Thread: MP3car Authorized Group Buy!!! Audiophile Sound Solution- The HIPPOhi-fi Bloat DAC!!

No worries about asking guys! But there was mention of them starting production and they of course have. I'm anxious as well and am hoping for an update from Brent early this week. You guys will be the first to know!

Thanks,

Joey

Hey guys! Brent updated me this morning and he should be recieving the rest of the components from his supplier(s) this week and hopes to build over half of the units before shipping the first batch. These are hand built so we need to give him some time and be patient, although theres nothing wrong with being excited! lol. He's shooting to have the first batch shipped by 7/21 and the next batch a week later or so. Depending on where you are located it will probably be around a week transit time. I just want to say thanks again to everyone that ordered, and pass along a thank you from Brent as well! I will keep updated as I get news.

Joey

So what type of programs or components will any/all of you be using for equalization with these?

EDIT: FWIW I've had one of these for some time, but just got the permanent install done a week ago. I use Streetdeck and its built in EQ has no effect on this. I need to double check, but I also don't think OS based EQ settings have any effect (I'll implement the program to control Wave volume tonight). So, I'll triple check, but it seems you need a 'different' program for equalization?
BIG EDIT ON THE ABOVE: Turns out I had something corrupt in Streetdeck that coincided perfectly with the switch over to the Bloat. Re-running the latest update fixed that issue. The other EQ I was using was the Realtek one, but I think it only works on the Realtek card. So - it's just fine using a standard EQ

Also, I hear a tiny 'tic' when the computer comes back out of hibernate. Barely audible, but it's there, and it wasn't there prior to installing this.

In terms of sound from this unit: hard to tell at this point since it's completely raw / no eq (I have to have my amps dialed in, been compensating via other EQ for a while). My prior sound was from the Aopen i945GTt-VFA onboard HD audio, and it was actually excellent (believe it or not), and comparing it EQ'ed with the Bloat non-EQ'ed, it wins hands down (probably a stupid comparison to make). FYI - full specs on the on board audio can be found here. Can anyone with more knowledge than myself comment on those specs in relation to the Bloat?
EDIT: Having figured out my EQ issue, the Bloat is sounding much better . Still, I'll stand by the quality of the Realtek HD, but I'll stay with this moving forward.

Thanks,
Per

Originally Posted by theheel

don't know if this was posted earlier or not..

but i was thinking, would an added benefit of this type of usb type soundcard be the elimination of the popping noise when the car turns on, since the drivers load after the computer has fully booted?

note what i posted just above..i hear a slight 'click' when coming out of hibernation (and possibly on boot) when, I believe, the USB bus is (re)initializing the device. Far from an amp thump, though.

The best, absolute best way that is guaranteed to fix any pops it to put a delay in your remote to your amps. The Bloat will probably help vs what you got tho, but I suppose it depends on your setup overall. The bloat doesn't make any noises on it own and from a cold boot it should do what you're thinking but delaying the amps is the only way IMO. Especially if you are active.. SAVE THE TWEETS

Do you have realtek alc888 hd audio, because I am pretty shocked that you don't notice a diff. Thats what my mobe has and just in the fact that with the Bloats higher output you can lower your gains over 50% or better should make a big diff. I measured the output of onboard realtek and it was stupid low. Do you have an upgraded version? Glad to hear you got the EQ to work!

Joey

Originally Posted by S4Per

So what type of programs or components will any/all of you be using for equalization with these?

EDIT: FWIW I've had one of these for some time, but just got the permanent install done a week ago. I use Streetdeck and its built in EQ has no effect on this. I need to double check, but I also don't think OS based EQ settings have any effect (I'll implement the program to control Wave volume tonight). So, I'll triple check, but it seems you need a 'different' program for equalization?
BIG EDIT ON THE ABOVE: Turns out I had something corrupt in Streetdeck that coincided perfectly with the switch over to the Bloat. Re-running the latest update fixed that issue. The other EQ I was using was the Realtek one, but I think it only works on the Realtek card. So - it's just fine using a standard EQ

Also, I hear a tiny 'tic' when the computer comes back out of hibernate. Barely audible, but it's there, and it wasn't there prior to installing this.

In terms of sound from this unit: hard to tell at this point since it's completely raw / no eq (I have to have my amps dialed in, been compensating via other EQ for a while). My prior sound was from the Aopen i945GTt-VFA onboard HD audio, and it was actually excellent (believe it or not), and comparing it EQ'ed with the Bloat non-EQ'ed, it wins hands down (probably a stupid comparison to make). FYI - full specs on the on board audio can be found here. Can anyone with more knowledge than myself comment on those specs in relation to the Bloat?
EDIT: Having figured out my EQ issue, the Bloat is sounding much better . Still, I'll stand by the quality of the Realtek HD, but I'll stay with this moving forward.

Thanks,
Per

I have the ALC882. Now, I'm a musician and think I have pretty good ears, but I guess you never know. Also, to be fair, I had zero EQ on the Bloat initially.

In terms of output levels, I haven't measured, but in layman terms, the Bloat IS noticeably 'louder' without making any adjustments, but I never had the sense that the onboard was lacking in that capacity.

Having just added some EQ last night, I need to spend a bit more time with it. I do think it's better than the on-board, but I'll stick to the fact that I wasn't blown away by an amazingly superior sound stage, for example, when I switched over to it.

-Per

What upgrades do you have on your Bloat? Or is it the "base" model.

A little more eq'ing to your tastes and to taylor it to your installation (speakers used, etc) and you should be a happy camper!

ps I WISH I had musicians ears! I think my hearing rolls off at about 12k! lol