Need RECOMMENDATIONS! Have US$300-$400 to invest on DAC.
Oct 21, 2010 at 4:27 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 50
xing3ds

xing3ds

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Hi all,

I'm currently looking to buy a DAC to be use with my Laptop.
I curently use HD555 and shure SE530.
and I only have $300 to $400 to spend. any recommendations?

I'm looking at Matrix mini-i 24/192 Balanced USB DAC,  any other DAC that is better than this one with that price range? please advise.

thanks. very appreciated with the help!

 
 
 
 
 
 
Oct 21, 2010 at 4:32 AM Post #2 of 50
I´d go for the promo price NFB-11 from Audio-gd... They are selling a limited run without making profit out of it to advertise the new chip. From a components point of view it destroys anything anywhere near its price range (the next cheapest Sabre32 chip solution is the 750 dollar Eastern Electric Minimax) It also has a built-in amplifier section, and has a gain switch for low impedance phones.
 
Oct 21, 2010 at 5:05 AM Post #3 of 50
Hi Vrin, Can you please refer me where to buy? which websites? because i search the google, couple web come up, not sure which one is the one you mention. just want to find reliable source to shop. thanks
 
btw, how about compared to CambridgeAudio DACMagic?





 
 
 
Oct 21, 2010 at 6:33 AM Post #4 of 50
anyone? help??
 
currently I'm looking at four options (all price including delivery, customs tax, etc..):
  • Matrix mini-i 24/192 Balanced USB DAC, cost me around $370
  • Audio-GD NFB-11. cost me around $350.00
  • CambridgeAudio DACMagic. (used for 4months, mint condition, local warranty) cost me around $380
  • Audio-GD FUN* Version A. cost me around $430
 
any suggestion?
 
FYI, most of the time, I listen to jazz, pop, and audiophile. I love wide soundstage.
 
thanks
 
*forget to put "FUN" in Audio-GD ___ Version A in previous post
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Oct 21, 2010 at 7:24 AM Post #5 of 50


Quote:
xing3ds said:
anyone? help??
 
currently I'm looking at four options (all price including delivery, customs tax, etc..):
  • Matrix mini-i 24/192 Balanced USB DAC, cost me around $370
  • Audio-GD NFB-11. cost me around $350.00
  • CambridgeAudio DACMagic. (used for 4months, mint condition, local warranty) cost me around $380
  • Audio-GD Version A. cost me around $430
 
any suggestion?
 
FYI, most of the time, I listen to jazz, pop, and audiophile. I love wide soundstage.
 
thanks
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
Click to expand...


Audio GD gears aren't designed to enlarge soundstage, or have an "artificial" sound, but more with some "Faithfull neutrality" in mind, i think the NFB-11 it's a really "Must have" unit, i searched a Good DAC during almost 8 month before to listen an Audio-GD FUN (Version A with OPA Earth) but my choice was finally an Audio-GD DAC 19 DSP, i have never listen to it before to buy but i trusted in the review of Slim.A on this site...
 
According to the small amount of review of Sabre DAC and the quality build of Audio-GD Gear i would go for an NFB-11 without hesitation.
 
But sound is a question of taste... personnaly i don't like "wide artificial soundstage" and "enhanced Bass" i like to listen music without any kind of enhancement
smily_headphones1.gif
.
 
Oct 21, 2010 at 8:30 AM Post #6 of 50
Personally, out of that list, I wouldn´t even consider any other choices than the NFB-2/3 and the NFB-11. If you like a warmer sound, then I would go for the NFB-2/3, and if neutral is your thing, then NFB-11 is by far the best value right now. The Audio-gd website is http://www.audio-gd.com/
 
That DacMagic (sure) and the Mini-i (not sure, but IIRC it is) are using cheap Wolfson budget chips in a dual mono configuration. I think both are very, very overpriced for what they actually are. Especially the DacMagic is a prime example of western audio gear without real value, that sells on mostly marketing and a fancy chassis IMO. It´s the WM8740 in this list...
 
 
　
　​
[size=x-small]WM8741
(Default in Sparrow version A)​
​
[size=x-small]AD1955​
​
[size=x-small]AD1852[/size]​
[size=x-small]WM8740[/size]​
[size=x-small]SNR[/size]​
[size=x-small]125DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]120DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]114DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]117DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]DYNAMIC RANGE[/size]​
[size=x-small]125DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]120DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]114DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]117DB[/size]​
[/size]  

[/size]  
The NFB-2/3 are using the Wolfson top of the line WM8741 in a dual mono configuration, it should have a warm and pleasant sound signature (just noticed you have a tube amp so you might be into that kind of sound signature). When it comes to neutral superdetailed sound, the Sabre32 is the market leader right now in mainstream chips. Also by far the most expensive Delta-Sigma type chip currently sold. There´s also DAC output so as far as I know it can be used with the tube amp to smoothen it a bit if you want. But the built-in amplifier section is good too. It´s this chip:
 
[size=small]　[/size]
[size=x-small]Device​
​
[size=x-small]Description[/size]​
[size=x-small]Package[/size]​
[size=x-small]DNR(DB)[/size]​
[size=x-small]THD(DB)[/size]​
[size=x-small]ES9018[/size]​
[size=x-small]Sabre 32 Reference 32bit 8-channel audio DAC[/size]​
[size=x-small]64 LQFP[/size]​
[size=x-small]135(Mono)
129(8 channel)[/size]​
[size=x-small]-120[/size]​
[/size]
 
Oct 21, 2010 at 9:06 AM Post #7 of 50


Quote:
vrln said:
That DacMagic (sure) and the Mini-i (not sure, but IIRC it is) are using cheap Wolfson budget chips in a dual mono configuration. I think both are very, very overpriced for what they actually are. Especially the DacMagic is a prime example of western audio gear without real value, that sells on mostly marketing and a fancy chassis IMO. It´s the WM8740 in this list...
 
Click to expand...

 
The Matrix Mini-I is using a dual AD1955, AD1955 is not bad but compared to Sabre DAC it's overpriced... and the headphone amp section of the NFB-11 seems to be better than the one of the mini-i (Variable Gain switch and Audio-GD custom conception), the Matrix Mini-I is a good value is you need XLR output... but it's the only advantage over the NFB-11.
 
Oct 21, 2010 at 9:14 AM Post #8 of 50
I've heard the Matrix Mini-i and I didn't like how it sounded. Very warm and constricted. I suppose they want to imitate a tube sound but something went wrong in the design process. 
 
The DACMagic is OK but the treble is a bit "artificial" and harsh. Overall better than the Matrix though but you could do better at that price range if you look into the second-hand market. 
 
Oct 21, 2010 at 11:49 PM Post #9 of 50


Quote:
cheaphifi said:
Audio GD gears aren't designed to enlarge soundstage, or have an "artificial" sound, but more with some "Faithfull neutrality" in mind, i think the NFB-11 it's a really "Must have" unit, i searched a Good DAC during almost 8 month before to listen an Audio-GD FUN (Version A with OPA Earth) but my choice was finally an Audio-GD DAC 19 DSP, i have never listen to it before to buy but i trusted in the review of Slim.A on this site...
 
According to the small amount of review of Sabre DAC and the quality build of Audio-GD Gear i would go for an NFB-11 without hesitation.
 
But sound is a question of taste... personnaly i don't like "wide artificial soundstage" and "enhanced Bass" i like to listen music without any kind of enhancement
smily_headphones1.gif
.
Click to expand...


thanks Cheaphifi for the insight. it surely give me more clarity in deciding.
 
Oct 21, 2010 at 11:57 PM Post #10 of 50


Quote:
vrln said:
Personally, out of that list, I wouldn´t even consider any other choices than the NFB-2/3 and the NFB-11. If you like a warmer sound, then I would go for the NFB-2/3, and if neutral is your thing, then NFB-11 is by far the best value right now. The Audio-gd website is http://www.audio-gd.com/
 
That DacMagic (sure) and the Mini-i (not sure, but IIRC it is) are using cheap Wolfson budget chips in a dual mono configuration. I think both are very, very overpriced for what they actually are. Especially the DacMagic is a prime example of western audio gear without real value, that sells on mostly marketing and a fancy chassis IMO. It´s the WM8740 in this list...
 
 
　
　​
[size=x-small]WM8741
(Default in Sparrow version A)​
​
[size=x-small]AD1955​
​
[size=x-small]AD1852[/size]​
[size=x-small]WM8740[/size]​
[size=x-small]SNR[/size]​
[size=x-small]125DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]120DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]114DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]117DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]DYNAMIC RANGE[/size]​
[size=x-small]125DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]120DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]114DB[/size]​
[size=x-small]117DB[/size]​
[/size]  

[/size]  
The NFB-2/3 are using the Wolfson top of the line WM8741 in a dual mono configuration, it should have a warm and pleasant sound signature (just noticed you have a tube amp so you might be into that kind of sound signature). When it comes to neutral superdetailed sound, the Sabre32 is the market leader right now in mainstream chips. Also by far the most expensive Delta-Sigma type chip currently sold. There´s also DAC output so as far as I know it can be used with the tube amp to smoothen it a bit if you want. But the built-in amplifier section is good too. It´s this chip:
 
[size=small]　[/size]
[size=x-small]Device​
​
[size=x-small]Description[/size]​
[size=x-small]Package[/size]​
[size=x-small]DNR(DB)[/size]​
[size=x-small]THD(DB)[/size]​
[size=x-small]ES9018[/size]​
[size=x-small]Sabre 32 Reference 32bit 8-channel audio DAC[/size]​
[size=x-small]64 LQFP[/size]​
[size=x-small]135(Mono)
129(8 channel)[/size]​
[size=x-small]-120[/size]​
[/size]
Click to expand...

 
thanks KECT for the input.

Hi Vrin,
 
thanks again for the help and clarity.
Yes, I used to use the Tube Amp but not anymore since there is a slight "humm" noise.. and I guess its something to do with the build quality.
 
at this moment, I'm just using my headphone directly from the laptop sound port.
 
and based on the several replies on this thread, I've never thought of either the "Neutral" and "Warm" sound... and honestly, I have no idea how the sound will be different.
 
I forget to mention, right now, I'm not planning to use my current amp. so it will just from LAPTOP to DAC, and I want a DAC + Amp combination. so, NFB-2/3 would not suit me, since I have to buy a separate headphone amp for that.
 
how about, Audio-gd FUN? would it be better than NFB-11? considering the current price vs Value?
 
Oct 22, 2010 at 1:08 AM Post #11 of 50
The NFB-11 is newer than the FUN so that's more incentive to try it out. The upcoming Centrance DACMini could also be a consideration if you need a combo unit but I'll say given our location, importing from China is a lot easier. 
 
Oct 22, 2010 at 4:58 AM Post #13 of 50


Quote:
k3ct said:
The NFB-11 is newer than the FUN so that's more incentive to try it out. The upcoming Centrance DACMini could also be a consideration if you need a combo unit but I'll say given our location, importing from China is a lot easier. 
Click to expand...



Hi K3cT, thanks.
 
so, can is it relevant to ask this question: "does this mean NFB-11 better than FUN?" or its just different in sound, one is neutral and one is warmer?
 
Oct 22, 2010 at 5:15 AM Post #14 of 50
after reading your posts and looking at the website, I come to a conclusion that..
 
  • NFB-11, using Sabre ES9018, meaning the sound will be neutral, superdetailed sound, and unforgiving for bad recordings. (a lot of praise for this unit, I wonder why? it must mean something)
  • Audio-gd FUN, using WM8741, meaning the sound will be a bit warmer and forgiving for bad recordings
  • NFB-2/3, using WM8741, will be the same sound signature with FUN but Better quality. and its only DAC, no preamp or amp.
 
please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
so, to decide, its coming back to me personally what kind of sound like, neutral or a bit warm? is this correct?
 
lets, says if I choose, NFB-2/3, any Amp recommendations that goes well with it?
 
I have took out both DACMagic and Matrix mini from my options.
 
thanks
 
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