# HQPlayer 4 - Master Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Software\ **Created:** [September 7, 2021, 8:11pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409 "2021-09-07T20:11:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Doc](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/doc/32/34365_2.png) [@Doc](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Doc)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2021, 3:34pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/21 "2021-12-26T15:34:54Z")
Thank you for your feedback. I had a Stax hybrid system in the past and they were wonderful, but I felt a bit sterile. I now use HD800S from a Qutest into a Drop THX AAA 789 as I still wait for my Phonitor x to arrive. The Qutest really sings when sent native DSD, so I have settled with that for now. The convolution filter really makes the HD800S my perfect headset, but with 7K taps the convolution really needs a purpose-built unit and I did not build this one with music DSP in mind. This current i7 2.8 with 16 gig of ram gives a ‘pop’ when starting off a new tract, then skips that tract and plays the next one. I think there is an issue with Roon having to wait for HQP to “spin up”. Your ram experience is noteworthy. I may increase this system’s ram as a stop gap measure. I am leaning toward a higher-end Mac Mini with the M1 processor as a dedicated music server, but the Mini’s max ram is 16 gig. ---
**Author:** ![victorb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/9de053/32.png) [@victorb](https://forum.headphones.com/u/victorb)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2021, 4:06pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/22 "2021-12-26T16:06:54Z")
For sure wait for the next iteration of the Mac Mini. I will probably take a hard look at it but like building PCs which I’ve done since the 80s. Ram is fairly inexpensive and going to 32 gig might make a lot of sense. During my look at Task Manager I didn’t notice much, if any, ram usage with HQplayer. When using HQplayer there is a sight pause which varies depending on the filter used. However that is the only thing I have ever noticed and after the slight pause everything works like it should - no pops or skips. As I mentioned I don’t use HQplayer much as I have found/find that it compresses/homogenizes the signal which I find to not be as enjoyable as straight Wasapi NOS. As usual horses for courses and all of our ears are different. What I have noticed is that there is a fairly dramatic difference between a dedicated ASIO driver vs. Windows Wasapi. My Asio driver has a tendency to mimic HQplayer in that it also slightly compresses the signal while Wasapi opens up the sound stage. When using one of my Macs I find that the sound very closely mimics my Win Wasapi preference. I spent a lot of time comparing my Macs to PC to find some commonality. HQplayer has its own sound, Asio has a sound of its own and Wasapi has its sound. The Mac, after lots of listening, shook hands mostly with my PC Wasapi setup. ---
**Author:** ![victorb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/9de053/32.png) [@victorb](https://forum.headphones.com/u/victorb)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2021, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/23 "2021-12-26T18:49:20Z")
FWIW HQplayer using sinc-m uses 339mb of ram and roon uses 579mb of ram on my system. ---
**Author:** ![hnordberg](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/hnordberg/32/48020_2.png) [@hnordberg](https://forum.headphones.com/u/hnordberg)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2021, 11:07pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/24 "2021-12-26T23:07:54Z")
> [@victorb](#): > > What I have noticed is that there is a fairly dramatic difference between a dedicated ASIO driver vs. Windows Wasapi. My Asio driver has a tendency to mimic HQplayer in that it also slightly compresses the signal while Wasapi opens up the sound stage. That’s interesting. ASIO drivers are normally bit perfect (as is WASAPI in exclusive mode). What ASIO driver were you using? Perhaps it is broken. Or perhaps you have some processing in your WASAPI chain, and that’s why you prefer it. ---
**Author:** ![victorb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/9de053/32.png) [@victorb](https://forum.headphones.com/u/victorb)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2021, 5:33pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/25 "2021-12-27T17:33:05Z")
The ASIO driver that I have is written by Ayre specifically for their Dac’s. I’m sure it is working properly. It is just that Wasapi, to my ears, has a larger sound stage and moves me a little forward. It also very closely mimics what I hear when I move to a Mac for playback. I’ve also found that moving from ASIO to Wasapi in HQPlayer has the same characteristics. I have found that all of the pieces in the chain either add or subtract and it takes some time and experimentation to find what fits one’s ears. There is no right or wrong just what is correct for the individual listener. ---
**Author:** ![hnordberg](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/hnordberg/32/48020_2.png) [@hnordberg](https://forum.headphones.com/u/hnordberg)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 10:25pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/26 "2021-12-29T22:25:03Z")
Hadn’t seen this posted here. A detailed review of all HQP filters and dithering modes: > **[HQPlayer - Better Than a $5,000 Upscaler? - Audio Bacon](https://audiobacon.net/2021/03/17/hqplayer-better-than-a-5000-upscaler/)** > > Intro Contents 1. Intro2. Music Player3. Direct Playback4. Optimal HQPlayer Settings5. The Battle6. Final ThoughtsCommentsI received many emails requesting a review of HQPlayer: A $260 piece of software that is potentially better than the $5,000... ---
**Author:** ![Doc](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/doc/32/34365_2.png) [@Doc](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Doc)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2022, 1:17am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/27 "2022-01-06T01:17:08Z")
Does anyone have experience offloading HQPlayer DSP load via CUDA to an AMD R9 290X video card? ---
**Author:** ![chianti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ed8c4c/32.png) [@chianti](https://forum.headphones.com/u/chianti)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2022, 1:31am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/28 "2022-01-06T01:31:09Z")
CUDA is a proprietary NVIDIA technology. Not AMD. ---
**Author:** ![Doc](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/doc/32/34365_2.png) [@Doc](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Doc)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2022, 1:32am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/29 "2022-01-06T01:32:57Z")
Thanks. I’ll shop Nvidia. ---
**Author:** ![cbru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@cbru](https://forum.headphones.com/u/cbru)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2022, 5:33pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/30 "2022-03-08T17:33:10Z")
Hey all. Has anyone tried HQP on Macbook Pro machines? I’m looking to upsample to DSD256 with all modulators and filters. I currently have an audiophile server with a 6-core i7, but can’t do 256 reliably. I know Macbook Pros are less than optimal as they don’t have an ethernet port. But until Apple decides to make a hotrod Mac Mini this is the only place to get higher-end M1 processors. Based on my reading of the above, this will not be a big enough performance increase for me to be worth it. The other option I’m considering is some variation of an i9 NUC. ---
**Author:** ![Doc](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/doc/32/34365_2.png) [@Doc](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Doc)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2022, 5:08pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/31 "2022-03-23T17:08:47Z")
Welcome! Are you using a graphics card for CUDA offload. I found that to my solution to HQP’s DSP ---
**Author:** ![adornoWest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2bfe46/32.png) [@adornoWest](https://forum.headphones.com/u/adornoWest)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2022, 2:55pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/32 "2022-04-13T14:55:09Z")
I am new to HQPlayer and totally overwhelmed by the choices involved in setting it up. I am hoping someone can give me some pointers for how to fill out the settings. I run Qobuz → Roon → convolution → [HQP] → Bifrost 2 → SR1a. I listen to classical. Thanks for your help! ---
**Author:** ![antdroid](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/antdroid/32/8600_2.png) [@antdroid](https://forum.headphones.com/u/antdroid)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2022, 4:09am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/33 "2022-04-14T04:09:37Z")
I upsample to the highest possible. I think on BF2 is 192 or 384 depending on the input source. I prefer Sinc-L with LN15 for most of my music. I only use PCM, and dont upscale to DSD. ---
**Author:** ![neo\_the\_one](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/neo_the_one/32/61991_2.png) [@neo\_the\_one](https://forum.headphones.com/u/neo_the_one)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 7:59pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/34 "2022-05-31T19:59:08Z")
Hi, I want to use HQPlayer to upsample to DSD 512/104. I have i7 12700K CPU and EVGA RTX 3060. Would it be enough? Also for confirmation the HQPLayer official site says Nvidia GPU, I am assuming that any GPU with Nvidia Architecture (with base cuda support) and not only GPUs actually manufactured by Nvidia - could someone confirm that? ---
**Author:** ![GoldenSound](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/goldensound/32/41046_2.png) [@GoldenSound](https://forum.headphones.com/u/GoldenSound)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2022, 1:02pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/35 "2022-07-13T13:02:11Z")
Personally I preferred HQPlayer to MScaler on the DAVE so I’m assuming it’d be the same for TT2. From an objective standpoint HQPlayer is better too. It offers higher tap count filters than the MScaler and also higher performance noise shapers (plus the ability to adjust the bit depth they operate at which can measurably improve DAC performance with low level signals) The main issue though is that I’ve found on both the DAVE and Qutest, with 768khz input they’d often suddenly drop connection and play loud static. This can be fixed with something like an SRC-DX but then it’s an extra $300 or so. ---
**Author:** ![Essentials](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/essentials/32/28942_2.png) [@Essentials](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Essentials)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2022, 1:26pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/36 "2022-07-13T13:26:40Z")
Thanks for that info. I am currently using TIDAL(non mqa subscription)\>ROON\>HQPLAYER and I think most of Tidal non mqa is 44.1khz? Also I am super noob and only had very limited use from HQPlayer but really enjoy how precise my music sounded using it. But are they better settings for certain music? Or for certain DACS? Currently using SU-9 Been reading on what each setting does but any quick advise how to best dial in the settings. ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/c/c/cc8fd61751e4933a9b5509fd1e679bdb01a447cb.png) currently using these settings from @Audio_Prom ---
**Author:** ![EminentOne](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/eminentone/32/64833_2.png) [@EminentOne](https://forum.headphones.com/u/EminentOne)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 3:45am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/37 "2022-07-14T03:45:39Z")
I started with GoldenSound’s settings of sinc MX and still prefer it. There are so many I tried but kept going back. I think the dev uses default of gauss long for 1X and hires lp for NX. There are suggestions for different dacs though. My understanding is sinc L is non apodizing but not expert on why that is good or bad and you need a beefy pc for it. ---
**Author:** ![GoldenSound](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/goldensound/32/41046_2.png) [@GoldenSound](https://forum.headphones.com/u/GoldenSound)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2022, 1:47pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/38 "2022-07-15T13:47:16Z")
Couple things to note. 1. Make sure the ‘max volume’ is set to -3dB. Otherwise you’ll get intersample clipping. (The volume wheel on the main UI will also turn red to indicate when clipping has occurred) 2. Set ‘DAC Bits’ to 19 as this will ensure the noise shaping is operating within the linear range of the DAC. Additionally, do play about with the filters. My personal favourite is Sinc-Mx but swap to Sinc-L sometimes. Other good ones worth trying are poly-sinc-xtr-lp, poly-sinc-ext2, and poly-sinc-gauss-xla ---
**Author:** ![Lou\_Ford](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/lou_ford/32/32441_2.png) [@Lou\_Ford](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Lou_Ford)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2022, 2:56pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/39 "2022-07-15T14:56:58Z")
> [@Do DACs/Amps matter?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/do-dacs-amps-matter/18022/163): > > Tried HQ Player last night thanks to @Audio_Prom for the first time and the difference was huge listening to my EDM with SU-9 \>Cayin iha-6\>LCD-5. Could you elaborate on the difference you noted with HQPlayer, please? $220 on some software is a lot more approachable for me than $3k++ on an amp, much as I might like the A&S approach. I’m more into classical and classic rock than EDM, but I’d still like to know what you heard. Thanks, Lou ---
**Author:** ![Audio\_Prom](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/audio_prom/32/9819_2.png) [@Audio\_Prom](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Audio_Prom)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2022, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409/40 "2022-07-15T18:31:43Z")
> [@GoldenSound](#): > > Set ‘DAC Bits’ to 19 as this will ensure the noise shaping is operating within the linear range of the DAC. I probably missed this somewhere in a overwhelming information dump in various HQPlayer threads. I’ll try Google later after work but do you have any good article/links related to this? Just curious. [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hqplayer-4-master-thread/14409.md?page=3)