When it comes to high-end audio equipment, big names like T+A, DCS, and Chord are usually at the forefront. However, a rising star from Vietnam has made audiophiles worldwide take notice: the DAC HQ9038. Manufactured by HQ Audio, Vietnam’s number one hi-end audio company, this product features the Sabre 9038Pro DAC chip—one of the most advanced and renowned decoding chips available today. Surpassing even the high-end offerings of major international brands, the DAC HQ9038 proves that top-tier sound doesn’t always have to come from the usual suspects. With its refined design, exceptional sound quality, and superior features, the HQ9038 is the perfect choice for anyone who appreciates audio excellence.
Design and Build Quality
Every detail of the DAC HQ9038 has been meticulously crafted to achieve a balance between cutting-edge technology and aesthetic appeal. The casing is made from a solid aluminum block, which not only gives the device a premium, sleek look but also aids in heat dissipation and reduces vibrations. The internal components are carefully assembled using only the highest-quality parts, such as ClariCaps capacitors, which improve sound quality while ensuring the longevity of the device.
Technology and Features
The DAC HQ9038 employs the Sabre 9038Pro chip, a flagship product from ESS Technology, allowing for audio decoding at resolutions up to 32-bit/384kHz. Not only does it support PCM signals, but it is also compatible with DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256, providing an extremely high-resolution listening experience.
The 12AU7 and 6DJ8 tubes used in the I/V conversion process are a standout feature, giving the DAC a smooth, natural sound that avoids the harshness found in pure digital DACs. This results in an audio experience with depth and vitality, particularly suited to genres that demand refinement in each frequency band, such as jazz or classical music.
Sound Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the DAC HQ9038 doesn’t just decode audio with remarkable detail; it also delivers deep bass, smooth highs, and warm mids that are easy to listen to for long periods. The soundstage is exceptionally clear and well-separated, allowing you to easily identify each instrument in a track. The sound is vivid and lifelike, with no interference or signal distortion.
The combination of the Sabre 9038Pro chip and the 12AU7 and 6DJ8 tubes creates an audio experience that is both natural and easy to listen to, especially for those who enjoy the “vintage” warmth from tube-based sound.
Comparison with Other Products in the Same Price Range
When comparing the DAC HQ9038 with other high-end DAC products like the Aqua Hifi LaScala MkII and Fore Audio DAISy1, it clearly stands out in terms of both value and performance.
Aqua Hifi LaScala MkII
The Aqua Hifi LaScala MkII is a high-end DAC known for its luxurious design and smooth sound. However, compared to the HQ9038, the LaScala MkII tends to produce a somewhat darker sound and lacks the clarity in the high frequencies that the HQ9038 offers. While the LaScala MkII excels with deep, warm bass, the HQ9038, with its combination of 12AU7 and 6DJ8 tubes, presents a more balanced sound, especially in genres that require detail and precision, where the LaScala MkII may fall short. Additionally, the Sabre 9038Pro chip in the HQ9038 allows it to handle higher resolutions, including DSD256 and PCM 384kHz, which the LaScala MkII does not support.
Fore Audio DAISy1
The Fore Audio DAISy1, with its modern design and impressive decoding capabilities, is a strong contender in the high-end DAC market. However, DAISy1 lacks the warmth and depth that the HQ9038 delivers. While DAISy1 performs excellently with fast-paced tracks and powerful bass, the HQ9038 excels in reproducing the subtleties and nuances of classical and jazz music, where warmth and accuracy are crucial. The combination of the Sabre 9038Pro chip and 12AU7 and 6DJ8 tubes in the HQ9038 allows it to provide a more natural, smooth listening experience while maintaining precision and detail.
Conclusion
The DAC HQ9038 is the perfect fusion of modern technology and vintage elements, delivering superb sound quality and a beautiful design. With its high-end components, outstanding performance, and the ability to decode high-resolution formats, the HQ9038 is the ideal choice for audiophiles seeking perfection in their audio system. When compared to other DACs like the Aqua Hifi LaScala MkII and Fore Audio DAISy1, the HQ9038 offers clearer, more detailed, and warmer sound, with the added benefit of supporting higher resolutions. If you’re looking to upgrade your audio system, the HQ9038 is a must-have.
Srajan Ebaen
Watch the video now to experience the perfect blend of modern technology and the wonderful 'vintage' sound of the DAC HQ9038!
HQ Audio – High-End Audio Equipment | Professional DAC, Amplifier, Headphone in Vietnam
