is not what it used to be.

So I get by with inexpensive speakers, though I have gone back to my Vinal records, they are still better than CD's, even after 50 years.
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COMPACT 9 months ago

Try using a DAC that supports high speed PDM (Pulse Density Modulation) such as DSD. A DAC for PDM can be as simple as a low pass filter.

My hearing is shite with constant tinnitus in one ear and pulsatile and constant tinnitus in the other.
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dhmarinov 9 months ago

1. Look at Asahi Kasei or Burr Brown. Personally, I prefer the AK's.

2. I don't think Bluetooth speakers fall in the Hi-Fi category

3. No idea.

4. Shouldn't have an impact

I have the impression you want to build your own DAC. You can have a look at what's already available, like in https://www.audiophonics.fr/fr/

There are both complete products and development modules.

Regarding components: have a look at what the companies are doing: https://www.schiit.com/products/bifrost

You can get an idea of what to use.

Some time ago, I was on the same quest, but I moved on to other things - I was looking to build a completely custom solution on FPGA.

Maybe I'll finish it one day

PS: when it comes to speakers, I did the least "audiophile" thing possible - I bought a pair of studio monitors

Anyway, please let us know how's it going with the DAC.
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Jan Cumps 9 months ago in reply to dhmarinov

I bought a pair of studio monitors

they are fun!
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HKPhysicist 9 months ago in reply to COMPACT

When I live in village, I also hear tinnitus. If you move to urban city, you will be better.
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HKPhysicist 9 months ago in reply to DAB

Vinyl records suffer from dust and noise very badly.

CD completely avoids these and the payoff is a little digital jitter distortion.
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