just bought the HQ Player software

[Nick B]

I bought the HQ Player software for macOS the other day and a very nice tech saavy guy helped me with the installation. Wouldn't have attempted it without his help. For me, I considered the $350 price very reasonable. I got HQP for a couple of reasons: I have always been curious about DSD and wanted to experience it in my home. None of my audio buddies ever played DSD natively or upsampled. I doubt I'll buy original DSD recordings as I'm content with streaming and finding those old artists and recordings from yesteryear. The other reason is I don't want to deal with room treatments in my open living room space. I moved a couple of years ago and don't want to have more "stuff". I'm told that HQP can adjust for room anomalies along with doing it's DSD magic.  I consider it the poor and lazy man's version of room correction. Time will tell.

The setup with long distance help over the phone took 1 and 1/2 hours. Over 20 minutes were wasted on finding how and where to put the license key into the HQP software. An internet search revealed I sure wasn't the only guy asking that question.

After that, the settings in HQP needed to be done. That was pretty straightforward although a little time-consuming. Then the Holo Red streamer needed to be reset to accept HQP. Then HQP needed to be incorporated within JPLAY. There was also a setting choosing which of the Holo dacs I was using. So I simply selected the Cyan2. I was told that the developer of HQP has tested each dac and developed specific filters for any slight variations in performance. The guy who helped me with the set up owns a Holo May.

I've been listening to HQP upsampled music since last night and into this evening as well. There are some hiccups, literally and figuratively, as I'm getting some cut outs on occasion. I've been told that is simply a matter of altering the filters and the various settings in the software. I have not had time to look at the instruction manual at all as I will be heading out of town in a couple of days for some important matters. It'll all be figured out soon enough.

So far, I've been very pleased with the improvement. I won't use words like more natural or organic, but I'll simply say the music sounds more real. There is now more of the holographic presentation that I have been experiencing and more texture to vocals and instruments. There is also a bit more depth in the sound stage. Now this is just using the filters that I copied from my friend. There are many filters available. I just need to study and test which ones are most pleasing to me.

If anyone has tried HQ Player, let me know as I'd be interested in your experience with the software. Otherwise, I will report more when I have the time to do room measurements and play with all the various settings and filters.

[mresseguie]

Nick,

Thanks for posting this. I don't have HQP myself, but I am curious.

I have a side question for you (which might be better discussed in a separate thread?) concerning your HOLO Red streamer. Do you know how the DDC function in it compares to the Singxer SU6? I ask because I've been eyeing the Singxer for a while, and very recently thought about buying one. Now I learn the the Red streamer incorporates a DDC. Hmm. HMM. Is one better than the other? Are they equally good? Hmm.

Thanks for your thoughts (or anyone else's).

Michael
Back in 8 days!

[Nick B]

Michael,

I quite like my Holo Red. Great performance for the money. As an fyi, the other day OCD Mikey posted a teaser on utube that he has the Red and will compare it to his pricey streamer(s). Mikey doesn't care for any devices made in/derived from China.

As to the DDC function, Jack knows that subject well and has explained it to me, but I've not used that function. If he sees this, i hope he'll discuss it. Jack also has a Singxer amp iirc, either the stereo or monos.

It will be good to have you back and enjoying A+ level sound 🎶

Nick

[Jack]

Michael

I've owned the Holo Red for over two years now but have always used it as a UPnP streamer with JPlay but never at as a DDC.  Looking at them the specs and layout seem to be similar with only one,USB, input and a full array of digital outputs. The question between them would be what pin options are available for your DAC if you want to use the I2S output.  Another option in the similar price range would be the Laiv uDDC which takes a different approach as to inputs and outputs as it has a full array of inputs but only an I2S output. It does however seem to have more options for matching.  As to availability it would be a whole lot easier in terms of time to obtain the Laiv or the Singxer where as with the Red there is usually a four to six week waiting period.  Also if price matters the Singxer appears to be on sale for Prime Days at Amazon so you have the 30 day return policy. I bought one of the "mini" Laiv uDACs a couple of months ago and have started to buy the uDDC several times but just haven't pulled the trigger.

[mresseguie]

Jack,

Thank you! I'll keep researching. Eventually, I'll figure out what makes the most sense for me.