Merging Hapi MkII multichannel digital processor Page 2

Apparently accurate reproduction of a Bösendorfer piano is no small achievement, but the piano is just one instrument, albeit one with wide dynamic and frequency range. A large orchestra playing Mahler is a different kind of challenge. Jason Victor Serinus favorably reviewed Rafael Payare and Orchestre symphonique de Montréal's recording of Mahler's Symphony No.5 (Pentatone PTC5187067) in the September 2023 issue of Stereophile. His only caveat was that it "may lack ultimate transparency." Perhaps so but, listening to the 5.1 channel 24/96 download from pentatonemusic.com, I cannot fault it. The opening trumpet call leads to an orchestral explosion dominated by the full brass battery plus timpani and bass drum. The brass is clear and thrilling, and the drums pack a wallop—but try to direct your attention to the maelstrom going on in the lower strings.

Audio nerd that I am, I needed to compare this recording with some other modern recordings of this movement. None of the stereo versions could compete in sheer weight or the perceived size of the orchestra. None of the other multichannel recordings (footnote 7) revealed the interweaving surges of the cellos and basses with as much detail and the sense of proportion I heard from Payare and his Montrealers. What I heard played back via the Hapi and the rest of my 5.3-channel playback system may not be ultimate transparency—don't we always want more?—but it challenges disbelief.

It did not take symphonic power, multiple channels, or even a recent recording to demonstrate the Hapi's complete competence. That was achieved with just three instruments via the 50-year-old classic Waltz for Debby by the Bill Evans Trio, recorded live at The Village Vanguard in New York on June 25, 1961. Back when the recording was made, I had only a passing interest in jazz records, but much later I became hooked on the 2002 DSD remaster of this album (Analogue Productions, CAPJ 9399 SA). Now it has been remastered again, by Concord and Craft Recordings, offered on LP and as digital files. I downloaded 24/192 FLAC files, in stereo.

This recording captures a relatively intimate, though public, occasion when Evans and his colleagues communicated to the audience warmly and gently with a smile and a wink. Listening to these recordings, we feel close to the music but also to the company of listeners we have joined, whose rustlings, comments, and cordial applause are audible. The 2002 AP version captures this but with a somewhat claustrophobic ambiance, typical of the Vanguard in the early '60s. Via the Hapi, you can almost smell the cigarette smoke. Switching to the 2023 Craft version, all that's still there, but now we are sitting at a better table. Our perspective on the musicians is less obscured. The individual instruments are more discrete, and it is easier to hear and appreciate the delicacy of the playing. Listen to the wistful "Some Other Time" and hear the amiable balance in the give and take between Evans's piano and Scott LaFaro's bass. Listen, toward the end, to the tender conversation between the piano and Paul Motian's cymbals. The Hapi honors both versions, though I'm happier with the new one.

TRPTK is a small Dutch recording company with a growing repertoire that ranges from interesting to adventurous, all of it remarkably well-performed and spectacularly well-recorded. They have aggressively expanded into immersive audio, but that's for another day. It has not escaped notice that they consistently, but not exclusively, use Merging Hapi in their recording and mastering setups. What's more, their mastering suite has five KEF Blade Two speakers (footnote 8); I am using three Blade Two Metas in my review system. I may not possess the ears of Brendon Heinst and his team, but these commonalities suggest that I could listen to TRPTK recordings burdened by fewer elements in Floyd Toole's Circle of Confusion.

As one of my Records to Die For 2021, I selected the TRPTK recording of Prokofiev's The Fiery Angel, with Maya Fridman on cello and Artem Belogurov on piano (DXD download, TRPTK TTK0009), a collection of themes from the eponymous opera, arranged by Fridman for cello, piano, and gong! I concluded, "It is devastatingly realistic." Played now with the Hapi and KEF Blades with which it was mastered, it is even more remarkable, but I have no better words. This is turgid, uneasy music, punctuated by moments of soaring beauty. This performance kept me gripped and agape from beginning to end. The cello and piano were frighteningly present, about 10' from my listening seat. The presence of the loudspeakers was wiped from my consciousness. The impact was stunning.

Comparisons
Functionally, the three multichannel DACs compared—the Hapi MkII, the exaSound s88, and the Okto DAC8 Pro—are all somewhat different. All three use ESS D/A conversion devices, though different ones. With each change, I tweaked the gain settings with a pink-noise signal and monitored the output with a voltmeter at the speaker terminals to be sure they were equal in level. When that was accomplished, audible differences were elusive in A/B comparisons.

I would be happy living with any of these DACs. However, I tend to choose the Hapi over the others due to my growing expectation of consistency and equanimity across the range of recordings. An example of what I mean: In the process of surveying some two dozen recordings of the Mahler 5, I realized how strikingly unique each recording sounded. The Hapi seemed simultaneously to favor all of them by realizing all their favorable qualities—and to favor none of them by exposing their various lapses and limitations. Crucially, the Hapi MkII, as configured, is unique in this trio in supporting more than eight channels. (Mike drop.)

Conclusions
If you have read this review from the beginning, you know that this is a professional device and not a consumer-level "plug-and-play" component. Setup requires downloading and installing a couple of apps, yet it is less intimidating to do than to read about. A one-page quick-setup sheet, which comes in the box, is all you need to get started. The downloadable, 114-page user manual will help you with the details and to solve problems. The Merging website is rich in support, with a Knowledge Base and many tutorials, docs, and downloads. All it takes to employ the Hapi to its full potential is commitment and some patience.

What you get with the Hapi MkII equipped like mine is a state-of-the-art DAC with 16 channels suitable for multichannel and immersive formats or for several actively managed, multiamped loudspeakers. The AES3 and S/PDIF inputs and outputs offer options for direct connection of sources, the addition of more channels, or direct connections to active, DSP-based speakers.

I was drawn to the Hapi MkII because of its support for 16 channels in high-resolution PCM and DSD and its high output voltage capability. I bought it based on its technical specs and its acceptance by luminaries in the recording industry, harboring the hope that it would sound as good as or better than what I already owned. It has met all these expectations and enhanced the joy and satisfaction I get from my music system beyond my expectations.


Footnote 7: In alphabetical order, the other multichannel recordings were by Claudio Abbado, Ivan Fischer, Valery Gergiev, Helmut Haenchen, Mariss Jansons, Simon Rattle, Markus Stenz, Michael Tilson-Thomas, Benjamin Zander, and David Zinman.

Footnote 8: See trptk.com/studio.

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COMMENTS
Auditor's picture

Kalman,

Very interesting review

This is perhaps a dumb question, but here it goes...

Do you know whether it's possible to connect an SACD transport or a universal player to the Merging processor? I'm thinking of transports or players that are still in production today.

The idea would be to have the possibility of playing the multichannel layer (in native DSD!) directly from SACDs without having to rip anything or buy downloaded files.

Thanks!

Kal Rubinson's picture

I have thought of one way. It involves adding an external box to accept the HDMI output from the Oppo and convert it to 4 AES/EBU (XLR) outputs. Such a box is one from AudioPraise (https://www.stereophile.com/content/audiopraise-vanitypro-hdmi-audio-extractor).

Another possibility is one of several devices from Meridian (even the old HD621) which are available (new or used) and which can easily be adapted to the task. However, I am not sure whether or not these will force DSD-to-PCM on the output.

Scintilla's picture

In order for this to work, you would need a translation layer between the output of the transport and the input of the hapi. An Oppo bluray player can output DSD into a device that can accept it. But the Hapi has a network interface. I think the easiest way to do this would be a software playwer like HQPlayer or JRiver which can accept the input from the Oppo via an HDMI port and then output to a network interface. I have used HQPlayer for playing CDs live like this from a transport and then back out to a network endpoint device that provides an input to my DAC. I don't see any way to just directly connect a transport to the DAC without this translation layer because I am not aware of any transports that will output over ethernet. You will literally need a computer in between the transport and the DAC.

Kal Rubinson's picture

Yes but, as you note, getting the DSD stream into the computer from a stock-standard disc player is the bottleneck. Sony has made it difficult to move DSD wherever you want.

Auditor's picture

Thanks to both of you for your replies!

I didn't think it was possible, but I was hoping there might be a (simple) option out there I didn't know about. It seems not.

jimtavegia's picture

I have an Sony X700 that has the SACD logo but it actually converts it to 44.1 pcm. Many are having major issues with the X800 model. It also has an HDMI audio only, but I am guessing that is for a Home Theater receiver with HDMI in.

georgehifi's picture

Don't get it. Why not get the product reviewed they make that suits Stereophile readers more.
Like this stereo/streamer dac.
https://nadac.merging.com/product/merging-nadac

"The 8 channels of the ESS Sabre ES9008S Reference D/A converter are merged into 2 channels for improved linearity, greater dynamic range and a lower noise floor."

Cheers George

Kal Rubinson's picture

You are right but we already did that.
See:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/music-round-77
https://www.stereophile.com/content/music-round-90-mergingplayer-pl8

georgehifi's picture

Stereophile is looked at by most/many of it's members I believe for it's measurements which are objective.
So then they can get a "feel" for themselves, if the subjective review is close to the money or not.

Cheers George

Kal Rubinson's picture

Agreed and, as here, now my occasional multichannel reviews now will treated that way going forward (where feasible).

Scintilla's picture

I do think that there are getting to be many more multichannel listeners and many read Stereophile. Kal is not an outlier, rather he is leading into the future of hifi here. But as I have previously noted a few times now, I think the Monoprice HTP-1 is a much better approach for playing multichannel and Atmos material than these free-standing DACs. It already has Dirac with an option for multi-sub bass control, and soon Dirac active room treatment. It employs state-of-the-art AKM 4493s, is quiet, extremely clean and sets up and works with so much greater ease. And because it is a full-featured HT preamp, also provides volume control and switching in an integrated package. It just doesn't do DSD in multichannel from a disc and that could have been the case but they didn't set it up that way. I transcode all my multichannel files in Roon to 24/48 for input and procesing by Dirac. And you get all this for $3999 plus software licenses. In my system, I run parallel front-ends for theater/multichannel and stereo and share the L/R fronts and amplifier between them. I switch the amplifier inputs between the two front-ends with a selector. Best of all worlds and a lot less involved than separates for the same multichannel functionality. As a bonus, I get a great home theater experience. I am waiting for Kal to catch up... :)

georgehifi's picture

"I do think that there are getting to be many more multichannel listeners and many read Stereophile."

If that's the case then maybe the name needs to be changed to "Multiphile" as I believe most dedicated here still have stereo as their main hiend system.
The surround sound sure for the TV in the loungeroom.

Cheers George

Scintilla's picture

So, multichannel isn't of interest to you. It is to many others. You are free not to enjoy multichannel without commenting on those that do or those that express interest in such products, George. You may as well tell the kids to get off your lawn from your porch...

georgehifi's picture

"George. You may as well tell the kids to get off your lawn from your porch..."

No you seem to be on it, going for the personal dig now, so you get off it.

Archimago's picture

"Stereo" from the Greek origins means "solid" as in presence, formed, hardness, concreteness, three-dimensionality.

I know, since the 60's with LP 2-channel, while we typically think of stereo sound as left and right, realize that since the 1940's some of the earliest non-mono playback systems have been 3-channels or more.

I don't think there's a need to change the name Stereophile even if in time there are more multichannel audiophiles!

Kal Rubinson's picture

I've been trying to promote that logic for quite a while. Seems always to be worth repeating.

Archimago's picture

Keep persisting Kal. It's important and IMO the future of audio.

Kal Rubinson's picture

I am trying. ;-)

georgehifi's picture

"I am trying"
http://tinyurl.com/2x35r59f

Without them the review is just subjective, might as well go read "Absolute Sounds" then for some poetic license

Cheers George

Kal Rubinson's picture

Hey, George, my comment was posted in response to Scintilla's post urging a wider/different coverage of multichannel.

...........and it's not your lawn or his.

georgehifi's picture

I cut my grass yesterday, we needed measurements on the http://tinyurl.com/yvqxrxve to keep the "reviewers subjective comments (you) honest", without them like I said it becomes an Absolute Sounds poetic justice type of trust me spend your hard earned money because I said it's good.

Cheers George

Kal Rubinson's picture

Cheers.

Anton's picture

Go, measure!

Nobody stopping you.

JohnnyThunder2.0's picture

you can spend some more time on sites where you agree with the editorial policy than this one where you troll every review with your know it all bs. Stop telling the people at the magazine how to do their jobs. Get a job of your own so we can troll that site. You are rude. Annoying. Hang out on ASR. Stop polluting our site with your trolling nonsense. You do it to every review. You have been called out as a troll on this site before. You're well known as a troll in comments sections and in forums. I wouldnt be proud of that honor.

JohnnyThunder2.0's picture

Find another site to troll. Spend all your days and nights on the ASR site. you do realize that you are in the minority here, don't you. All the major audio sites and magazines are subjective based. You just have ASR. There are no magazines for your kind. No one would read it. People dont read boring negative critiques. YOU BRING THE NEGATIVE. Don't bother. You're going to lose these battles because the magazine and its approach will not change. We like it as it is. Go away troll. ASR is waiting for you.

georgehifi's picture

Yet again just with personal attacks, instead of the topic, sure seems with those statements you make, you can't read/understand measurements.

hollowman's picture

I haven't read this review carefully enough perhaps ... but ... The multi-chnl capabilities of the Hapi device reminds me a bit of this:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/tony-faulkner-engineered-law-average...

Back in 1994, T. Faulkner did comment on combining channels to perform math averaging, down to two channels.
The lab metrics done by JA look outstanding!

Kal Rubinson's picture

I haven't read this review carefully enough perhaps ... but ... The multi-chnl capabilities of the Hapi device reminds me a bit of this:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/tony-faulkner-engineered-law-average...

Back in 1994, T. Faulkner did comment on combining channels to perform math averaging, down to two channels.

I do not see any commonality between a down-mixing algorithm and a discrete multichannel processor. If you do, tell us more.

shaynet98's picture

Kal,
I noted the use case for Atmos recordings and am wondering how you configured your system to allow Atmos decoding from PC?
Cheers!
SHayne

Kal Rubinson's picture

Although I referred to use with Atmos in this review, I did not actually include any Atmos content in it. I acquired the Hapi in time for the review of the Arvus H2-4DA decoder (Stereophile.com/content/arvus-h2-4d-multichannel-dolby-atmos-digital-processor) but I no longer have the Arvus.

In fact, I have no audio system at all at the moment because it is in storage while our apartment is being renovated. Further adventures with Atmos (and other immersive media) will resume when that is completed.

David Harper's picture

Good review as usual. Looks like you've stimulated some commentary and a little controversy here. Good man. When people don't have any important issues to concern themselves with unimportant ones become important.

Desertpilot's picture

Hi Kal,

I appreciate your investigation into equipment needed for Atmos/Auro3D music. I've been content with my ExaSound S88 (5.2 system) for a few years now. I've tried Atmos/Auro3D using 2L's BluRay discs through my Marantz AV8805 processor. It works but I am not so impressed enough to step up to the equipment reviewed here.

Side note: Brendon at TRPTK is releasing both discreet Atmos/Auro3D requiring a decoder and all channels in separate WAV format (huge files) that do NOT need a decoder. We are in a "golden" age for music recording/reproduction!

Marcus
Las Vegas, NV

Kal Rubinson's picture

Brendon at TRPTK is releasing both discreet Atmos/Auro3D requiring a decoder and all channels in separate WAV format (huge files) that do NOT need a decoder. We are in a "golden" age for music recording/reproduction!

Indeed! Brendon is releasing 9.1 (96kHz FLAC, Auro 3D) and 5.1.4 (352.8kHz WAV, Atmos) which are not really "all channels" but the mixdown to that layout. However, given the resolution and the spatial enhancement, they are good enough for me.

hollowman's picture

OFF-TOPIC: Stereophile forum gone? new
Submitted by hollowman on December 26, 2023 - 4:34am
This is the only place on Sterophile to publicly post on this SERIOUS issue/development with Stereophile.

Its long-time running Forum and all content seem to have been VANISHED.
Many of us have contributed time and effort into our posts in the Forum. For almost two decades.
It's OKAY for Stereophile to discontinue the FORUM as Stereophile deems necessary. But please leave the content in place. It's disingenuous to disappear it from existence without proper, public notice.

ChrisS's picture

...here.

Kal Rubinson's picture

????

ChrisS's picture

...

Kal Rubinson's picture

Silly exchange about a now-corrected typo is now over.

hollowman's picture

Freudian algo on that iPhone keypad! (now manually corrected)
Maybe a deliberate cosmic event to flesh out that troll, ChrisS, who read that post carefully and completely, picked out a typo, but weirdly neglects the elephant in the room.
The issue with the Forum is not a joke.
And ... Kal, you lost all your Forum posts and threads, too, over the last two decades. All that investment and effort. Poof!
So why should anyone post in these Comments section, henceforth, if all our content faces a similar existential threat?!

ChrisS's picture

With respect to T.S. Eliot

We are the hollow men
We are the stuffed men
Leaning together
Headpiece filled with straw. Alas!
Our dried voices, when
We whisper together
Are quiet and meaningless
As wind in dry grass
Or rats' feet over broken glass
In our dry cellar...

Anytime, anywhere, we all go POOF!

jimtavegia's picture

Of course with your extensive collection of SACDs I can see why when the digital industry seems to lack the will to keep hi rez alive. Thanks for all you do to keep us informed.

Peprita Heart's picture

Dear Mr. Rubinson ,

In your article there is a photograph of the Horus and Hapi in a rack . Could you please tell me who manufactures the Network switch underneath the Hapi ? If I missed it in your equipment list , I am sorry .

Kind Regards ,
Peprita

Kal Rubinson's picture

I do not know. That picture is a stock photo chosen from Merging and I did not use a switch during this review period. The physical connection between the server and the Hapi was a direct cable link.

The switch I am now using (described in my next review) is a Cisco CBS350-8. It is one of the switches that Merging recommends and for which Merging provides full installation instructions at merging.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PUBLICDOC/pages/4819248/Cisco+CBS350-8+Auto-configuration.

Peprita Heart's picture

Mr. Rubinson,

Thanks , I look forward to the review of the switch .

Take Care,
Peprita

Kal Rubinson's picture

I will not be reviewing a switch but I will be using the switch as part of the review setup.

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