The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Neuron HiFi DAC V1 is $179 (€165.95) and you can buy it from the Neutron HiFi online shop.
Neutron HiFi
Neutron HiFi is the creator of the renowned Neutron Music Player application, which features a sophisticated 32/64-bit Neutron HiFi™ audio engine designed to provide exceptional Hi-Fi sound quality. This application is capable of high-resolution audio playback without frequency resampling or bit truncation, provided that the internal or external DAC is compatible. The Neutron music player offers extensive customization options for various audio settings, making it a preferred choice among audiophiles, with thousands of downloads to its credit.
Neutron HiFi DAC V1
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 is a highly portable audiophile USB DAC and preamplifier equipped with a robust DSP processor and represents Neutron HiFi’s inaugural audio product.
Technical highlights
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 is equipped with the ES9219Q DAC chip from ESS, which is capable of decoding PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256. It also incorporates an ultra-low noise power supply and dual master clocks. While this DAC chip is frequently found in various USB DAC dongles, Neutron HiFi dedicated extensive time optimizing the hardware layout to achieve superior audio performance. The printed circuit board underwent numerous revisions before finalizing the 4.1 version that is currently implemented.
The DAC V1 sets a new standard with its integration of a real-time ARM Cortex-M4 controller, powered by sophisticated Neutron HiFi firmware. This combination guarantees not only high-power audio output but also efficient power management. Additionally, the Neutron HiFi firmware integrates a variety of features, including a powerful DSP engine that facilitates functionalities such as parametric equalization, crossfeed, persistent settings, and intelligent power saving. It is important to note that the DAC V1 operates seamlessly without the need for the Neutron Music Player application, functioning as a plug-and-play device compatible with all supported operating systems.
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 DSP engine
Those who are familiar with the Neutron Music Player are aware of its capability to enable extensive audio customizations through its powerful DSP. This Neutron HiFi DSP engine is seamlessly integrated into the DAC V1 and is effective for any audio PCM content. Whether you are enjoying music or watching videos, the DSP operates independently, providing a universal audio effect across all applications and content. The DSP is initially disabled, allowing DAC V1 to function in audiophile bit-perfect mode. Users can activate and control the DSP through the NConfigurator software. Once configured, all user preferences are saved in the device’s memory, eliminating the need for further use of the NConfigurator.
The standout characteristic of the DSP is its professional 20-band per-channel Parametric EQ (PEQ). Tailor each channel to your liking for a customized audio experience or select from a range of presets designed for various music genres. Additionally, you have the option to import pre-made EQ profiles (with corrected frequency responses) from a vast database like AutoEq, which host hundreds of earphone profiles.
Additional functionalities comprise Crossfeed and Surround mode, while the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 allows for the simultaneous execution of various DSP effects. The available combinations include: 10-band PEQ with Crossfeed, 10-band PEQ with Surround, 10-band PEQ with FRC, FRC with Crossfeed, and FRC with Surround.
DAC V1 supports standard 3-button in-line headset media controller.
The NConfigurator software
The NConfigurator program allows for the activation and management of the DSP and other features. It is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Additionally, the NConfigurator is necessary for updating the firmware of the Neutron HiFi DAC V1. Neutron HiFi is in the process of developing an Android version of the NConfigurator to streamline and simplify the customization of the DAC V1.
The double-tap action
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 is the only USB DAC dongle i know to offer a customizable double-tap functionality. Users can double-tap the top/bottom or the sides of the device to trigger specific media actions, which can be configured through the NConfigurator app. The available options for assignment include: no action, play/pause, toggle display, next track, previous track, and enable voice command. This feature also allows for different actions to be assigned to both the top and the sides of the unit, providing a practical and intelligently designed means of controlling the device without the bulk of physical buttons.
Appearance and build quality
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 features a sturdy main frame constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy, ensuring reliability and durability while shielding the delicate electronic components from external EMI. Additionally, the DAC V1 is equipped with a high-contrast, low-power OLED display that offers valuable information regarding the output audio format and device status.
The display features Gorilla Glass 3 on its outer surface, providing shock and scratch resistance while also giving it a premium and luxurious appearance. Users can customize the display with options such as black or white mode, auto-orientation, or fixed view. The build quality is exceptional and flawless, and the DAC V1 comes in two finishes: silver and iron gray.
This is a small and lightweight device, measuring 50 x 19.9 x 9.6 mm and weighing just 13g, which is impressive given its inclusion of an OLED display. Its user-friendly, it doesn’t add much clutter beneath your phone, and it conveniently fits into a small pocket.
Accessories
To maintain a competitive price point and reduce costs, the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 does not come with any accessories. Customers have the option to use their own USB type-C cable or purchase one of the premium USB cables offered by Neutron HiFi.
Optional accessories
Neutron HiFi offers optional accessories for the DAC V1, including a premium protective case crafted from authentic leather, available in five color options: black, red, green, blue, gray, and pink. Additionally, they produce top-notch audiophile USB cables featuring gold-plated connectors, tinned copper cores, and nylon braiding. These cables are offered in three versions: USB type C to C, type A-micro to B, and type A to C, in two different sizes (15cm and 1m).
Power output and efficiency
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 features one 3.5mm headphone jack capable of delivering up to 2Vrms with an output impedance of less than 0.5Ω. If desired, you have the option to adjust the power output to 1Vrms for compatibility with highly sensitive earphones. This DAC ensures a pristine and quiet audio background, even when paired with delicate earphones such as the FiiO FX15 and the Soundz Avant. While primarily designed for earphones, the power output of the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 is also sufficient to power certain efficient headphones like the Sivga Luan.
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 features an intelligent power-saving mode, operating at just 0.05A/0.28W when not connected to earphones. Upon plugging in earphones, the consumption increases to 0.13A/0.69W, ensuring that it remains a power-efficient USB device that won’t rapidly drain your phone’s battery.
Listening impressions
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 delivers exceptional audio quality, featuring a sound profile that merges outstanding fidelity with a rich musicality and predominantly natural timbre. Its frequency response is perfectly flat, resulting in crystal-clear and transparent sound with unparalleled definition and separation. The tuning remains neutral, ensuring that the device does not introduce any sonic characteristics of its own, nor does it alter the original sound in any way. It effectively serves as a conduit between the source material and the transducers, while maintaining a warm and engaging sound rather than a clinical or sterile one.
The DAC V1 provides an impressive bass performance, characterized by its extended, tight, and controlled nature, offering a very satisfying level of definition and layering. Its speed and precision, coupled with good timing, enable it to effectively handle complex tracks without sacrificing its pace or definition. The textures are remarkably full-bodied and weighty, resulting in a rich bass output that is far from lean or dry. Furthermore, it can deliver a dynamic and impactful sound, provided that its driving limits are respected.
The midrange offers a spacious and open sound, reminiscent of flowing spring water, with lush textures and surprisingly natural timbre. The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 is meticulously tuned to deliver lifelike and engaging sound, prioritizing timbre realism and maintaining prestigious transparency. It accurately reproduces voices and instruments with tonal accuracy, harmonic variety, and strong emotional content.
More listening impressions
The higher frequencies on the DAC V1 stand out from other devices using the ES9219Q DAC chip by avoiding a sterile or clinical sound, and maintaining a natural timbre. The energetic and luminous treble is well-controlled, steering clear of any harsh brightness. With exceptional clarity and definition, the DAC V1 proves to be remarkably resolving. The timbre remains natural, with rich textures and weighty tones across all frequencies, resulting in a cohesive sound without thinning or drying out in the higher ranges.
The soundstage offers an expansive and open quality, featuring exceptional imaging across the horizontal axis, allowing for precise placement of each instrument. Nevertheless, the overall presentation tends to be somewhat flat, lacking in depth layering or a three-dimensional effect. However, there is a notable absence of audible congestion, even when handling large-scale symphonic compositions.
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 stands out from its competitors by effectively conveying the true essence of music rather than simply reproducing sound. While it may not possess the most organic and analog timbre, I must acknowledge that I was pleasantly surprised by the natural and vibrant listening experience provided by this reasonably priced device. This achievement in tuning is particularly impressive given the sharp and somewhat harsh nature of the ES9219Q chip. Ultimately, what truly matters is the overall hardware implementation, not just the DAC chip. A skilled audio engineer has the ability to work wonders and produce exceptional sound using the same hardware components that others may struggle with.
In the end
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 stands out as one of the most impressive discoveries of the year. Despite lacking extensive experience in electronic engineering, Neutron HiFi, a software developer has successfully created a USB DAC dongle that delivers exceptional sound quality in its class. Leveraging their background in software development, Neutron HiFi smartly incorporated a powerful DSP engine into the DAC V1 adding great versatility. This device is also lightweight, compact, and well crafted, making it a superb choice, especially since it uniquely offers an extensively customizable PEQ.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Stellar audio performance
+ Excellent technicalities and transparency
+ Natural timbre without much digital glare
+ Dynamic and impactful bass
+ Lush mids and smooth treble
+ Good resolution and refinement
+ Dead silent
+ Application for deep customization
+ Powerful DSP engine with global PEQ
+ OLED display and double-tap actions
+ Minimalistic design and easy to use
+ Very efficient
+ Lightweight and compact
+ Well made
- Complete lack of accessories
- Power output limited to 2V
- No independent volume control
- No balanced output
- The application is not yet available for Android
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