I was looking your review, and decided to try audiobyte hydra vox. Audiobyte changed my chord qutest and sbooster combo, and i must say that hydra vox sound as you described. It so natural sounding dac, everything is at right place. Thanks for great review!
Great review! Rockna makes the best source I ever heard. I was impressed by the physicality of the images: the weight of each note, the texture, the solidity and the stability of the images. They don’t rely on the outline around the edges to portray the images.
Awesome review! Thank for bringing out components to review no one else does. It keeps broadening the shoreline of stuff people can get to match their needs perfectly. Especially the salvo of DACs that you you've been giving us lately. And I'll add as I do so many times, you're one of the new reviewers who understands and IS INTERESTED in the electronics that make the magic happen. Keep it coming! The other thing that seems fascinating to me is how much the Buchardt S400 scale with the source and keep revealing to you what the sources are capable of - I think it was a very nice decision of replace those KEFs with the S400.
Sandu - great review! I appreciate how thorough you are in your testing and that you are not shy to compare between other products. I feel other reviews shy away from comparisons and without them, there's no way for us to tell (other than listening ourselves) where products really stand. However, you are costing me lots of money! I only just recently ordered a Musician Pegasus - I no longer see the review listed under Sources on your website, and now you have me wanting to spend more money on HydraVox :). Anyhow, keep those reviews coming!
Pegasus review is still there, website put it on page 2 for some unknown reasons. I will be updating it to show them by date, not by name, not sure when. I will never delete any of my reviews, I stand by them and don't you worry, Pegasus is still an amazing DAC, really, up there with the best. I will be updating my youtube list and will include that one too. No matter what you buy, there would be always something better...
wow another great review! You really hit on every single technical and relevant details of these products. I watch alot of other reviewer channels and they get a bit lazy and skim over the parts you put laser focus on. well done!
As expected, this Martian is something else. In this world there are many people that follow and few people that amaze. People with a different vision that take the path of explorers. The No Compromise kind. Much respect for that! But even they need reviews like this one to get the best message out there about their final product. Good Job for both, excellent preparation on your behalf. Love the screen and design, wish I could afford one right now 🙂
It doesn't really matter which country a device is originated from. Romania has lots of bad reputations too in other aspects, but every geographic area of this planet has passionate, precise, intelligent people whom love to use their genie to create something special. Those few, those who make these things available definitely didn't care about countries and governments when they came up with new ideas. Big respect.
@@tombill2723 ce viața tristă trebuie să ai ca ai timp de asemenea mizerii...de unde ai atata frustrare si hate in tine că nu prea ințeleg sincer ??? Ai dezvoltat o obsesie pe subiectul asta sincer și cred că nici nu poti dormi noaptea : )
Very nice, the OCD Hi Fi guy sells these in the US I think. I hope you get your hands on the Black Dragon DAC by audiobyte to review, as it would be nice to see an in depth review of that one, how the FPGA flashing works on it, and how it stacks up in the $1500 neighborhood.
Yes, I am hoping you will review the entry level Black Dragon as well. It appears to be a feature rich DAC/amp combo that is more suitable to size of my budget. I have shortlisted this model along with the Musican Pegasus R2R DAC along with a yet undecided headphone/pre-amp as part of a combo.
Black Dragon has already 6 years under its belt (released in June 2014), it's an oldie, probably a goldie too, but not a lot of people are interested in it.
Awesome review, as are all your reviews. Would be great to get your opinion on how this DAC stacks up against the Rockna Wavelight DAC which is it's cousin equivalent in the Rockna line.
Thank you Sandu. have you had a possability to listen Rockna Wavelight? CAn you compare wavelight to Audiobyte Hydra stack and also with other R2R dacs from Audio GD or Denafrips? Cons and pros please.
I will review it someday (Wavelight), not sure when. Even right now, I can tell you that is should perform at least on the same level with the Dena Termi Plus, a friend of mine ows it, it replaced a MSB Analog DAC($8000) and he likes the Wavelight more.
@@Soundnews I have to make a tough decision to choose DAC for headphone Set up, So you think Hydra stack is not quite a level of Wavelight? Also what about Hydra vs Audio GD R7 or R8? Which of Audio GD can you compare with hydra and how good is Hydra headphone amp? Thank you Sandu!!!
Hi and thanks for all your great reviews Sandu. I was wondering how you would compare the newer Gustard dacs, A26 and R26 to the Vox/Zap combo. I saw a used one for sale and then saw your review and am interested in possibly getting one. Thanks much, Samuel
I would love to see a Keces S125 review vs Kinki Studio EX-M1+ but M7 you have would also do. I think you said you would review the Keces unit. When is this coming?
Thanks for another detailed and thorough review! Off topic question, but was wondering what amp you think would match well with the QUAD ERA-1 headphones you gave a glowing review of please? I currently own a Topping D70 dac so am considering a Topping A90, Cayin HA-1A MK2, or XDUOO TA-20? (I appreciate quality textured bass, 3D imaging, soundstage with good width / depth / height and a layered sound with clean instrument seperation... May upgrade to D90 end of the year). Thanks
The highest recommendation I can give right now is Topping A90 if you would like a more accurate sound, or Flux Lab Acoustics FA-10 if you would like to have a thicker and warmer sound. I personally like both and consider them as end-game amplifiers.
@@Soundnews Appreciate the recommendations! First I've heard of the Flux Lab Acoustics FA-10 so I'll do some research on it and see if it's available in UK. Will check out your review... The sound signature def suits me. Cheers!
Thanks. I checked out FA-10 and FA-12 models. Wow, impressive products to say the least. Looks like the FA-12 would suit me better as it is said to have a warmer sound sig. Should match better with my current cans (DT1990, M1060C opens) and what I plan to buy later this year (QUAD ERA-1).
Nice review and interesting combo for desktop use. How does this compare for example to a Burson Conductor 3, which I currently have and you also reviewed? ps. It would be very nice if they could give you the option to change the screen colours. I would prefer an all white presentation...I also can't seem to find the dimensions...
I recently learned about your channel from Thomas from Thomas Stereo and am glad I did. I just saw your excellent review on the Audiobyte stack except for their Hub streamer. I actually have had my eye on the comple stack after seeing on Mike Powell's OCD-Hifi channel. It's my understanding that somehow the Hub with the complete stack improves the DAC . I hope you can review it again with the Hub. I also hope you can review some tube DACS like the Doge 7 and Musical Paradise models.👍
I had a TT2 in my house for few days (~2 weeks ago), Element X was considerably better at everything, expect for the headphone output, where TT2 was really good at. Vox is different sounding than any Chord gear, it is very fluid and smooth sounding. Vox will get even better when HydraHub will be released.
@@Soundnews I was not worried about you (: but the components in the DAC. Next time try using a pencil and just point without touching. You can actually destroy or shorten a components lifetime when touching it. Please read the following www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Computer_Science/static.asp
With a system like he has and a room with no sound treatments how can I believe his opinions on this Dac,this is a joke all these reviewers on audio electronics are a wast of your time no one has the same room and no two ears are the same,most purchases come with a 30 day return use your own equipment in your own space to make your decision on any audio electronics
Hello, Most of his reviews are with headphones and thus removing the room... And having some of his reviewed gear myself he is spot on with his sound descriptions. Best regards Geoff
Dear speaker listeners , the best DAC reviews are done using high end transparent headphones. This way the room HAS NO RELEVANCE. Thank you, take your hate somewhere else...GOODBYE!
@@emilianpredescu3477 I can't disagree with this statement any more. I think both listening sources highlight different aspects of a DAC/amp combo..... ie. There strength and weaknesses. Much the same as earphones vs headphones or pw an amplifier perform with a high impedance vs low impedance load.
I was looking your review, and decided to try audiobyte hydra vox. Audiobyte changed my chord qutest and sbooster combo, and i must say that hydra vox sound as you described. It so natural sounding dac, everything is at right place. Thanks for great review!
Great review! Rockna makes the best source I ever heard. I was impressed by the physicality of the images: the weight of each note, the texture, the solidity and the stability of the images. They don’t rely on the outline around the edges to portray the images.
When I'll retire, a Rockna Wavedream Signature is all that I want, I don't think there is something better than this
I'm a simple man , I see Rockna and Audiobyte, I click like. Awesome review, great technical expertise!👍
Dude, I just love your reviews...really appreciate the time stamping.
Awesome review! Thank for bringing out components to review no one else does. It keeps broadening the shoreline of stuff people can get to match their needs perfectly. Especially the salvo of DACs that you you've been giving us lately. And I'll add as I do so many times, you're one of the new reviewers who understands and IS INTERESTED in the electronics that make the magic happen. Keep it coming! The other thing that seems fascinating to me is how much the Buchardt S400 scale with the source and keep revealing to you what the sources are capable of - I think it was a very nice decision of replace those KEFs with the S400.
Thanks for the kind words, appreciate it!
Sandu - great review! I appreciate how thorough you are in your testing and that you are not shy to compare between other products. I feel other reviews shy away from comparisons and without them, there's no way for us to tell (other than listening ourselves) where products really stand. However, you are costing me lots of money! I only just recently ordered a Musician Pegasus - I no longer see the review listed under Sources on your website, and now you have me wanting to spend more money on HydraVox :). Anyhow, keep those reviews coming!
Pegasus review is still there, website put it on page 2 for some unknown reasons. I will be updating it to show them by date, not by name, not sure when. I will never delete any of my reviews, I stand by them and don't you worry, Pegasus is still an amazing DAC, really, up there with the best. I will be updating my youtube list and will include that one too. No matter what you buy, there would be always something better...
wow another great review! You really hit on every single technical and relevant details of these products. I watch alot of other reviewer channels and they get a bit lazy and skim over the parts you put laser focus on. well done!
As expected, this Martian is something else. In this world there are many people that follow and few people that amaze. People with a different vision that take the path of explorers. The No Compromise kind. Much respect for that! But even they need reviews like this one to get the best message out there about their final product. Good Job for both, excellent preparation on your behalf. Love the screen and design, wish I could afford one right now 🙂
Wonderful! How would you compare it to the Rockna Wavelight DAC? Both have a natural tone?
Very cool! I am using the black dragon and very impressed. You helped me determine what my next dac will be :-)
These combined with their "hub" on I2S must be sublime!
I think so, will review that one too
Great review. Please include the price at the start of the review. For some of us, this is an important spec.
Made in România with pride !!!
I’m from Asia, I found many of my favorite audio gears point to Romania 😄
It doesn't really matter which country a device is originated from. Romania has lots of bad reputations too in other aspects, but every geographic area of this planet has passionate, precise, intelligent people whom love to use their genie to create something special. Those few, those who make these things available definitely didn't care about countries and governments when they came up with new ideas. Big respect.
Can't press like too many times. Golden words.
@@tombill2723 as well as your car Bill...
@@tombill2723 ce viața tristă trebuie să ai ca ai timp de asemenea mizerii...de unde ai atata frustrare si hate in tine că nu prea ințeleg sincer ??? Ai dezvoltat o obsesie pe subiectul asta sincer și cred că nici nu poti dormi noaptea : )
Very nice, the OCD Hi Fi guy sells these in the US I think. I hope you get your hands on the Black Dragon DAC by audiobyte to review, as it would be nice to see an in depth review of that one, how the FPGA flashing works on it, and how it stacks up in the $1500 neighborhood.
Yes, I am hoping you will review the entry level Black Dragon as well. It appears to be a feature rich DAC/amp combo that is more suitable to size of my budget. I have shortlisted this model along with the Musican Pegasus R2R DAC along with a yet undecided headphone/pre-amp as part of a combo.
Black Dragon has already 6 years under its belt (released in June 2014), it's an oldie, probably a goldie too, but not a lot of people are interested in it.
@@Soundnews I wonder if they are planning a successor to Black Dragon, DAC in 1500 - 2000e range?!
@@NaumHN they will be new product around summer 2021. 1000€ range
Thumbs up for roasting Chord... LOL
Awesome review, as are all your reviews. Would be great to get your opinion on how this DAC stacks up against the Rockna Wavelight DAC which is it's cousin equivalent in the Rockna line.
I'll talk with Nucu, who knows maybe a Wavelight review will also happen.
@@Soundnews thanks! See if you can a hold of the Wavelight Streamer he is about to release as well!
Thank you Sandu. have you had a possability to listen Rockna Wavelight? CAn you compare wavelight to Audiobyte Hydra stack and also with other R2R dacs from Audio GD or Denafrips? Cons and pros please.
I will review it someday (Wavelight), not sure when. Even right now, I can tell you that is should perform at least on the same level with the Dena Termi Plus, a friend of mine ows it, it replaced a MSB Analog DAC($8000) and he likes the Wavelight more.
@@Soundnews I have to make a tough decision to choose DAC for headphone Set up, So you think Hydra stack is not quite a level of Wavelight? Also what about Hydra vs Audio GD R7 or R8? Which of Audio GD can you compare with hydra and how good is Hydra headphone amp? Thank you Sandu!!!
Hi and thanks for all your great reviews Sandu. I was wondering how you would compare the newer Gustard dacs, A26 and R26 to the Vox/Zap combo. I saw a used one for sale and then saw your review and am interested in possibly getting one. Thanks much, Samuel
I would love to see a Keces S125 review vs Kinki Studio EX-M1+ but M7 you have would also do. I think you said you would review the Keces unit. When is this coming?
Do you know if the Hydra Vox Hub is available yet? I can't find it for sale anywhere. Love the attention to detail from Rockna and Audiobyte.
Hub is not ready yet. Will probably review that one too, when it drops on the market
Birthday return gift from Sandu for his subscribers!!! Yay!!!
love this product
Supreme Leader, I like it too ;)
Great review, just made me a sub!
Great review and video 👍
Thank you
amazing!!
Thanks for another detailed and thorough review!
Off topic question, but was wondering what amp you think would match well with the QUAD ERA-1 headphones you gave a glowing review of please?
I currently own a Topping D70 dac so am considering a Topping A90, Cayin HA-1A MK2, or XDUOO TA-20?
(I appreciate quality textured bass, 3D imaging, soundstage with good width / depth / height and a layered sound with clean instrument seperation... May upgrade to D90 end of the year). Thanks
The highest recommendation I can give right now is Topping A90 if you would like a more accurate sound, or Flux Lab Acoustics FA-10 if you would like to have a thicker and warmer sound. I personally like both and consider them as end-game amplifiers.
@@Soundnews Appreciate the recommendations! First I've heard of the Flux Lab Acoustics FA-10 so I'll do some research on it and see if it's available in UK. Will check out your review... The sound signature def suits me. Cheers!
Thanks. I checked out FA-10 and FA-12 models. Wow, impressive products to say the least.
Looks like the FA-12 would suit me better as it is said to have a warmer sound sig. Should match better with my current cans (DT1990, M1060C opens) and what I plan to buy later this year (QUAD ERA-1).
Nice review and interesting combo for desktop use. How does this compare for example to a Burson Conductor 3, which I currently have and you also reviewed?
ps. It would be very nice if they could give you the option to change the screen colours. I would prefer an all white presentation...I also can't seem to find the dimensions...
Does this do PCM 1294or DSD 1024?
I recently learned about your channel from Thomas from Thomas Stereo and am glad I did. I just saw your excellent review on the Audiobyte stack except for their Hub streamer. I actually have had my eye on the comple stack after seeing on Mike Powell's OCD-Hifi channel. It's my understanding that somehow the Hub with the complete stack improves the DAC . I hope you can review it again with the Hub. I also hope you can review some tube DACS like the Doge 7 and Musical Paradise models.👍
Hey mate, HydraHub review incoming, will see what can I do about other brands like Doge or Musical Paradise.Thanks for the suggestion!
May I know the size of this product? It's really hard to find :(
Can you make a video showing head to head comparison of Topping E30 against SMSL M200 that would be very interesting?
Not sure that will happen, M200 is a bit better to me.
@@Soundnews I thought you own both units or you got both for evaluation/review purposes only
Rockna and Audiobyte, very good digital design.
Among the best, that is for sure. I've met Nucu several times, he's a walking encyclopedia and one of the best DAC designer.
@@tombill2723 du-te acasă, esti prea frustrat sincer :)))))))
Do you like this better than the Denafrips Venus II you tested?
Oh, that's easy, I liked it by a whole lot better!
@@Soundnews WOW that is legit!
It would be interesting to have HydraVox compared to Chord Hugo TT2 or Qutest.
I had a TT2 in my house for few days (~2 weeks ago), Element X was considerably better at everything, expect for the headphone output, where TT2 was really good at. Vox is different sounding than any Chord gear, it is very fluid and smooth sounding. Vox will get even better when HydraHub will be released.
Sandu. Where have you seen it for 3300 Euros? Everywhere around 4000.
It matches the score of the audio gd R7 (98/100) and the price difference is significant.
If you are looking only at the overall score, you are doing it wrong.
Do you sell this thing?
What speakers are that in your back ?
Ok you answerd it in the video
Thanks
great review... but now i got to have one ..
Ouch, serious wallet damage but sounds Godly!
This and audio gd r7 ? He?
I've heard only regular R7, but HydraVox is better
Nice introo
you should not touch the components, you could zap them
Haha :) Everything was disconnected and caps were depleted, so no worries, only the Vox will be getting Zapped
@@Soundnews I was not worried about you (: but the components in the DAC. Next time try using a pencil and just point without touching.
You can actually destroy or shorten a components lifetime when touching it.
Please read the following www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Computer_Science/static.asp
FPGA are not new, Chord been using them...
With a system like he has and a room with no sound treatments how can I believe his opinions on this Dac,this is a joke all these reviewers on audio electronics are a wast of your time no one has the same room and no two ears are the same,most purchases come with a 30 day return use your own equipment in your own space to make your decision on any audio electronics
Hello,
Most of his reviews are with headphones and thus removing the room...
And having some of his reviewed gear myself he is spot on with his sound descriptions.
Best regards
Geoff
Dear speaker listeners , the best DAC reviews are done using high end transparent headphones. This way the room HAS NO RELEVANCE. Thank you, take your hate somewhere else...GOODBYE!
@@emilianpredescu3477 I can't disagree with this statement any more. I think both listening sources highlight different aspects of a DAC/amp combo..... ie. There strength and weaknesses. Much the same as earphones vs headphones or pw an amplifier perform with a high impedance vs low impedance load.