Source chain hardware is already significantly better than what we are actually able to hear. Besides power outputs, what features could actually be a reason to wait to see what comes in the future?

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blargh4 t1_iyca5xf wrote on November 30, 2022 at 9:26 AM

Not that they don’t exist but it’s absurd how few DACs have a parametric EQ built in.

Umlautica t1_iyc6v28 wrote on November 30, 2022 at 8:37 AM

If we're waving wands, more software features. I'd like for my amplifier to sense the headphones and load my settings that are specific to that pair.

From there add the ability to configure harmonic distortion, crossfeed, limits, eq, and equal-loudness filters for that pair.

2ndRoundExit OP t1_iyd7pgr wrote on November 30, 2022 at 3:15 PM

That'd be dope

LArule19 t1_iydaw4o wrote on November 30, 2022 at 3:36 PM

They could be cheaper

UnnecessaryMovements t1_iyc8ptx wrote on November 30, 2022 at 9:04 AM

I prefer listening to portable. I am already satisfied with what I own but I would love if they somewhat made a miracle dongle that doesn't lose its connection when it my phone is in my pocket. Also, an audiophile level dongle (not a thumb drive style) that has mic support. Like Meizu Hifi Pro, which they discontinued.

Edit: or better yet. Bring back the good ol' headphone jack, but with abs.

LucasRunner t1_iydppv6 wrote on November 30, 2022 at 5:14 PM

People are saying parametric EQs and i wouldn't mind that but my wants and wishes include some other stuff.

There are a bunch of amp/dac manufacturers today making exactly the same products over and over again at different prices, shapes and sizes. These products are getting a little redundant imo since they all perform the same.

1- Real sound signature presets:

iFi does that in 100 dollar dacs, why can't Topping's 600 dollar dacs have these functions? Would be incredible if these devices had presets like some powered monitors do "Vocal, Dynamic, Monitor..." modes. I have powered monitors from Edifier and i am constantly playing with these modes, Vocal mode really puts voices forwards in the soundstage making it sound warmer and its great not only for music but for movie dialogues as well.

Those filters "apodizing, fast cut out, slow etc" are utterly useless.

Functions such as crosstalk levels, reverb, bass shelf, or even some coloring configurations that mimic tubes or increase artificially soundstage would be great.

2- physical knobs to interact with the signature:

Remember your dad's Pioneer integrated amp with those cool Bass and Treble knobs? That would be cool in these high end dacs on top of on-board presets too. Alot to mess around with on discrete functions.

This is the only way I see this drove of high end devices to be any appealing to me since there's no difference in sound quality from a 100 dollar dac to 1000 dollar dac anymore. All of these ess/akm/burr brown based devices sound the same.

I don't get why I should spend that much on any of these new dacs nowadays honestly.

atwl77 t1_iycjwiu wrote on November 30, 2022 at 11:43 AM

For dac/amps with preamp outputs, a separate volume knob for main out and headphone out would be nice... like how most audio interfaces do.

llIicit t1_iydnw3f wrote on November 30, 2022 at 5:02 PM

Screens. Digital channel balancing for that perfect left and right balance.

Also the relay volume control knobs are really cool.

Don’t need a focus on power anymore, we already have way too much of that now lol