Audio-gd NFB-10 - Page 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by nigeljames 

 

And better quality too

and not overpriced 

Perhaps I will ask Kingwa, if he could build me an Audio-GD-Mac-Mini for 300$ 

It will be nice if Kingwa can license Wavelength's USB firmware for asynchronous USB protocol and start using those TAS1020B USB receivers. That will give him a very serious edge in the competition as that's where the trend is going to be for the next couple of years. 

That would indeed be awesome... It would be expensive though, as currently the cheapest solution that uses it is a cool 500 dollars. And it´s just a pretty cheap cable. Kingwa would combine expensive hardware with expensive software. Maybe for the next reference series or a DI on steroids? Personally I think it´s just a matter of time until some firm does an async USB receiver similar to the Tenor chip - similar as in mass produced and fairly cheap. USB audio is still such a new enterprise things will evolve at a fast speed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by K3cT 

It will be nice if Kingwa can license Wavelength's USB firmware for asynchronous USB protocol and start using those TAS1020B USB receivers. That will give him a very serious edge in the competition as that's where the trend is going to be for the next couple of years. 

Agreed, but I highly doubt he would go for it.  He wants to discontinue the Ref-X series of DACs because the chips will cost more to buy.  If he isn't willing to charge $200 or $300 more for a Ref-7 because of the DAC chips, the chances of him paying that kind of money to license software from Rankin for a USB interface are slim to none.

Remember, he didn't include HDCD in the DSP-1 module because he said it would cost tens of thousands of dollars.  The amount of HDCD content out there is not overwhelming, so I understand that decision because it would have added a lot of money to the price of the DAC and there probably wasn't a big enough demand for it.  But Asynchronous USB is something that the majority of people who use USB would love to have and would probably pay a nice premium for it.

This all-in-one unit looks tempting but it is missing two features that I would like to see in an all-in-one unit: at least one set of selectable analog inputs such as on the FUN, and also a Remote for volume control such as on their P-2 Preamplifier. Maybe call it the FUNNER.

Quote:

Originally Posted by runswithaliens 

This all-in-one unit looks tempting but it is missing two features that I would like to see in an all-in-one unit: at least one set of selectable analog inputs such as on the FUN, and also a Remote for volume control such as on their P-2 Preamplifier. Maybe call it the FUNNER.

I agree with that! For the past few months I've been looking for an Audio-GD solution that provides me a DAC and Preamp and preferably with a remote for volume. The Kingwa told me that the P-2 has been discontinued. This means that all rc options will end up way beyond $1k.

The FUN comes closest to my functional specs. But I would love to take it one step further in terms of audio quality (something like a NFB-2 + P-2 or DSP-19 + P-2).

For now the NFB-10 seems to be all that, and perhaps even better in terms of sound quality. Only the remote and analog inputs are missing. The remote seems to be an easy add-on since the volume is already relay controlled.

Lets see how this sage develops......
 

There is one thing that intrigues me about the NFB-10: its relay based volume control in combination with balanced output. This is a killer combo when it comes to professional usage. It provides perfectly matched balance and it would allow exact reference levels to be used. Both critical items when it comes to a mastering setup.

This might even satisfy my dream to own a Cranesong Avocet one day!

Me too, REMOTE CONTROL please!!! The analogue inputs would be appreciated but not used very much so not a must. But volume control, yessss!

Remote controls? LOL! Do you guys know that 90% of audiophile gear have no remote controls? Be happy that it has more than one input.

A big thanks to the members for their individual consult via PMs in helping me decide on the NFB-10. I have been going back and forth, and back and forth again between the NFB-11 and NFB-10 and finally decided on the 10s. I know it's not the most accurate method, but after hearing how great my Denons sound balanced with other audio-gd gear, I just had to give it a shot. I joined this hobby and forum a few months ago, and the phrase is true, "welcome to headfi, sorry for your wallet"! Joking aside, because hifi audio is such an enthusiast niche market, headfi has been essential and a valuable resource in helping me make my purchasing decisions - I haven't regretted one purchase yet!

Just so this post isn't just about me and has some contribution....during my correspondence with kingwa, he mentioned that a dual WM8741 can be substituted for the Sabre32 with the NFB-10 design for those wanting a more musical flavor. I think this info was already alluded here by kingwa, but just wanted to share anyway.

I don´t think you´ll be disappointed with that decision. The NFB-11 and 10 are in different leagues, one is more like a super Sparrow (mini DAC for laptops and casual usage), the other is a real entry level high end headphone rig. The value, especially with the -10% off, is really off the charts. When it comes to balanced rigs, which are currently considered the "system to have", this is actually the first time such a rig can be purchased at an affordable price. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by gevorg 

Remote controls? LOL! Do you guys know that 90% of audiophile gear have no remote controls? Be happy that it has more than one input.

Audio-GD is expert in power supply isolation and it shouldn´t be a problem. Plus, the relay volume control may make it even easier. I´m not sure. I bet Kingwa can implement a remote control with no impact on performance and no major cost increment!

He already did implement a remote- the Phoenix has it

You can always use a smart phone (app) for control of your music files, maybe volume too, not sure.