HQPlayer settings for Holo Audio Cyan 2

Hi Guys

Could someone help me out with best settings for HQPlayer for the Holo Audio Cyan 2

This is a fresh setup it is as follows

OS  Ubuntu 24.04 should I set the kernel to low latency?

HQPlayer Embedded 5.7.1

CPU   Intel i9-13900

RAM  32GB

GPU   NVIDIA T1000 4GB

I'm using ALSA direct USB into DAC

My first test I'm using DSD256 at 20bits, with DSD7 256+fs. Not sure what oversampling filters I should use

I mostly listen to Jazz and Classical and some low key electronic music

Any pointers would be appreciated

Thanks!

1x = poly-sinc-gauss-long

Nx = poly-sinc-gauss-hires-lp

Modulator = ASDM7EC-light or ASDM7EC-super (, or ASDM7EC-ul)

Output DSD256 or DSD512.

This should be applicable to fairly wide range of source content. But filter choice is always up to source content genre and personal preferences.

What about with a Purifi Class D amp?

@Miska

2 hours ago, YNWALFC said:

What about with a Purifi Class D amp?

@Miska

Holo Audio DACs are generally a good match with class-D, thanks to proper analog filters. But with class-D amps one can consider using fifth order modulator instead of seventh. And if you use PCM mode, use only 1.4/1.5M and not anything lower.

This is because class-D amplifiers are susceptible to aliasing from highest ultrasonic/RF frequencies.

Thanks, Miska.

Although if you use DSD1024, then seventh order is fine in all cases, as there is no noise left-overs even in ultrasonic frequencies... This makes some difference at DSD256 or lower. DSD512 is borderline.

Using mainly 512.

No much need to worry then. With ASDM7EC series ultrasonic noise levels throughout are below about -105 dB, which is about 10 dB lower than inherent audio band noise floor of RedBook. With ASDM5EC series noise levels at least 12 dB lower, and thus ultrasonics are lower than audio band noise floor of most hires content.

Thank you. Was unsure whether to run the normal EC or 512+

3 hours ago, YNWALFC said:

Thank you. Was unsure whether to run the normal EC or 512+

Not very critical here. 512+fs is good choice when using HQPlayer's volume control for adjusting volume, doing complex DSP EQ, or multichannel to stereo downmixes, as it provides extra headroom in audio band.