HIFIMAN announced a new ultra-low-power R2R DAC module using its new Himalaya 24-bit D/A converter that relies on what the company calls R2R architecture, an FPGA-based solution that the company says adds flexibility to fit various size requirements based on the product circuit board. The Himalaya DAC supports PCM signals up to 24-bit/768kHz transmitted by the most common I²S (Inter-IC Sound) interface, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 120db, and 0.0022% total harmonic distortion.
As the company also explains in a rather cryptic characterization, the Himalaya uses "a chip composed of an array of resistors with a new algorithm," which "reduces power handling between the chip and peripheral components." The resulting low distortion and low-level signal performance combine to make the Himalaya an ideal DAC for both high-end consumer and professional audio applications, with the added benefit of a significant cutback in power consumption, reduced to 20mw.
“As a company, HIFIMAN is committed to satisfying the demands of discerning listeners through advanced yet cost-effective designs,” says Dr. Fang Bian, the founder and CEO of HIFIMAN Electronics. “Himalaya epitomizes our commitment to the market. It will be an essential ingredient in many of our upcoming products, and we’ll soon offer it to other manufacturers as well.”
In developing the Himalaya DAC, Fang Bian was determined to prove that, contrary to popular belief, high-fidelity personal audio is achievable with Bluetooth. "The problem isn’t Bluetooth,” he says. "The issue is the quality of the built-in DACs in most Bluetooth receiver chips currently in use. These DACs exhibit poor audio performance, not to mention excessive power consumption typically associated with traditional audiophile-grade DACs. The Himalaya DAC is a radical departure from previous designs. I’m confident it will make a clear and positive difference in products throughout the wireless headphone and portable audio market."
Bluemini R2R Dongle
Using the new HIMALAYA R2R DAC, the company launched the new Bluemini R2R Bluetooth dongle, designed to bring high-resolution wireless audio to select models of the company’s headphones. The Bluemini R2R Bluetooth dongle (SRP: $149) is an update of the original Bluemini introduced in 2020 with the DEVA headphones.
“The original Bluemini was recognized as being an important accessory for achieving true high-fidelity audio over Bluetooth. Our new piece offers an even greater resolution, with the same convenience and ease of use,” adds Bian.
Currently compatible with HIFIMAN’s DEVA Pro and R10D headphones, with additional models to be introduced in Q4 ’21, the Bluemini R2R combines true 24-bit hi-res audio and low energy consumption in a battery-powered wireless adaptor that will run for up to eight hours, while its headphone amplifier output exceeds 200mw balanced per channel. No details are offered regarding Bluetooth specifications, but high resolution Bluetooth transmission is ensured with LDAC and aptX-HD codec support.
In addition to its wireless attributes, an adaptor cable allows the Bluemini R2R to drive headphones with 3.5mm TRRS (Tip/Ring/Ring/Sleeve) or 4.4mm balanced plugs. The Bluemini R2R will be available in October 2021 at a suggested retail price of $149.
HIFIMAN also announced the new DEVA Pro planar magnetic headphones (SRP: $329) to match the new Bluemini R2R wireless DAC adapter, picking up where the DEVA headphones left off, now adding wired or hi-res Bluetooth. The new model, the company explains, builds on the value of the original by incorporating also another HIFIMAN developments – Stealth Magnet drivers.
“The DEVA proved that it is possible to achieve true high-performance audio from a Bluetooth headphone,” explains Bian. “With our new DEVA Pro, we added two of our latest technologies to enhance the headphone’s performance while still maintaining an affordable price point."
The Bluemini R2R dongle turns the DEVA Pro into wireless headphones and can be used as a powerful integrated DAC/amp for improved performance from smartphones and other low-power devices simply by connecting a USB-C cable. A double-sided 3.5mm balanced input accepts stereo cables and the Bluetooth R2R dongle.
The DEVA Pro will be available in October at a suggested retail price of $329.
www.hifiman.com
