Upgrading from Holo Red, need i2s, external clock input & HQplayer NAA

jbuddha882 - I also have dsd music files, so I know what did sounds like. I have also compared the output to audirvana, and qobuz connect, and this setup so far sounds the best. I don't need any network converters to fiber, been there, done that. The streamers goal is to do this for me. Here are the specs for my streamer, which again, accepts ethernet in, I2S out:

"completely eliminates the problems of noise, jitter, and EMI influences through complete galvanic isolation and perfect reclocking of the digital audio signal"

If the NT-1 is outside your budget, you may want to consider the Matrix Audio TT-1. It is essentially a stripped-down version of the NT-1 at roughly half the price. While the NT-1 comes with a built-in linear power supply (LPS), you can pair the TT-1 with a good external LPS, such as an LHY, for about $250.

The TT-1 and NT-1 both employ femtosecond clock technology. Although the NT-1 features a more advanced clock implementation, my understanding is that when it is not paired with an external 10 MHz master clock, its internal clock is in a similar performance class to that of the TT-1—if I’m not mistaken.

Aside from those, you may also want to consider the Volumio Rivo Plus and a used Innuos Zen Mk3. I have owned both, and they both sound excellent.

@greatdivide71  "...processing was running around 1x for 24-bit/48 kHz tracks which caused issues so another reason for me to use DSD256. I just downloaded 6 but not sure there is anything helpful for the M4 based on what I’ve read."

HQP v6 gives a nominal processing efficiency improvement over v5.xx, so you will see your speed indicator figures improve. Your M4 should be able to process DSD 512 using the ASDM7EC-fast modulator and reasonable filters (e.g. poly-sinc-gauss-long or poly-sinc-gauss-hires-lp). Be sure to unplug any other USB ports except for the audio, as some have been tripped up this way. Even my nifty handheld ASUS gaming console manages this with DSD 512, but if your DSD settings on the output tab are incorrect or SDM tab bit / max speed rate settings are off, you will experience issues.

Thanks for the input @ted_b and @jbuddha882!  I appreciate your comments.

Version 6 makes the situation worse with the exact same settings.  So I've moved back to 5.  Sounds like that is not uncommon.  I've done the list @jbuddha882 recommended before and again today with no luck.  And the only thing I have attached to the M4 is a usb drive to store the music files.  The USB drive and having Roon on that server might be the issue.  I do not use DSP in Roon but do have some light PEQ in HQPlayer.  

For me DSD256 is working great and I can not tell that big a difference between it and DSD512.  However I do hear a significant difference in filters.  For the DSD sources I'm using FIR2/XFI and for Modulators I toggle between ASDM7EC-super and v3.  Also played around with v2 and -light.  Of the ones I tried, these seem to work best for me.  I like the smoothness of v3 for some things but the spaciousness of -super for others.  For PCM sources I like the poly-sinc-ext2-xl (1x) and -hires-ip (Nx) for most things.   Also like the poly-sinc-gauss-long and -hires-ip for others.  So for now I'm optimizing for filters and modulators plus having Roon with the usb drive versus upsampling to DSD512.  I also played around with PCM as the output but still prefer upsampling to DSD.  One of the downsides of my DAC is it pops sometimes when the sample rate changes.  This is my 2nd R30 and it still does it.  So locking in DSD256 allows it just to play.  Not sure if a dedicated streamer with I2S would help but am curious.

One other issue that I asked Gustard about was the hiss when upsampling to DSD512 that I do not get with upsampling to DSD256.  Might be an issue with the streamer in the R30 but not sure since I do not have another streamer with NAA and I2S or USB out to compare.  Gustard's response:  "If the modulation settings in HQPlayer are not ideally matched to the R30's architecture, it can result in noise or instability." 

So I'm set with DSD256 and version 5 for now.  They sound great.  One day I might add a streamer but I am a buy once consumer so when I do, I want one that matches/compliments my other gear.  

I’m on a similar quest with a similar system.  I have the Red feeding a Gustard R30 via USB. I run Roon server and HQPlayer 5 on a Mac Mini M4.  I’m very happy with the Red and don’t know of another streamer where you can try as many OS variations — RedOS, Ropieee, GentooPlayer, etc.  That said, I’m interested in upgrading to better match up with the R30 — with better power supply, clocks, etc.  Matrix Audio is interesting but pricey. The new Eversolo T10 looks very interesting but not sure about their HQPlayer implementation and whether it’s as good as on the Red.  Has anybody tried the T8 or T10 with HQP?