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Received my MicroDAC about 1-2 weeks after I placed my order. It's packaged very well, and they even give you a page of stickers. The unit itself is quite small, probably the size of an altoids box. Also, the included 120V power supply is of good quality.
Unfortunately I cannot review this unit until after I get off work. I figured that all USB mini cables were the same, and unfortunately the USB mini cable I have from my digital camera is not the same kind of cable used with the MicroDAC (4P instead of 5P). So I have to get myself a new cable from Staples today after work.
My initial complaint is that the inputs are all on the front of the unit. For those neat freaks out there it makes cable management quite a problem.
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You can purchase a bottle of H2O2 solution and keep it on the shelf for many months before it breaks down. If, however, you were to add a bit of ferric ion, you would find that the reaction rate increased about 1000 folds. The iron containing protein hemoglobin is even better at increasing the rate of this reaction. If you apply hydrogen peroxide solution to a cut finger, you will notice an immediate bubbling from released O2, The reaction is now proceeding about 1 million times faster than the uncatalyzed process. but even higher rates can be achieved. Catalase, an enzyme carried in many cells, increases the uncatalyzed rate of H2O2 decomposition about 1 billion fold.
Initial impressions thus far. Go buy a MicroDAC now if you are considering a new source for your computer. I'll have a more detailed review at the end of the week.
Initial impressions thus far. Go buy a MicroDAC now if you are considering a new source for your computer. I'll have a more detailed review at the end of the week.
I've had the MicroDAC for well over a week now and can finally give some subjective opinions about it's performance.
Right off the bat (compared to my laptop's internal soundcard) there is an incredible sense of depth and dimensionality to the sound that was previously lacking. In addition, the level of detail is simply astounding. Just about every nuance and subtlelty can be heard without detracting from the overall sound.
What immediately struck me with this DAC was the fact that it was detailed AND musical at the same time. Usually it's somewhat of a tradeoff, but not with this DAC. The Gilmore Lite amp is extremely neutral, and at first I was worried by the comments that the MicroDAC was "warm" sounding. I thought with the HD600's already being a very warm sounding headphone that the sound would be too "warm" for my tastes. If anything, this DAC serves only to bring out the best in the HD600's. What were once dull headphones have now sprung to life. I no longer find myself evaluating my headphones, I'm just listening to the music, and that is an accomplishment itself.
So, is this thing worth $299. I'd say so, as I don't plan on getting another DAC for a very long time. If anything I'd be upgrading my amp, headphones, or source before I upgrade this DAC. I just wish that they would have put the darn USB input and line outputs on the BACK OF THE UNIT because it detracts from aesthetics having cables coming out from the front of the unit. A small price to pay though IMHO.
did you buy their upgrade power pack? I don't know if another $300 over a power brick is worthy of it. Everyone was saying that power accounts for 30% of sound performance.
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You can purchase a bottle of H2O2 solution and keep it on the shelf for many months before it breaks down. If, however, you were to add a bit of ferric ion, you would find that the reaction rate increased about 1000 folds. The iron containing protein hemoglobin is even better at increasing the rate of this reaction. If you apply hydrogen peroxide solution to a cut finger, you will notice an immediate bubbling from released O2, The reaction is now proceeding about 1 million times faster than the uncatalyzed process. but even higher rates can be achieved. Catalase, an enzyme carried in many cells, increases the uncatalyzed rate of H2O2 decomposition about 1 billion fold.
I just wish that they would have put the darn USB input and line outputs on the BACK OF THE UNIT because it detracts from aesthetics having cables coming out from the front of the unit. A small price to pay though IMHO.
This is because the Micro DAC was designed with portability in mind...ie. the front inputs/outputs are there for easier cable management when you're on the go. Imagine having the DAC in a camera bag with all the cables in the rear. Talk about damaged cables!
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The waiting game is not fun.
HD600 with Blue Dragon cable (thanks Asr!), HF-1, MS-1, ER-4P/S
M^3, PINT, PPAS, Hornet, CROSS-1
All out of my trusty Micro DAC.
yea i know they are on the front for portability. i just wish they would put out a home version of this DAC that didn't cost significantly more money, or maybe a different casing for us home users.
what i'm realizing now is that i might not prefer the sound signature of the HD600's anymore. to my ears they are still a little muffled and closed off. i'm thinking of trying out some other cans and seeing what I like.
The MicroDAC has arrived!!! :)
Linear Mode
