Gustard Audalytic AH90 streaming DAC review
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- Audalytic AH90 streaming DAC goes for $600 and this is my review. Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
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00:00 About Audalytic AH90
04:32 Sound
07:23 vs other DACs
08:34 Head-Amp Sound
09:28 vs SMSL DO400
10:56 LAN input
12:02 vs Matrix Mini-i 4
12:40 vs Eversolo DMP-A6
13:47 Conclusion
16:27 Is this A26 at a lower price?
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Room test system:
Eversolo DMP-A6: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEh...
Gustard R26 DAC: bit.ly/3XLyNCF
Acoustic Invader AMP and PREAMP (Fulcrum version): acousticinvader.com/
Spirit Wind Speakers: • High End 2-way speaker...
Head-Fi:
Aune S17 Pro: amzn.to/3u2O6gu
Verum 1: www.verum-audio.com/store
Goldplanar GL2000: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkW...
AKG K702: amzn.to/3TSlnUF
#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo - Наука та технологія
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This device is genius now with the NOS/DSD direct firmware update!
It has the same renderer as the R26/A26. External PS option . Balanced. LAN input!! Use Roon with Qobuz then add Hqplayer DSD upsampling. This is a phenomenal deal.
$600!
Hello. Could you share link to last firmware for AH90 please? There is nothing on Gustard site. Thanks.
@@klapaciuss
I tried but they took it down
It’s on the Head Fi forum
Own an A26, and I2S > internal renderer (which has occasional drop outs -- a known issue, hope they resolved it with this new unit). Also, HQPlayer not necessary in the chain with a strong data stream. Otherwise, sure, I share your opinion, the internal renderer can best the rest of its inputs.
@@tupuhumuhumunukunukuapuaa3093
Use Roon and you won’t have drop outs. Don’t agree at all about I2S being better than LAN input.
Great Job!!! I hope more keep that 12 Volt input
@iiWiReviews: 'Alma' from 'Gustavo Santaolalla is a great recommendation. If you like that, you'll love 'Arbolito Divino' from a.o. Nick Barbachano (especially around the 1:30 mark). Thanks for the great video. Hope this music brings as much joy to you as it does to me and keep it up! Big up to one of my favourite countries in the world!
Very detaild review 👍
Nicely Done.
Slightly off topic question/suggestion.
We always enjoy your diy videos
Any chance you can show us how you bring back your ifi power x from the dead :)
Thanks
Would be very interested in a sound comparison to the Node X using the internal DAC. Currently using one with an upgraded power module and LPS. I am wondering if the DAC in the AH90 would be a step up or maybe just sideways.I like the balanced outs of the AH90.
me again :) so I went and got the Audalytic AH90 and it's much more smoother than SU10 (witch is a very "smoth" ESS dac) it sounds nothing like Gustard x18, it's much closer to an R2R that to a ESS cip DAC. The differences are very big so for me this review is a bit strage...
If commnts count in any way, I don't see any DAC geting closer to AH90 at the same price point especialy if you consider all the extras for music enjoyment, I am at the point where I am thinkng to buy another one also on black :)
** I just want to mention that Audalytic AH990 has a lot of software bugs if keep changing inputs and volumes, it's not a finisged product with the current firmware...
Thanks to IIWI! Finally got this thing to connect to QOBUZ via the renderer and wow was that a surprise! Finally see a big difference in SQ in my system. Now I want to go upmarket for a better unit. I want similar sound just wider soundstage, holographic with in room presence more of a in living room sound rather than a depth layering sound. Any recommendations anyone?? System is JBL 4309 & Musical Fidelity M5SI
Thanks Srboljub for another great review👍, do you think that this AH90 is an upgrade in SQ to Mojo2 + phone with UAPP app for IEMs only? many thanks...
No it's not. Mojo 2 is a fantastic sounding device despite its small size and lesser power. It also has noticeably richer tone timbre.
@@iiWiReviews Many thx Srboljub😀👍👍
If you can try this with a LPS, it would be great!
Hi :) did you manage to listen to this DAC/Streamer with an external Power suply ?
Hi , I am looking for your recommendation on a DAC/ Preamp to replace my PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC/ pre. Doesn’t have to have a streamer, I just want quality and good amount of inputs and outputs, any suggestions where I can start? I know it will come down to auditioning them. Thanks much!
Hi :) can you do a short comparison on the dac section of the AH90 with EverSolo DAC-Z8 ?
I don't have Z8 anymore for a direct comparison but they sound very, very similar from what I remember Z8 to sound like.
Thanks ! :D@@iiWiReviews
I've been listening AH90 for a week and absolutely agree that internal renderer sounds better than digital inputs, but I also would like to add, that it's headphone amplifier is very good, at least SMSL HO200 which I've received also is noticeably worse (while being more powerfull).
Im trying to figure out the renewer portion on this device kinda new to network stream playability. How are you using the rendering capability. Trying to use it on IOS with QOBUZ thanks for any feedback.
Im using eversolo dmpA6 and I only use music streaming . Do i still need a dac for better performance?
DMP-A6 has a good onboard DAC already.
🙋♂️THANKS SRBJ,FOR INFORMING THE AUDIOPHILE COMMUNITY,🧐 I HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL 🤗💚💚💚
Hello!Which filter is better to put in the menu?
Very subtle differences so it doesn't matter that much. I stuck with sharp but try circling then and see if you like any of them better. Don't be surprised if you don't notice much difference.
Connect a 12V linear power supply to the AH90 and you'll hear a completely different, gorgeous, detailed sound with deep bass and excellent clear mids and highs. This is what I did
Hi, what else did you notice in sound change when used a linear ps, tonality timbre, or change in soundstage things like that ?
@@andorbense7352 Most importantly, the harshness that was disappointing when first turned on is gone, the sound is soft with a wide stage, detailed throughout the entire range, the bass is deep but not bloated. The device is very musical. I haven't used the streamer yet. I bought a Topping PA7 plus amplifier for it, I really liked the sound of the tandem
@@andorbense7352Perhaps I described something unclearly, I am writing through a translator, my languages are Russian and Ukrainian🇺🇦
@@John_0266 What you wrote is really clear I just wanted to know if the soundstage width, and depth and the thin sound changed as well a bit ? Did those thongs improvebas well ?
@@andorbense7352 I didn’t like the sound from the 220V network at all, it was harsh, I was a little disappointed, but after connecting the 12V linear power supply I was happy with everything. I don’t like switching power supplies at all, they all distort the sound. I recommend connecting a 12V linear unit.
I adore mine. Details abound and true instrumental timbres also. As an all purpose device it is uniquely positioned an equal or superior to other devices at the same price. The A26 is better and costs 1000 more. If I buy 4000 speakers a dac at 1500 plus makes sense. All three in one: a bargain for most audiophiles
I use a dmp Eversolo 6 master as a roon endpoint it feeds a sonore digital converter that converts usb to i2 s that then feeds a holo spring 3 I would be suprised to hear a better sounding system at any price
Grimm Audio MU2 will make your setup sound like a cheap clock radio my friend. No one cares about your setup, but you. Just like no one cares about mine either. Nor are they impressed. Just so you know. ✌️
HI I want to buy an budget DAC for my Powered Speakers My question is can i Connect SMSL SU-1 with PC to Powered Speakers directly?? Does it work well with my Powered Speakers
or i need preamplifier or any equipement????
Your speakers should have analog inputs in form of RCA or 3.5mm stereo jack. You connect those to the SU-1 output. SU-1 is connected to your PC using USB cable, and that should work for you.
@@iiWiReviews thanks for answering SMSL SU-1 and FiiO BR13 What is the best of these two DAC devices, what is the difference between them, and which DAC is better in terms of sound quality
I haven't tried that Fiio so can't comment on it.
On a budget the SU-1 is nearly impossible to beat as a DAC.
When power is applied to the DAC, it turns on immediately, it does not go into standby mode, I don’t really like it, the USB and optical cable are connected, you just need to select the input by pressing a button on the control panel. In general, it sounds incomparable, I haven’t heard anything better yet, but I haven’t had a DAC that costs more than $600
The new gustard H26 is out
vs Orchard Audio PecanPi ? There is a new model now too
I tested PecanPi plus and it sounded great. I would say it had even more clarity and resolution than AH90. But I never had a chance to compare them directly since PecanPi was with me for a short time, so take this with a grain of salt.
I have this device but I don’t think that I’m using it to its fullest. I have it hooked it up to the TV via optical but I don’t really understand its network rendering capabilities. Support and manuals are crap unfortunately.
Get a Bubble UPnP app on your phone. From there you can play local files, internet radio, Tidal or Qobuz... And this app will see your AH90 on the local network, so you can select it as the output renderer.
Thank you thank you!! Will do immediately.
May be Gustard will come out with a top level streamer only sometime to add to their R26 Dacs
Ummm it’s in the DAC already lol
Oh ...you are right, but It is just a renderer, not a streamer.
Can’t get a better UI than Roon 🤷🏻♂️
I'll keep my Argon Solo into the Aune X8 Sparkos
Hi, what about the combo? I have aune DAC as well and i am looking for a cheap streamer like argon solo or wiim pro. Thanks
You lost me at "no warmth". Thanks for more awareness! 😊
Different findings compared to Tharbamar in therms of body and fulness🤔
I prefer Tharbamar's sense of balance. When a family of Sabre DACS start over-compensating for kind of beaming highest tones, by increasing the bass output, it seems wonderful for a while but not totally realistic. It can make music sound more romantic than it was created to be. Thanks Srboljub for being a good revier in everyway, but this seems like a trend in Sabre DACs from SMSL
Hifiman ef499 and ef500 will compete with this and win in a lot of ways.
Tarbamar says that the Audalytic AH90 is the best in naturalness and sound quality on the AK4499, and on your channel only smsl is the best. It's not clear who to believe.
That's just like, your opinion maaaan...
@@samlee2562😂
I went of tharbamars recommendation because I wanted a A26 just was having difficulties dishing out that amount of cash on it. I’ve had the unit since it came out and was unimpressed by it until IIWI told me how to connect QOBUZ for the renderer and man it is impressive. Only thing is that it’s only good for rendering. Yea I can hook up my tv and Blu-ray through out but it’s only really special in the rendering department which is ok with me. It is natural but I sense it on the slower side of DAC’s but it’s really good just wish the sound was a little more holographic and had more presence.
I don't understand who needs streamer without Chromecast
First ! Now i watch
Honestly i feel much more comfortable buying most product on Amazon because of the return policy.
Loxjie d40 pro + wiim mini + cheaper 5v linear power from audiophonics. Done. By the way d40 pro is really a cheaper do400 minus the higher end screen and ui that can be found regularly for around 350 euros.
Wiim Mini is a nice but very basic streamer. I had it but any better streamer like even the Wiim Pro just blows it out of the water on sound quality.
@@CraciunAlexandruGh from what i've seen and red The pro wins mostly on features, not sound quality. The pro plus on The other hand has a revised power supply and filtering section and also a much better dac but still all these upgrades seem to BE most felt on its analog section. I use The mini as a digital transport ONLY and use it with a Linear power supply i already had. Pretty good actually. Using it in The digital realm ONLY i Guess you'll ONLY feel a real Difference (within wiim lineup)when using it with Higher end gear or if you need specific features One unit might have Over The other. None of The Units seems to make Sense using with Higher end gear so The mini imo isn't such a bad option.
Only the difference between pro and mini is included Chromecast option and remote control. Pro with 5v LPS is a killer $100 streamer
Why does it not have a phono input!! Why don't all dacs have a phono input. My amps don't have enough inputs a DAC with multiple inputs would be the logical answer
Because dacs have no analog inputs? Dacs are digital to analog converters, not analog to analog converters. That's why all stand alone dacs have no phono inputs (or any other analog inputs for that matter).
What you need is a (phono) pre-amp or an integrated amp with phono input. Some of those amps even have a dac built in!
@@andymill8552 and thank you for making my point some receivers do have a dac and analog preamps built in so why would you not offer both on a external DAC /preamp I think most of us listen to records and digital now a days seems like a obvious thing to do
@@paulgood2218 Where did I make your point? As said, you are talking about a receiver or an analog pre-amp with a built in dac. This product is not that. A standalone dac only does Digital to Analog conversion and not Analog to Analog conversion. You are barking up the wrong tree. There are lots of solutions for people who listen to records. This is not one of them. Also there are lots of people who don't play vinyl and don't want to spend the extra money for a analog pre-amp in a dac, because they want to stream only. For your purposes simply do not buy a standalone dac. You don't expect a coffeemaker to have a toaster built in either do you? Jus buy a separate toaster with your coffee maker.
Another day - another SMSL, Topping and Gustard DAC 😂
Clean and crisp and lots of detail means, sterile sounding with lots of digital glare, worse timbre and no depth - like always. we know the drill ^^
I don't trust your reviews anymore, because you speaking the same set of praises in each video that make no sense in technical terms
Also has a headphone amplifier...LOL! Who the hell needs that on a DAC?! Whatever, AKM/SABRE - whatever they send you is what you recommend! My aune XVIII Magic DAC that costs 1/3 of the price, makes $1000 sound with sparkos op-amp. There's no need to do any more reviews of cheap DACs!
I disagree
If they didn't do cheap dac reviews what would they do. Im sick of all this dac overload.
His reviews are very usefull. You dont have to watch his videos if you are not interested. There are a lot of people who use a headphone amp like this. Including myself
😵💫so if you don't have an interest in something, then nobody else should ? 🤔Or, you changed your op amps, therefore everybody else should?! 😂😂
I can think of a lot reasons you’d want a headphone amp on a DAC. For example if you’re connecting it to an integrated amp with no headphone jack or directly to powered speakers, a headphone jack on the DAC could be very useful. I’m not sure why you would dismiss someone else’s use case. Also you don’t know this DAC sounds worse than your DAC if you haven’t tried it.
Are you Russian or Ukrainian? Just curious. My guess is Russian because there aren't many young Ukrainian men left.
Neither actually. I'm Serbian.
@@iiWiReviews good. I think I need to brush up on my geography.
Guy is Serbian
@@dangerzone007 Eh, we could all brush up on our geography when it comes to distant parts of the world.
Wdym 'good' 🤨@@dangerzone007