数码播放 2.0
2025年是一个折腾的年份，为了挑战，真的费劲心思，从技术到口袋，耗尽所有。还好结果是完美的。朋友一句，之前都已经非常好了，干嘛还不停折腾。哈，自嘲手贱人贱，真的是没救。自己就好这口。记得2023年有发表过一篇数码播放的贴，看回这偏后，对比去年的折腾不是一个等级。
解码从开始的声卡，进入usb解码，乐之邦，tempotec, fostex, chord, weiss, denafrips, musician audio，玩得一点也不少，当中在手上坏掉的是chord qutest，送去维修也没办法修复。其它的都是手痒换，现在只保留三个解码，分别是主要双声系统的Pegasus2, 电脑桌的Enyo，客厅落地的fostex a4bl。
数字界面和usb jitter也玩不少。有 IFI, Duok，Sanbao audio lab, Audioquest, Audiobyte, Xingcore。现阶段已经转卖出的是Audiobyte，之后会放出FMJ jitterbug和duok，其他的暂时保留。Xingcore是专给双声系统，因为Pegasus2支持i2s DSD1024，而xingcore数字界面符合这个规格。ifi保留的是defender和isilencer。Sanbao audio lab 复刻和 Duok Audio U2 Pro 第一版也保留，之前有买U2第二版，但因为有问题，噪音严重就退了。
原本玩着RPI4安装moode，过后改Ropieee。Rpi4也升级到扩充硬件版，加SSD模板，最后改用支持9v的CM4加扩充板。电脑也从原来的j1900一路升级到8100，在到8700k加水冷，最后换了ryzen 7600+GMK n150(现阶段的)。如果不玩Hqplayer升频，是不用换电脑。当初升级8700是因为想要升频dsd256，换7600是因为dsd512。外加GMK n150是因为7600拿来做ubuntu Hqplayer。除了主电脑，还有一台Asustor NAS，4bay，24TB容量，是主要歌库。
至于播放器，现在服役的是Roon + hqplayer embedded (ubuntu server)。roon确实很厉害，声音的进步不是盖的。之前用foobar2k, ap2，jriver，amarra, audirvana甚至moode，个人都觉得无法完胜roon。经过一段时间使用roon后，搭配了hqplayer，这个一发不可收拾。折腾过Mac版的Hqplayer，到windows，后来的HQPlayerOS，直到最后的ubuntu。也试过直出USB，或ddc，或rpi+usb, 最后rpi+ddc。很多时候没对比没伤害，就是一路对比一路被伤害。本来要的减法，但好声面前无法减法。分离的器材真的非常必要，独立性真的带来提升。
心得结论，ubuntu server安装hqplayer embedded是现阶段最好声，可惜是难度高，并要牺牲一台电脑，就只是为了Hqplayer，是有点浪费。如果不是高要求的filter或很高的频率，是不用太高性能的处理器，如果要很高的频率加filter，i9或r9的处理器是必要的。现用的ryzen 7600在dsd1024只能用很一般的filter，算力不够。当初选这颗是因为高频率，低功耗，不需要水冷，itx主板。
后来添加GMK n150安装window和roon。幸运的是roon对硬件要求真的低，可以省心省钱。只是用nuc这样的电脑，没法安装多个硬盘存放歌，只能从NAS里面直接读取歌库。另外rpi安装NAA也是必须的，电脑直出usb解码或ddc，声音也不是太理想(这个是对比后的)。如果只是HQPlayer，rpi装官方NAA绝对最好，因为几乎没有读不到的驱动。moode和ropieee虽然能NAA但会遇到很多问题，比如能不能支持驱动，或能不能dsd1024 native之类的问题，所以官方 hqplayer NAA 是首选。当然moode和ropieee也有好处，可以独立播放歌曲。
idefender
isilenser
至于ddc或usb jitter，个人认为ddc比较占优势，记得要ddc里面是具备好的时钟。usb jitter是难内建时钟，(usb jitter指的是那些手指般大小的)。好的时钟可以让声音很稳健从容，会有一种高级感。至于怎样选ddc也是要考量，第一它输出格式和支持的频率，第二是个性。这两个是必考量的。这里补充一下，audiobyte是很好的ddc，如果追求模拟味和高级感，最后放手的原因是因为它不支持i2s dsd1024。因使用的Pegasus2输入是支持的。
最后会选择Hqplayer的一个原因，是因为测试了weiss, qutest 和 r2r使用了hqplayer的差别。weiss和qutest是有各自的调音，其实如果是这类的解码，加Hqplayer带来的惊喜不大。可以忽略不用hqplayer (个人觉得)，虽然还是有提升。至于玩中国牌子的r2如denafrip或musician，这类解码有NOS，这个对使用hqplayer非常有优势。个人听了这些解码的声音后，始终觉得这2款r2r调音不讨喜，个人猜是品牌调音的问题。如果是玩chord weiss这类解码，直接搭配roon或moode播放，非常足够了。价格相对较低的r2r搭配了hqplayer，并有适当的filter加持，是分分钟越级打怪的。
主要双声系统
NAS (Asustor) > GMK n150 (w11+roon) > ryzen 7600 (ubuntu HQPE) > RPI (NAA) > DDC (AF200) > DAC (Pegasus2) > Preamp (Rotel 990) > PowerAmp (Rotel 890) > Speaker (PMC 20.22)
2025 was a year of constant tinkering. To meet the challenge, I truly went to great lengths, draining every last resource from technical expertise to my wallet. Thankfully, the outcome was flawless. A friend remarked, ‘It was already splendid before—why keep tinkering?’ Ha! Self-deprecatingly admitting I’m hopelessly addicted to fiddling. I simply can’t resist. Recalling a digital playback post from 2023, revisiting this now reveals last year’s tinkering was on an entirely different level.
Decoding began with sound cards, then progressed to USB decoders: Lezibang, Tempotec, Fostex, Chord, Weiss, Denafrips, Musician Audio – I’ve dabbled in quite a few. Among them, the Chord Qutest broke down while in my possession and proved irreparable even after sending it for servicing. The others were swapped out on a whim. Now I retain only three DACs: the Pegasus 2 for my primary dual-channel system, the Enyo on my computer desk, and the floor-standing Fostex A4BL in the living room.
Digital interfaces and USB jitter have been extensively explored. Brands include IFI, Duok, Sanbao Audio Lab, Audioquest, Audiobyte, and Xingcore. Currently, the Audiobyte unit has been sold. Subsequently, the FMJ Jitterbug and Duok will be released, while the others remain retained for now. Xingcore is specifically for dual-system setups, as the Pegasus2 supports I2S DSD1024, and Xingcore’s digital interface meets this specification. Retained from IFI are the Defender and iSilencer. The Sanbao Audio Lab reissue and the first edition of the Duok Audio U2 Pro are also kept. I previously purchased the second edition of the U2, but returned it due to issues – notably significant noise.
Originally tinkering with installing Moode on the RPi4, later switching to Ropieee. The RPi4 was upgraded to the hardware expansion version, adding an SSD template, and finally switched to a CM4 supporting 9V with an expansion board. The computer also evolved from the original J1900, through an upgrade to an 8100, then to an 8700K with water cooling, and finally replaced with a Ryzen 7600 + GMK N150 (current setup). Had I not pursued HQPlayer overclocking, no computer upgrades would have been necessary. The initial 8700 upgrade was for DSD256 overclocking, while the 7600 switch was for DSD512. The GMK N150 was added because the 7600 now runs Ubuntu HQPlayer. Beyond the main computer, there’s an Asustor NAS: a 4-bay unit with 24TB capacity serving as the primary music library.
As for the player, currently in service is Roon paired with HQPlayer embedded (Ubuntu Server). Roon is truly formidable; the improvement in sound quality is undeniable. Having previously used foobar2k, AP2, JRiver, Amarra, Audirvana, and even Moode, I personally found none could surpass Roon. After using Roon for some time, pairing it with HQPlayer proved utterly irresistible. I’ve tinkered with the Mac version of HQPlayer, moved to Windows, then HQPlayerOS, and finally settled on Ubuntu. I’ve experimented with direct USB output, DDC, Raspberry Pi with USB, and ultimately Raspberry Pi with DDC. Often, comparison brings no harm, but in this case, each comparison revealed further shortcomings. I sought simplicity, yet superior sound quality defies simplification. Separate components are truly essential; their independence genuinely delivers an upgrade.
Conclusions: Installing HQPlayer Embedded on Ubuntu Server currently delivers the best audio quality. Unfortunately, it’s quite challenging and requires sacrificing an entire computer solely for HQPlayer, which feels rather wasteful. Unless demanding filters or extremely high frequencies are required, a high-performance processor isn’t essential. However, for very high frequencies combined with filters, an i9 or R9 processor becomes necessary. The current Ryzen 7600 can only handle fairly basic filters at DSD1024 due to insufficient processing power. It was chosen initially for its high clock speed, low power consumption, lack of need for water cooling, and compatibility with an ITX motherboard.
Later, I added a GMK N150 to install Windows and Roon. Fortunately, Roon’s hardware requirements are remarkably low, saving both hassle and expense. However, using a compact computer like the NUC means you cannot install multiple hard drives for music storage; instead, the music library must be accessed directly from the NAS. Additionally, installing NAA on the RPi is essential. Direct USB decoding or DDC output from the computer yields less than ideal sound quality (based on comparative testing). For HQPlayer specifically, installing the official NAA on the RPi is absolutely optimal, as it supports virtually all drivers. While Moode and Ropieee can run NAA, they encounter numerous issues—such as driver compatibility or native DSD1024 support—making the official HQPlayer NAA the preferred choice. Of course, Moode and RPiE also have their merits, namely the ability to play tracks independently.
- idefender
- isilenser
Regarding DDC versus USB jitter, I personally believe DDC holds the advantage, provided it incorporates a high-quality clock. USB jitter is inherently challenging to address with an internal clock (referring to those finger-sized devices). A quality clock renders sound with remarkable stability and composure, imparting a sense of sophistication. Selecting a DDC requires careful consideration: firstly, its output format and supported frequencies; secondly, its character. These two factors are paramount. As an aside, Audiobyte offers excellent DDCs. While pursuing analogue warmth and refinement, I ultimately passed on it due to its lack of I2S DSD1024 support. The Pegasus2 input I use, however, does support this.
One reason for ultimately choosing HQPlayer stems from testing the differences between Weiss, QUTest and R2R when using HQPlayer. Weiss and Qutest each have their own distinct tuning profiles. For such decoders, adding HQPlayer doesn’t yield significant surprises. Personally, I’d say it’s negligible to omit HQPlayer, though there is still some improvement. As for Chinese-brand R2 units like the Denafrip or Musician, these decoders feature NOS (No Overhead Storage) technology, which offers a distinct advantage when paired with HQPlayer. Having listened to these decoders, I remain unconvinced by the tuning of these two R2R models, suspecting it stems from brand-specific tuning choices. For decoders like the Chord Weiss, pairing them directly with Roon or Moode for playback proves entirely sufficient. Conversely, pairing a relatively affordable R2R with HQPlayer, complemented by appropriate filtering, can deliver performance that easily outshines its price bracket.
Primary systems
NAS (Asustor) > GMK n150 (w11+roon) > ryzen 7600 (ubuntu HQPE) > RPI (NAA) > DDC (AF200) > DAC (Pegasus2) > Preamp (Rotel 990) > PowerAmp (Rotel 890) > Speaker (PMC 20.22)
