Recommendations for amp/dac combo in the $200 segment.. - Page 2

I am interested in knowing where the NFB 12 differs from the FUN as well. My roommate has a FUN with all of the different opamps and we have mostly used the Moon opamp much to our delight. I really like it, but I want to get something different. I currently have a Maverick D1 that I bought used but I believe it is faulty. There seems to be a lot of clipping and some of the inputs lose signal.

How long will the NFB12 promo be going? I would like to order it today or tomorrow.

NFB-12 basically has the same amp output, and should have a better quality DAC output because of the dual DAC chips. It's a further improvement if your roommate's FUN is older and doesn't use the WM8741.

Other then that, the NFB-12 is like a cross between the Sparrow and FUN, without swappable opamps.

I went ahead and ordered the NFB 12. The thing is, it won't ship until after February 15th! Ahhh!!! Apparently they are behind after receiving so many orders. I have to wait for them to make more and fill the other orders. This is going to be an awful 6 weeks. :(

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elanzer 

NFB-12 basically has the same amp output, and should have a better quality DAC output because of the dual DAC chips. It's a further improvement if your roommate's FUN is older and doesn't use the WM8741.

 

Other then that, the NFB-12 is like a cross between the Sparrow and FUN, without swappable opamps.

Wait a second.  You mean to tell me I ordered the Fun with the WM8741 for a total of $325 and the NFB-12 is better?!  

If the promo price is $200, what's the actual retail going to be?

I emailed Audio GD and they told me the "promo" price is only 5% off. That's not a huge promo if you ask me, but it's still nice. It works out to 190 USD. Shipping is $37 via global DHL. Including PayPal fees the total price was $234.60 for me.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphinxvc 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elanzer 

NFB-12 basically has the same amp output, and should have a better quality DAC output because of the dual DAC chips. It's a further improvement if your roommate's FUN is older and doesn't use the WM8741.

 

Other then that, the NFB-12 is like a cross between the Sparrow and FUN, without swappable opamps.

Wait a second.  You mean to tell me I ordered the Fun with the WM8741 for a total of $325 and the NFB-12 is better?!  

 

If the promo price is $200, what's the actual retail going to be?

The 5% isn't the promo price, it's the "delay price".

Unless Audio-GD intends on keeping the NFB-12 at $200 - if so, who in their right mind would buy the Sparrow "A" version? I figure it will go up to about $250.

Out of curiosity, what would be better for HD650's: a Sparrow or EF2A? They are both about ~$175. Or is there a better alternative? I would hopefully like to have the DAC in the amp be good enough to upgrade to a better amp in the future, but this isn't necessary.

Dang Feb 15?

I've already been without my xonar for too long now, I'm not sure I can wait that much longer.

What's another combo dac/amp in the same price range that's as good as this?

I'll second the OP's question.  I'm thinking about picking up the Sennheiser HD650, and would like a reasonable DAC/AMP to drive it.  I know of at least a few folks who have used the Fiio E7/E9 combo, and I plan to track them down and bug them, too. :-)  But I'm very interested in any other compelling options in the ~$200 range.  I definitely need to give the NFB-12 a closer look, for example.  Any others I should research?