Soundavo HP-DAC1 Digital to Analog Converter/Headphone Preamp DAC with S/PDIF, Line, USB Input for PC/Laptop

This is my 3rd DAC (currently have Fiio and Topping), and I did some research to look for a new DAC/Preamp before purchased this one from the brand Soundavo, after compared the outlook design, spec, feature and price with other brand (like Cambridge Audio), I decided to gave it a try and tested it. I’m using it with my laptop via the USB port connection to play back the music from the iTune liberty direct to my Dynaudio Focus 60 XD powered speakers, I was so impressed for the sound performance that compared with my other DACs, the high/mid range are so smooth and detail, and the low frequency also depth enough for listening the classic rock and disco music. For using it as a headphone preamp, I have few headphones (Sennheiser, Audio Technical and Sony), they all has different impedances and outputs, but this HP-DAC1 delivers to all my headphones in very great sound stage, very transparent so you could hear the different characteristic from each headphone. This DAC has different inputs options, you could use it as “preamp” for choosing the Line In to run with power amplifier and speakers. You also can do direct thru S/PDIF (optical) for connecting the Media Player. The digital output on the DAC is also a plus function as a digital-to-digital convertor, allow you to transfer the audio from USB to any amplifier or powered speaker has S/PDIF input, so there is no sound quality lose if you prefer to do everything in digital. From the price point, feature, chassis design, build quality and sound, I really like what everything this DAC does, you can't find a better option for this price !!

[11-month update at the end of the review] My Schiit Modi II was showing signs of malfunction (wouldn't be recognized that it was connected via USB for a few minutes, and sometimes would disconnect on its own after it was) so went looking for a replacement. The HP-DAC1 has effectively replaced my Schiit Modi and Magni combo unit. Both this and the Modi/Magni sound very identical with both my Fostex TH-X00's (25 Ω) and HD650's (300 Ω). They both get plenty loud with the knob turned around the middle of its travel on the HP-DAC1. Speaking of volume knob, thats the one things i wish was improved. Its VERY light to the touch. We'll see how its quality is in a years time if its holds up or not. Absolutely love the myriad of connection options it has. One's with * have been tested by me. You could: -*Connect via USB in from a PC and use on-board amp to listen to headphones -*Connect via USB in from a PC but use this purely as a DAC and use the Analog RCA output to another amp (volume pot will control volume of this output btw) -*Connect via USB in from a PC but use this purely as a DAC and use the Optical output to another amp (you don't need the supplied wall-wart to do this as well, USB 5V is sufficient to power the unit alone [but only in this mode]) --When doing USB in, you cannot output via RCA output and Headphone output at the same time. However you CAN output via Headphone output and Optical output at the same time. Volume pot does not affect volume of optical output however. -Connect via Analog RCA inputs and use on-board amp to listen to headphones -Connect via Analog RCA inputs and use this purely as a volume control and use Analog outputs to another amp -*Connect via Optical input and use on-board amp to listen to headphones -*Connect via Optical input but use this purely as a DAC and use the Analog RCA output to another amp (volume pot will control volume of this output btw) --*You can do both the above at the same time (note that volume knob will affect Analog RCA and Headphone out simultaneously, so watch out if you use the RCA outputs to record anything) NOTE: A reviewer mentioned that the Optical input are pass-through'ed to the Optical output and from what I can tell this is not possible. NOTE: This is a DAC, not a ADC. Will not convert Analog RCA to Optical output. In essence, the Optical output is ONLY used for USB input (as scripted on the rear of the unit) There's a "CLIP" indicator on the front of the unit. According to the manual when this is active you should set the REC.GAIN on the back to -6dB or -12dB. All this in a (relatively large) aluminium box. I wish it came in black but the sanded-silver looks good too. The front panel buttons feel quite good and chunky to depress, are illuminated nicely but aren't too bright (i had to put tape over the Modi/Magni white LED's to sleep at night so this is a nice change for me). Also importantly for me there is a power button on the unit. (see Note under this paragraph for updated info) The Modi didn't even come with a power switch, not only that but my PC's USB ports would stay active even after shutting down so the Modi would almost never actually turn off (probably why its failing, it would stay on practically 24/7). But now i can extend the life of the HP-DAC1 with its power switch that actually functions (and lights a dim red when on standby or USB-powered mode). (Note: The power button turns the headphone amplifier and related electronics (RCA input, Optical input, headphone amplifier) inside on and off. However as i mentioned, my PC even when off will send power via USB. And this HP-DAC1 will still be "on" when getting power via USB in. No matter what the power button on the front is set as, the USB in will output via Optical output. Which means my earlier assumption that the power button turning off everything on this unit is incorrect. I was hoping it would but sadly there are still electronics inside the unit that will be powered on as long as there is a USB input signal. The power button will be illuminated red in this mode.) For the price listed on Amazon, this thing is a steal. Even at retail price of about USD 150 this thing is very, very good. The manual it comes with could be more detailed and better written. It doesn't tell me exactly how the inputs and outputs work. It just says that it can digitize this or that signal, but in the most vague way possible. Eg. the first point it says "Connect an analogue signal source whose signals you want to digitize AND/OR listen to via headphones to the Line IN jacks". This would leave you to believe that the HP-DAC1 is capable of using the analog RCA input and "digitize" it to the optical out, but again this is not possible no matter what combination of settings i tried. On a personal note, i wouldn't mind spending double if this was made in the USA. But that's just me. I will try to update this review in about a year if i find anything else new or if this unit otherwise fails prematurely. PS, here's the specifications that are listed in the manual: S/PDIF playback resolution : 24 bit / 96 kHz (max.) USB playback & recording resolutions : 16/24 bit @ 32 / 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz Frequency response : 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB) SNR : -95 dB (A-weighted) / line our (RCA) Max. line output level : 7.5 Vrms (THD <1 %) Line output impedance : 100 Ω THD : Line input < 0.01 % / Digital input < 0.05% Headphone output level : 1% THD @ 1 kHz (max.), 224 mW (32Ω), 241 mW (56Ω), 130 mW (300Ω), 76 mW (600Ω) Operating Voltage : 15 V DC / 0.4 A / 6 W [Update after 11 months 3/2021] It hasn't been exactly one year since ownership but its been close. I have nothing new to add in terms of reliability, it has thankfully survived every night of playtime and work. In my original review I had mentioned the volume pot being very light to turn and it still is the case. But it otherwise hasn't changed much (I was afraid it would start to sound scratchy when adjusting it by now). The one negative I have noticed so far while using this product is that I had to use a black Sharpie to mark where the physical volume knob was pointing to. There's a small detent pointing to where the volume is but its just a small divot on the knob and extremely hard to tell in almost any light condition beyond perfect. At the very least you can tell by touch since it is a physical detent. Also of note, you have to understand that while this product works as described, it wont be powering headphones that need beefy amps. My HD650’s (300Ω) are about the limit of what the HP-DAC1 can handle comfortably before the volume is only adequate. It is much happier with headphone below 100Ω~150Ω as it would allow the user more headroom for wanting to play it loudly from time to time. My HD650’s get plenty loud but if I want to play it loudly the knob is almost pegged (however with the Fostex and HD-DAC1 near max volume, its un-listenably loud). I will say though that the sound has never distorted at any volume level.

If you're starting to get into CD-quality music streams, HiRes or other Studio quality audio, this is a great DAC/pre-amp to start with. It will likely enable you to hear the music more clearly, experience a wider and deeper soundstage than what your laptop, phone and even some of the basic streaming player's DACs (eg. Sonos or some of the USB based DACs). As a DAC, you still need to supply your own streamer/player/source. For me, that was an 11th gen Intel based Dell Inspiron 7000 2in1 connected via USB - and I must say I was impressed for the price point. Like most HiFi/audio gear, the initial timeframe before the device is fully broken is typically not representative of the ultimate audio performance. That said, after about 50 hours of streaming Quboz through it, this little DAC provided good clarity and a somewhat airy, wide and deep soundstage. The highs are a little bright for some recordings. For 3-8 times the price, there are DACs that will provide more detail, a bit more separation, a bit more control (in terms of available filters and sound profiles) and better imaging. But it's hard to argue at this price point. The grey-painted case is a bit non-descript - reminding me of old IBM PCs. But the brushed aluminum face plate gives it a bit of a vintage feel together with the lit, clear push button switches for input selection. The volume knob is smooth in operation (though personally, I prefer one with a some detents and friction in rotation) and nicely machined. Overall, a utilitarian look and feel. Again, the $300+ DACs tend to be better finished and have better industrial design. For me, I'm discerning enough with the lack of some detail compared to the higher priced DACs that I'm willing to spend the 3-8 times more for the (diminishing return?) extra HiFi experience. But if you fit into the description of the first sentence of this review, it's hard to go wrong with this.

Wow Wow Wow!!! About 10 mths in and still finding things to be impressed about. got this after another well reviewed brand had 2 headphone jack failures. (i.e. speakers stayed on when plugging in...a first for me) i was completely blown away by the space each instrument was given esp. drums an bass which i think are usually under-recorded. not boomey as i think someone else mentioned, but well placed and balanced like the bass in Miles Davis' "You're Under Arrest" or some great solos by Marcus Miller. listening thu a computer with a mix of flac and mp3 and even the mp3's sound much better. just about every song in 7G of music was a new experience. also using audio technica BX50 (?) headphones. even stuff way in the background is just ringing out. love this product and glad i took the chance. they're not kidding when they say they have musicians on staff. this is how i'd like my music to sound if i was so inclined. get yourself some wow, now!