Here’s the cd ripping interface of the DMP-A6.
Hi Desray -
Are you using analog audio output from Streamer to AVR? Or HDMI audio to AVR?
Reason i’m asking - i tested music playback on my Zidoo Z9X via hdmi to AVM90, and the sound was markedly different compared to Laptop - HDMI to AVM90, or Laptop - DAC - Coax in to AVM90.
Haven’t tested more into it…
Yes, using XLR (Analog Out). If you are using Anthem, one will need to attenuate the Input trim levels by a full -10dB at least due to the gain associated with XLR connection. I need to do this because I enabled volume passthrough, meaning I will use Anthem’s master volume to control the level instead of the DMP-A6.
For an external DAC or Streamer (DMP-A6) in this case, you will want to utilize the device’s DAC (in the is case dual ESS chipsets) to get the best sound out of your streaming apps or songs/music from your NAS or SSD. So Analog (2 channel stereo) connection should always be the #No.1 choice!
For DMP-A6, it is able to decode and playback DSD multi-Channel tracks in PCM (MPCM) and this will require HDMI connection. The DMP-A6 HDMI output is only sending out “Audio only” signal in this case.
Of course, Airplay 2 and BT casting no issue but the sound quality is not as good as playback from native apps on the DMP-A6. I love the sound quality of the DMP-A6 produce. Apple Music lossless audio playback on the DMP-A6 is better than Apple Music on the Apple TV (via HDMI).
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I see. When you use XLR into the Anthem, do you keep the signal fully analog and therefore have to disable ARC?
Or do you enable ARC, meaning there is ADC - DSP(ARC) - DAC happening in the Anthem?
Enabling ARC and all the conversions is also the only way currently to enable bass management for stereo playback. Again, theoratically digital input may be better, avoiding these repeated conversions.
In practise, it may still sound better with analog, despite the conversions.
One potential solution for stereo purists is actually to only digitize the signal for bass management. The LR output continues to use full analog without conversion.
That means there is no high pass on the bass management. The dsp (ARC) is only done on the subwoofer signal to complement the mains.
This is similar to Rel’s philosophy of adding subs to stereo systems. However, one would enjoy the benefits of ARC and room correction for the bass.
That that one step further, allow for user to select mono bass, or stereo bass, meaning one subwoofer (array) for each mains channel…
Frankly, when it comes to audiophile or hi-fi, I think I am the least-qualified person to talk to or seek advice from as my roots are with multi-channel movie-mixed sound. I may not have the best speaker setup in this forum, particularly for hi-fi playback but I know how to “appreciate” high-fidelity sound when I come across one. This is one of those “eureka” moments that I have that truly delivers. I am pretty impressed by the sound it produces. Of course, no product is perfect and I have already pointed out some of the negatives right in the beginning of this thread.
For around $1K + that “sound” like 10 times its contemporaries, I think DMP-A6 is a hard one to beat when it comes to price-to-performance ratio.
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Yes, ARC is enabled. I didn’t disable it. For experimentation, I will do it tonight. I need to check confirm whether disabling ARC will also "cripple’ bass management (I believe you maybe right about it but let me check).
When it comes to 2 channel listening, I am still learning but I understand the logic and arguments put forth by the hi-fi community. Never really go all out to try it as my sound system is of a different league compared to an audiophile setup that use uber expensive speakers, interconnect cables, monoblocks, power conditioners etc. Hence I wouldn’t even attempt to experiment with my humble setup. I am contented with my setup for movie watching (my usage is 80% of the time on movies).
While I’m no audiophile but here are my thoughts on what makes a good audiophile-grade sound. This is based on my listening experience with the DMP-A6 for the past 2 weeks:
- You are able to discern the sound more easily w/o needing to crank up the volume
- Sound much cleaner and more crisp
- The sound stage becomes wider but the singer’s voice appears to be closer and nailed right at the center of the stage (almost as if there is a center channel)
- More dynamic w/o sounding too harsh
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It used to be the DAC, but mass production of ESS and AKM DACs have brought the cost down. I would say that my $60 SMSL SU1 sounds as good in all the above parameters as my friend’s$50K DAC from 15 years ago.
In terms of sources, you previously needed high end transports etc, but now the $100 Wiim mini achieves bit perfect optical lossless hi res output from streaming
Finally, you have relatively cheap class D amps like the Topping LA90, which technically outperform market leaders like Benchmark and Purify by a huge margin
So, audiophile equipment is accessible to all. It’s no surprise that the DMP A6 is cheap and sounds very good
ESS & AKM DACs have progressed to the point they are pretty much considered “transparent”; meaning any noise or distortion or artefacts from the D/A conversion is so low that it’s far below our ability to hear.
Differences that people claim to hear between DACs using the same chip are either due to design/implementation (especially the output buffer stage) or due to expectation/confirmation bias.
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Paid a separate $30 for this remote to navigate my DMP-A6 without the need to go for my tablet or phone.
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Using the new remote for about 5 mins and I will have to say…this is the WORST remote I have ever used. Don’t waste your money. First off, the D-Pad simply doesn’t work. The moment I saw the different labels on the D-Pad (directional pad), I know jialat liao. True enough, there is no proper navigation and STILL, one will need to use the app for the most part to get to the various sources.
So please don’t waste your money…I regret getting it.
The remote is more for user to on the unit from the sitting position as the app cannot turn on the unit. And volume control.
Only the on/off is via IR. The rest of the buttons are via Bluetooth. So need to pair the remote to get the rest of the controls to work.
Other than that, the app should be the better choice to navigate the functions of the unit.
Anyone using the master edition? Think of getting it since using MDAC and not getting any better DAC yet.
Actually, if u have WOL app on your phone, can use the app to wake up Z9X from standby. No need for remote IR. FYI…
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Think it does not work for the A6, from what I read from the other forum.
Anyway local purchase from the authorized dealer now comes with the remote.
Seems sales of the Master Edition is picking up too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-sP5qgXfdM
Now also have the master edition
Tried out the ME today (alone without connected to system as new house still under renovation). Can only test with Spotify (free account) as this is the only streaming service I have. Have to say, the unit (and UV meters) is really “fun” to navigate and the cast function is really a great feature with a very slight lag (when you compare the responds from the LCD screen). Changing of input souce/output activates the respective relays (hope it is reliable) with the clicks sound. Screen looks nice but could be brighter (maybe due to using the unit in bright surrounding). The app crashed once when exiting from one of the screen but was stable after that. FW already v1.1.75. Hope to be able to test with CD transport and CD ripping soon.
I have the A6 since May and very happy with it. It fits into a gap of my setup with the large screen, DSD MCH and Tidal Connect feature that my Lumin D2 lacks.
Thus I have ripped all my SACDs to stereo and MCH and let go Sony X700 since I used that mainly for MCH.
Initially, I am using the XLR but since my USB cable came in last week, have been using the USB out. The sound as a strange, in my view, is excellent and easily rival the Lumin D2. But I prefer Lumin D2 internal over the A6, though I could easily accept A6.
So now I have the A6 via USB to my Accuphase DAC and D2 xlr to my E800. Heavenly.
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Looks interesting as I am currently using my Panny 820 for MCH DSD. Does it also do 5.1 analog or only PCM over HDMI
The DMP-A6 is a very good transport based on the many user comments.
As long as the android OS holds up over the years, it can be improved by using better external DAC.
The A6 output MCH over HDMi.
So far I am only playing DSD 64 MCH, not PCM as all my MCH rips are DSD. Playing either from Roon or A6 internal SSD.