FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Nuforce uDAC USB DAC AMP with line out and S/PDIF out - Page 14

Here in Denmark it is actually cheaper to order from Nuforce EU, because of V.A.T. and other taxes, so there are other parameters than the exchange rate in play here.

My tracking number says it'll be here this afternoon. Initial Impressions coming soon.

for canadians. my friend called themacgroup.ca (canadian based), they are taking pre-orders for the uForce for $99 + applicable taxes shipped. After pre-order is 10$ shipped to Canadian cities!

Just preordered mine now they said it should arrive and be shipped in before first week of new years

OK. So after just an hour or so of listening and comparing back and forth with my EMU 0404USB w/ modded PSU & Belkin Gold USB cable, the presentation is really the biggest change. My subjective opinions below

Listening to Dave Matthews - Say Goodbye

much more foward presentation, but still 'deep'
more relaxed than edgy (0404)
more engaging with udac
It's not more detailed than the 0404USB but easier to hear subtle details due to the foward presentation - the uDac the details just 'grab' your attention, where as the 0404USB you have to pay attention to hear the same details.
enjoy it more than 0404 for musicality reasons
less fatiguing
more bass, but not unnatural amount
better instrument seperation

I would say the 0404USB produces a larger soundstage and or more 'air' around the music, but for me that makes it less enjoyable as I'm not hearing as much of the music clearly.

small background noises that are still in the 0404usb require more 'paying attention' to hear, where as they stickout with the udac.

more body / fuller sound to the music, the 0404usb sounded slightly 'thinner' very slight but noticable enough.

I'm going to try the uDac on some bookshelf speakers next.

All in all, it's very close - they both sound good with my ATH-AD700's. However, for bass purposes and the overall presentation, I already prefer the uDac to the 0404USB.

After A/B'ing the two on my bookshelf speakers, I enjoy the 0404USB more because of the soundstaging properties, very interesting how the presentation makes a difference for headphones vs. speakers. I highly suspect that the headphone amp in the EMU isn't doing the DAC justice.

I just phoned them, and they just got them in stock, the price is $109 + shipping now.

The guy said the pre-order price is $99 + shipping, not shipped.

Does that sound about right?

ya . i emailed them about this issue. this is what a rep from their stored wrote (sent at 7:00am PST or 10:00am EST)

and then later on. when i wrote that I would go and pay. i get the same respose as you did..

so im not too pleased right now....

Not a big deal I guess for $10.

HPA have you tried the uDAC with any non IEM phones? (I wonder how much it would improve the Shure SRH840.)

great help.

idiot

Easy guys...

Just placed my order, total came to $124.xx after shipping, they only have the black color in stock, fine by me.

Can't wait! Thanks for the review HPA!!

Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, lol. No sense of humor, eh?

I'm positive this uDac just redefined price/performance ratio; bang for buck DAC/Amp combo. Been listening now for hours, and it just sounds so good. I ordered a USB A male to B male adapter to see if dropping the USB cord altogether merits any improvement in SQ.

How is it with the Shure 840's???