Ten years ago, everyone said that digital broadcasting was the trend of the future, but if you say it ten years later, it is a bit inappropriate. In fact, digital broadcasting, represented by streaming media, has reached the level of competing with CD players, and young audio users prefer digital broadcasting, and some middle-aged and elderly audiophiles do not reject this kind of audio source. In this issue of the magazine, we bring a brief review of 9 digital music players focusing on streaming media, which cover entry-level, junior and mid-to-high-end products for readers' reference.
Senior
STRAINED
DSP-030EX2
Product agent: Changye Audio Retail price: ¥68,500 / set
Main features ■ Streaming media ■ USB decoding ■ Roon support ■ External power supply and external clock
■ Branding
SFORZATO was founded in Japan in September 2009 by Kyoichi Omata, a talented engineer and music enthusiast, with the goal of creating networked audio devices for authentic music replay with an open musical mind. Today, SFORZATO has been able to design an exceptional range of network audio players and master clock generators at the highest level that will reveal the richness and depth of your musical soul.
DSP-030EX2 ■ Supported formats: PCM (up to 32bit/768kHz), DSD (up to DSD512) ■ Output: XLR (2+, 3-), RCA ■ Input: LAN, USB-B (for decoding), USB-A (for upgrade) ■ Clock Input: BNC port (50Ω/10MHz) ■ Volume: 390×327×85mm; Power supply 234×236×92mm ■ Weight: 8.2kg for main unit, 3.9kg for power supply
■ Functions and features
The DSP-030EX2 is a two-split structure with an external power supply and an independent external clock. The DSP-030EX2 is a small external clock with a high-performance TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal) with low ortho-phase noise of -120dBc/Hz@10Hz. A special integrated block with a time base error of less than 100 femtoseconds is configured inside, which is responsible for the distribution of clock signals. WHY DOES SFORZATO TAKE CLOCKS SO SERIOUSLY? Because SFORZATO believes that the master clock is the life of a digital audio device! All digital audio devices must use a benchmark clock for digital-to-analog conversion, so that the quality of the clock will affect the sound quality.
The DSP-030EX2 fully supports ROON and MQA. In the decoding part, the DSP-030EX2 uses an ES9038 Pro chip per channel. Here, instead of relying on the internal to eliminate time-base errors, the ESS decoder chip operates in perfect synchronization with the input signal to obtain a grand soundstage and fine images.
One of the main selling points of the DSP-030EX2 is the use of a separate external power supply, two large toroidal transformers inside the power supply chassis to power the digital and analog sections, and extremely high-speed, low-noise silicon carbide Schottky diodes for rectification.
The USB-B port of the DSP-030EX2 can be used to connect to computers and other devices, which means that the DSP-050EX2 can be used as a decoder. DSP-030EX2 adopts the "NAS+network" music playback mode, which transmits the stream to the datacast through the network, and the datacast can concentrate on the decoding work, the work burden and noise are greatly reduced, and the sound quality is improved simultaneously.
■Comments
Using SFORZATO DSP-030EX2 to play high-format files can make people no longer entangled in digital or analog, no noise, no jitter, no trace distortion playback mode can present a more complete, more three-dimensional music form, and the bandwidth and amount of information have been greatly improved, all the details seem to be "magnified", whether it is vocals or musical instruments, it seems to be so flesh and blood, vivid and vivid, exquisitely convex, and wrapped in rich harmonics, this is really a digital player full of musicality!
AURALiC 声韵
ARIES G2.2 WIRELESS STREAMING MEDIA PLAYER
+ Vega VEGA G2.2 streaming decoder
Retail price: ARIES G2.2 (4TSSD) ¥56,000/set; VEGA G2.2 ¥66,000/unit
Main features ■ Streaming media ■ Audio decoder ■ Support Roon ■ Support CD playback and grab track ■ Support NetEase cloud music
■ Branding
AURALiC was established in 2009 and established a Beijing-Hangzhou dual R&D center system. AURALiC Sound Sound Audio is committed to the design, development and production of audio equipment with simple appearance, easy to use, can be harmoniously integrated into fashionable home life, and has excellent music playback effect, completely getting rid of the traditional audio equipment operation cumbersome and complex debugging fetters, so that users can fully enjoy the wonderful feeling brought by the new era of digital music carriers.
白羊座ARIES G2.2 ■ 支持文件格式：AIFF、ALAC、APE、DIFF、DSF、FLAC、OGG、WAV、WV、AAC、MP3、MQA和WMA ■ 采样频率：PCM支持 32bit下44.1kHz-384kHz；DSD支持 DSD64、DSD128、DSD256、DSD512 ■ 音频输出：AURALiC Lightning Link、AES/EBU、同轴、光纤、USB输出
织女星VEGA G2.2 ■ 频响范围：20-20kHz, ± 0.1dB ■ THD+N：< 0.00012% (XLR); < 0.00015% (RCA) ■ 文件格式：AIFF、ALAC、APE、DIFF、DSF、FLAC、OGG、WAV、WV、AAC、MP3和WMA ■ 采样频率：PCM支持32bit下44.1kHz-384kHz；DSD支持DSD64、DSD128、DSD256、DSD512 ■ 数字输入：Lightning-Link、AES/EBU、同轴、光纤、USB音频, HDMI eARC
■ Functions and features
ARIES G2.2 is the pinnacle of nearly 10 years of research and development. This is a comprehensive hardware upgrade that includes significantly improved processor performance, better USB decoding compatibility, and a cleaner power supply, all designed to create the ability to future-proof streaming and keep users at the forefront of streaming technology for years to come. ARIES G2.2 can flexibly connect locally stored music, or music from online services such as NetEase Cloud Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, KKBox, TIDAL, Qobuz, etc. Users have access to features such as playlists, in-memory caching, seamless playback, and bit-perfect multi-room playback on SonWave's advanced Lightning streaming platform. Advanced features such as resampling, parametric EQ, and virtual speaker placement are also available. These are important tools for shaping and perfecting the listening environment.
The VEGA G2.2 inherits the decoder lineage of Sound Audio, including fusion decoder technology, direct data recording (DDR) and galvanic isolation. It also has a full analog preamplifier function with built-in true analog resistive trapezoidal array volume control to provide a high-quality noise-free signal for the Class A ORFEO output module. The breakthrough Fusion decoder does not rely on the front-end clock signal to operate. Shengyun's DDR technology records audio data into the memory of the Tesla G3 platform, and resets the clock with 60 femtosecond technology to achieve jitter-free signal transmission. The VEGA G2.2 combines Sono's proprietary digital filtering and resampling technology with a precise switching network in the final digital-to-analog conversion stage to deliver superior sound performance. These cutting-edge technologies culminate in revolutionary decoders that set a new standard for digital audio performance.
■Comments
The Aries G2.2 and Vega G2.2 have a new look on the inside, with a big boost in performance and sound quality. The next-generation Tesla G3 platform not only improves sound quality, but also improves computing performance, making Lightning DS silky smooth. On this basis, the Leo GX.1 clock is the icing on the cake, which further improves the sound detail, and the image is more cohesive after use, and the height extension is better. This combination is a very good set of Hi-End streaming media digital sources, which can fully play the sound quality advantages of high-definition and lossless audio files, and restore the musical flavor in them, which is worth savoring.
dCS LINA 丽娜
Network DAC 串流解码器 / Master Clock 时钟
Product agent: Shenghe Audio
参考价格:LINA Network DAC串流解码器 ¥108,000元/台;LINA Master Clock时钟 ¥65,800元/台
Key Features ■ Streaming ■ Audio Decoder ■ Roon Support ■ Ring DAC Decoding Technology ■ Master Clock Clock
■ branding
dCS was established in 1987 and has a history of nearly 40 years. At first, dCS was involved in the field of avionics, and then began to introduce some professional equipment for recording studios, mainly analog to digital A/D converters and digital to analog D/A converters. In 1996, dCS embarked on the road of civil audio, and with its leading digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital technology and experience, it has also created many firsts in the industry.
LINA Network DAC 串流解码器 ■ 数码输入：同轴、BNC、光纤、USB-B、USB-A、RJ-45网线接口各一组，AES接口两组（支持Dual AES模式） ■ 模拟输出：XLR、RCA各一组 ■ 时钟驶入：75Ω BNC时钟接口两组 ■ 流媒体支持：UPnP、RoonReady、Qobuz、Deezer、Tidal、Spotify、AirPlay 2、网络电台 ■ 支持采样率：44.1 - 384kHz（PCM）、DSD64 - DSD128 ■ 频率响应：10Hz - 20kHz（±0.1dB） ■ 本底噪声：-96dB0（16bit数据未加权）、-113dB（24bit数据未加权） ■ 尺寸：121.5 × 220 × 339 mm ■ 重量：7.4kg
LINA Master Clock ■ Clock Output: 2 x 75 Ω BNC Independently Buffered TTL Compatible Outputs ■ Output 1 is fixed at 44.1kHz, Output 2 is fixed at 48kHz ■ Clock Accuracy: Better than ±1ppm when transmitted over +5°C to +45°C ambient temperature range ■ Start-up time: Typically 10 minutes to reach rated accuracy ■ Size: 121.5 × 220 × 339 mm ■ Weight: 7.4kg
■ Functions and features
LINA Network DAC, as its name suggests, is not only capable of decoding audio signals from traditional digital interfaces, but also a network streaming player that supports UPnP and RoonReady playback of local files and LAN NAS, as well as built-in music streaming platforms such as Qobuz, Deezer, Tidal, Spotify, Internet radio, and AirPlay for Apple iOS users 2. Push, which can meet the needs of players with different usage habits and subscriptions to different platforms. In terms of format support, LINA Network DAC supports common audio formats such as FLAC, WAV, AIFF and DSD files, PCM supports 24bit/384kHz bitrate, and DSD supports up to DSD128. For the MQA format, which has become very popular in recent years, Network DAC can also be fully decoded, so that users can enjoy the master tape in the recording studio at home.
In terms of core decoding, the LINA Network DAC adopts the Ring DAC design, which dCS is proud of. Digital processing has always been a strong point for dCS, with upscaling for the LINA Network DAC, a choice of different filters for PCM and DSD, and a choice of multiple Mapper and Headphone Crossfeed modes.
In addition, dCS engineers also created a flexible circuit board folding method for the LINA Network DAC to accommodate a large number of circuits, with a total of 16 layers of circuit boards, in order to reduce the size of the body.
For the "digital expert" dCS, how can it ignore the influence of the clock on the digital signal? In order to make the LINA Network DAC work in a more stable state, the factory has developed the LINA Master Clock for it. It is capable of delivering an ultra-low error clock output of ±1 ppm, minimizing jitter that can cause distortion. In fact, Bartok players can also choose this LINA Master Clock, which can also enjoy the enhanced effect of an external master clock.
■Comments
The LINA series is a relatively affordable product for dCS, including a Network DAC streaming decoder, a Master Clock clock, and a Headphone Amplifier. Among them, the LINA Network DAC stream decoder and Master Clock can serve Hi-Fi and Hi-End speakers, and also have the same technology and sound characteristics as other dCS products, and can be owned in the early 100,000s (Network DAC stream decoder), which is definitely a dark horse in the dCS product line! Of course, for gamers who require more sound, be sure to buy the Master Clock of the same series as LINA, and take your system to the next level.