I’ve seen other DACs with the same CS43131 chip configuration that support much higher output, like 32-bit / 384 kHz (for example, iBasso Macaron HiFi). So my question is: Is the Retro Nano limited because of its hardware / circuit design, or is this restriction coming from the firmware? If anyone here has technical knowledge about DAC design or this chipset, I’d really appreciate a detailed explanation.
Hmm maybe the bluetooth chips and co processor they used isn't capable, as it's marketed as bluetooth amp Where as same cs in melody and tiny can do that
I basso macaroon is a bluetooth amp?
Not only bluetooth.Retro Nano also works as a USB DAC and supports all three modes: BT, PC, and Phone.
Yes but they probably didn't implement pass through that well/cheapout
As even echo mini was supposed to get high res dac mode but it's capped at 16/48khz in dac mode.
I think it is more about Bluetooth chipset rather than DAC chips limitations, take a look at a Time ear BTE9 that also has the same limitations