Just wanted to share my thoughts and experiences on a new product (or at least new to me) that I found and actually just purchased for myself (hard to give my opinion if I didn't try the product)

Anyways, I picked up a Fubar III and I must say I'm highly impressed.

First off, it was completely plug in play. I am running a older version of windows XP so I was concerned if it would truly be "plug and play". I literally only had to turn it on and I could start playing music through my headphone amp immediately. My girlfriend has windows vista, and it was the exact same thing. I plug it in, turn on the power and I'm ready to go!

Next, I have to admit I was very weary of the price range for something that is supposed to be "high end" quality. I've listened to some good sounding Amps and my initial thought was... "a little over $200. How good can it really be?" I have to be honest...this one is actually on par with some I've heard at double the cost. I didn't know what to expect when I first bought the product but the company had a great return policy so I figured "Why not". Might as well give it a shot. It isn't the best amp on the market (obviously) but its certainly produces a very nice sound quality for someone looking to get more into audio and has a big appreciation for their music collection. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD 650's and the SQ is exactly what I wanted to hear when I put them on.

I was also impressed with the build. Everything is built with aluminum and it's very solid and strong. It also takes up almost no space on my desk. Literally just a few square inches total and its light enough I can carry to a friends place and not have to worry about bring some bulky, high weight item.

In closing, if someone is new to the audio scene and is looking for an affordable amp that can duel as a USB DAC and send all your tunes from your PC to your stereo, this is it!

I hope you enjoyed my post. I'm pretty new to Head-fi in posting, been searching/reading for what seems like forever Any questions, please don't hesitate to reply!

Cheers!

P.S I attached a pic of the Fubar III so those who are curious can see what it looks like

While the Fubar name is not new to me (I first discovered Firestone Audio's amps and DACs here on HeadFi), I became more intrigued when I saw the Fubar III in an ebay auction. The one being offered was not from Audiophile Products (who has a store listed there, and I believe they are the official North American distributer for Firestone products); but rather a private individual who was just looking to sell a gift he had received but didn't use. This person was also including the independant, outboard power supply/Supplier. All this led me to explore the product-site, and while I haven't actually heard any Firestone products, they certainly look like they are well-built. Congrats on your purchase, AlwaysAFan! BTW...did you get the "Supplier" outboard with your's?

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Hey, thanks for the reply

If you mean the PSU (Power Supply Unit) no I have not purchased that yet. HOWEVER, I am highly considering buying one very soon. Its even funny you asked that because I had this "chat" with my girlfriend yesterday about me wanting to buy new "gadgets" as she calls them lol! I have to admit I love the new buzz stuff and this is no exception. The reason Im thinking of the PSU is I hear the sound quality is even more fantastic, which Im very curious to try and see. The difference the Fubar made to the SQ of my headphones itself was just amazing. I am truly, truly impressed with this product and I'd recommend it to anyone, especially those newer to the audio scene.

Thanks for the nice comments and feedback mate BTW, Miniature Audio where I purchased mine is also a official North American distributor (according to their about us page anyways)... So I figure it is starting to get more and more popular here in North America! I believe originally they are from Taiwan, so I guess thats why its more new to me. I'm still a novice in the audio world compared to most folks on here but I know what I like

Again thanks for the nice feedback! Cheers!

I'd get the outboard PSU powersupply, and give it a try. I'd wager that your Senns will sound even better with it, since my experiences over the years with home audio and external power supplies have shown an increase in overall sound quality with external PSU's. The extent of the improvement, and whether or not it's worth the extra cost, is strictly a personal preference. If the outfit you bought your Fubar III from has a generous return policy (as you previously mentioned), you can always return the PSU, if you feel it didn't make enough of a difference to you.

Oh, the retailer I got my info from was here: AudiophileProducts.com - Firestone Audio- Headphone Amplifier - USB DAC

If you decide to buy the Supplier to go along with your Fubar III, please post your impressions. I'd be curious to know if you feel it made enough of an improvement to justify it's cost. Thanks for the kind words, welcome to HeadFi...and say good-bye to yer wallet!

Thanks for the kind words

I'll definitely pick up the PSU and see how I find the difference. I will let you know the result when I get the new item. I have a feeling it'll make a great difference but at zero risk I think I owe it to my music to give it a try

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I think that happened when I got engaged hehehehe

Cheers!!
AAF

You got engaged...AND you can still afford to buy audio-gear?! DAMN! I envy you! Congrats, and again...sorry 'bout yer wallet...now, in more ways than one. HEE-HEE-HEE!

I own a Fubar III and am also wondering what kind of a difference adding the Supplier PSU would make to the sound quality. Judging from this article it sounds like it’s a worthwhile upgrade.

AlwaysAFan have you had a chance to try the Supplier with your Fubar III?

BTW congrats on your engagement!

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I actually have both and to answer your question, yes it makes a huge difference. Honestly, the Supplier's usefulness really depends on what product you use it with.

I found a good graph on one of the sites (located here)

I figure this is probably pretty accurate, maybe a bit bias considering they're likely a manufacturer of some kind... for example, I don't think the Supplier is really needed with the Cute Beyond. I have no problems powering that with any headphones I use, so I would put that in the same class as the battery cute. That said, its incredible with the Fubar III and Spitfire DAC components. I would definitely consider buying it if I were running the Fubar III or Spitfire and probably not if I was running any of the others.

Hope that helps!
Cheers

Yeah - you should definitely get the Supplier. I have the Fubar III and it is a great source for the Sennheiser HD650. But feed the iQube with the Fubar III's USB DAC and you get even better sounding results. I think the amplifier-part of the Fubar III is the downside of it.

Great impressions!

I am planning to get a DAC/AMP soon. This looks like a great choice

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So you basically use the IQube for the amp and the Fubar just serves as a DAC only?

Would this DAC be recommended for cans a couple of steps down from the hd650's? It seems like it's a pretty simple design at a good price. However, I don't know if it would be worth it for me to get the FubarIII if I won't even get much out of it due to the quality of my 'phones.

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Yeah that is correct. The AMP in the Fubar III seems to be the weak spot. But the USB DAC gives a much more defined sound than the internal DAC of my MacBook Pro. The AMP is performing all right - when it drives HD650. But it can not beat the iQube.

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IT depends - you should only use the Fubar III if you listen to music from the computer most of the time. But maybe your dollars are better spent upgrading your headphones first then getting an amp secondly....

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I have to agree.

I listen to my music from my PC mostly, and I find the Fubar III is great for that - like my original post stated.

That said, if you don't listen to music from your PC directly your probably better off going with a separate amp IMO + headphones. I have a cute beyond as well (also from Firestone Audio), and its great for when I want strictly an Amp (I have a pair of Sens 600 for reference).

I've been told that the amp in the Fubar is the same amp as whats in the Cute but I don't know... maybe its just my head messing with me (And don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with the Fubar's amp) but I find I enjoy my Cute more.