Through my hands many years it took one hundred audio devices, but none of them lingered for so long and served faithfully as Audinst HUD-MX2. Powerful amplifier and a good DAC are combined with compact size and a nice price. Plenty of inputs and outputs complement the image of a universal device. Of course, I have followed with interest the news that Audinst has released a new, older model HUD-DX1, which I and will tell today.
Despite the external similarity with the previous modification, in DX1 has changed almost everything. To be in trend, Audinst has succeeded in ESS Sabre DAC 9018K2M, in conjunction with the USB chip from XMOS, it allowed them to support DSD64/128 and resolutions up to 384 kHz/32 bit (works during playback DXD). Processed and the power amplification, it now employs MUSE8920 and tpa6120a2 dedicated headphone that allows the device to develop an enviable for such small size power 1.5 watt.
To splurge on other elements, the circuit device employs high the setpoint generators with temperature compensation, the power is filtered through a LDO regulator. There is protection from power surges when connecting the USB and the power adapter also protects headphone and line out from possible emissions the device is switched on and the switching outputs. When powered from USB, DX1 is able to “sleep”, turning in a low power mode when the computer shuts down.
As a nice bonus supports all modern smartphones and tablets (iOS traditionally will need an adapter from Apple).
Of course, the upgrade of the innards could not pass unnoticed for the price, so “beginner” is more expensive MX2, he asked for about $ 400, thus, the DX1 is not an upgrade of the previous model, the new flagship of standing higher in the lineup. But we have to admit that for the $ 400 device gives a lot.
Specifications
- DAC: ESS Sabre 9018K2M
- OS: MUSES8920 and tpa6120a2 dedicated headphone
- Dynamic range: 127 dB
- Total harmonic distortion + noise: -120 dB
- Maximum output voltage: ±10 Vpp @ 600Ω
- Maximum output power: 1.5 W @ 32Ω
- Output impedance: 2Ω
- Inputs: optical, USB
- Outputs: optical, 3.5 mm TRS, 6.3 mm TRS line out 2 x RCA
- Power supply: USB 5 V or external power supply 12V ~ 15V
- Dimensions: 104 mm × 120 mm × 34 mm
- Weight: 300 g
Packaging and delivery package
Box looks similar to the previous model, neat glossy cardboard with good density, carefully laid inside the DAC itself. Traditionally, Audinst, it is Packed in a plastic bag with a sticker-seal, below it, separated by a cardboard partition, hide accessories. Included with the device you will receive:
- USB cable
- The power supply
- Adapter for European outlets
- 4 self-adhesive feet cool
- The area is the hex for loosening the screws
In General, all that is needed to use the device, there is.
Design and management
On the one hand, the appearance DX1 similar to its predecessor. On the other hand, very much refreshed by changing the color. Instead of the standard silver-black now uses a very beautiful black and white. The white color is selected a pleasant shade, which is usually referred to as “baked milk”, it is complemented with silver controls and legs. The black version is offset by gold accents. Both color options look stylish and unusual, but my white one I like.
All controls are placed only on two sides.
The front panel has two headphone output, 6.3 mm one, the second is 3.5, very handy when you don’t need to look for an adapter, and in addition, if necessary, to the device, you can connect two pairs of headphones. It provided with a selection switch output (naushnikov and linear), mode selector (USB, optics and off), tri-color led indicator (included, there are signal and error) and volume control. For WP, use a good quality potentiometer, so it had a smooth, noise during rotation no.
The back is all other interface connectors: a pair of RCA jacks line output, USB input, optical input and output (Yes, if you want you can use the Audinst in the role of the Converter) and a connector for external power supply. The latter, incidentally, can not connect. Like its predecessor, DX1 could be powered by USB, the power supply is useful in the case of very tight the headphones with high impedance or if your computer is really bad filters powered by USB and this results in an audible noise.
By the way, if you use 600-Ohm headphones, it will be necessary to promote DX1 and remove a couple of jumpers inside (the instructions are all described), it will increase the output voltage to the maximum.
The sound
To listen to the Audinst HUD-DX1 used the following equipment:
- MacBook Pro Retina Late 2013 as a source
- Audirvana Plus in the role of player
- Omni ZMF headphones, Oppo PM-3, Titan 1 Dunu, Dunu DN-2000J, Lear LHF-AE1d and other
- Record in lossless format
In Audinst good job on the sound, DX 1 good and the measurements, and by ear. If MX2 possessed of that easy dignity that is peculiar to the DACs for PCM, skate DX1 — neutral and impartial supply. Combined with a fair amount of power it gives a versatile and handy device for any application.
The bass is fast, focused and very sharp. It features a good depth and excellent study of the corporal images. Bass well controlled and not napadayut on the midrange. Due to the high speed of the bass sometimes think it a little, but really there’s no familiar buzzing, which is usually perceived as bass. So after getting used to the flow of device lack of bass I felt.
MIDs — slightly cool and detailed. This slightly cold shade of their submission well impressed with female voices and tenors, and men-singers with a low voice losing a little in expressiveness. In the rest claims to the MF is not and can not be. A good resolution allows you to easily transfer the details and nuances of music, to build an imaginary scene much wider and deeper than average and fine splitting tools, while preserving their character.
At the RF virtually no problems. The company has managed to avoid the harshness inherent in substandard implementations of the DAC from ESS, so of HF, although served in a very straightforward way and without any attempt at smoothing, do not cut the ear (maybe with the lightest headphones) and add a sound of lightness and airiness, making it balanced and complete.
Compatibility
Huge power supply allows HUD DX1 to cope well with almost all headphones, including most of the isodynamic models. On the reverse side of this scale are IEM, DX1 with them too, it is possible to use, except for the most sensitive models that will be too quickly to dial the volume. The noise is surprisingly small, even in low-impedance headphones. Choosing headphones for this harvester should choose them according to your taste, because the neutrality of the source, the headphones will determine the sound tract.
Naturally, this harvester is the genre is universal and has no preference. The quality of records is very critical device, somewhere in the 8 to 10-point scale.
As usual, some tracks for example.
Arena — The Bishop of Lufford. Tough enough for the team song, obviously coming from neoprog in prog-metal that, in General, does not negate its virtuosity and beauty. Very dense record, full of complex passages of all team members, is very challenging to source, but the Audinst HUD-DX1 copes with this test.
Eric Serra — Huacracocha. Great soundtrack great movie, excellent the ambience of the tape. A skillful combination of tools allowed the composer to create a living and very polyphonic melody, clearly creating the mood. The track is filled with quiet overtones, which this processor copes.
Thordendal’Fredrik’s Special Defects — Z1-Reticuli. It is difficult to imagine a more severe test for the source track. An intricate melody with an abundance of overloaded guitar sound, played at a high enough speed, raises the bar of requirements for DAC and amplifier is very high. Audinst HUD-DX1 copes with this test, of course, not as good as the expensive large combines, but more than worthy.
Conclusions
I have been waiting for such a device: powerful, neutral sound, compact and able to work simply from USB. Such a companion for travel, the harvester, which you can put in a backpack and take with them anywhere. Audinst HUD DX1 just perfectly fits into this concept, no problem rocking practically any set of headphones and not taking up much space. Additional bonuses are adequate price, abundant interfaces and excellent appearance.