Audiophilepure

Just a final extra note: this article was originally slated to run on June 30th, but as fate would have it, the above-mentioned firmware update was launched on the 30th, so I delayed it a week so that I could install the update and talk about it. The update process was simple enough; I went to the Apple App Center and updated the Forkbeard App, at which point a small arrow appeared on the Gungnir 2 section of the App. I then ran the update several times until the arrow went away, at which point it was necessary to uninstall and redownload the App, and the Volume control and EQ showed up in the App window. The EQ can be accessed by touching the three plus signs icon (“+++”), and there is a pull-down menu with “Flat”, “Loudness”, and “EQ” selectable. For those not familiar with what “Loudness” is for, essentially, since Bass has a tactile component to it, as volume is lowered, Bass drops off at a greater rate than other frequencies, so Loudness is meant to compensate for this. Having your Loudness handled in the digital domain means you don’t have the phase distortion normally associated with analog EQs and Tone Controls. To operate the Parametric EQ, there are five dots on a frequency graph, and you can adjust by putting your finger on the dot and moving it around. Again, for those who don’t know what “Parametric” means, it means that you have full control of the frequency of each band as well as amplitude. The Volume control, of course, means that you can use the Gungnir 2 with a straight power amp rather than having to have an integrated preamp/preamplifier. All in all, a very cool update.

As one would expect from a state-of-the-art DAC, the Gungnir2 is genre agnostic, working well with any form of music; the timbre and tonal balance are correct, imaging is laser perfect, the soundstage is palpable and realistic, and streaming music seems to perform as well as local storage.

The reality of the situation is that I intend to use the Gungnir2 as my reference DAC for as long as I continue to have it in my possession, which will probably be until I am able to perform the Lyr3 review. I can easily recommend the Gungnir2 to anyone who is looking for an end-game DAC and isn’t burdened with a ton of DSD tracks. Two thumbs up.

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/reference-components/1950-recommended-reference-component-hegel-music-systems-d50-digital-to-analog-converter

in his conclusion George states that the Hegel D50 “delivers utterly quiet, incredibly smooth, and composed performances with astonishing dynamic presence. . . . It steps out of the way of the music, delivering resolution and detail in a nonchalant manner.” He acknowledges that at $4900 the D50 “can’t be called affordable”, but points out that “given its level of refinement,” compared to the prices of other high-end reference DACs, “it could be considered a bargain.” George’s praise for the D50’s performance and value earned it a Reviewers’ Choice award when his review was published. The D50 is now recognized as the latest winner of our Recommended Reference Component award for its performance.

https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2025/4/2/infigo-audio-method-4-dac

Infigo Audio Method 4 High End Digital to Analog Converter

The Infigo Audio Method 4 DAC is a serious (and expensive at USD 35,000) contender for those who want impeccable clarity and transparency— and have the money. It uses the finest DAC chips, is simple to operate, and can play anything without fuss. As for those quiet moments revealed, I wish Method 4 could be programmed to make my home quiet like that upon demand

The Discrete Class A Output Buffer provides consistent linearity and low distortion, and is designed to provide superior impedance matching, ensuring optimal signal transfer between the DAC and the connected amplifier or headphones. Maintaining a low output impedance minimizes signal degradation and allows longer cable runs without loss of fidelity. As with all Class A circuits, the buffer operates with continuous current draw, resulting in a higher operating temperature than more energy-efficient designs.

ESS chips are known for their accuracy in sound presentation without inputting much of a stamp on the signature. This allows what is there to be heard uncolored and unencumbered by nuances other chips may impact on the sound.

Pairing with a variety of amplifiers allowed the amplifier to dictate the sonic characteristics heard. But, changing the Soundcolor settings allows the user to fine-tune what we hear. If you pair it with a tube amplifier, you can add more subtle bits through the three tube options.

Prefer a more crystal response for genres such as micro-detailed classical? There are options for that, as well as adding richness to the scale.

I found myself changing with different songs played, allowing for a fine-tuning that almost became a ritual. But if one focuses on a single (or two) genre(s), know that setting and forgetting is worth it, too.

Coming across as neutral, the RAWPro-DAC1 allowed altering nothing or a lot as your pleasure without distracting from the overall excellence.