Well, the "waiting for the NFB-11/12" threads are long enough already, so how about we start a new thread for the reviews.
I'll start by a first impressions review of the NFB-11 as a PC/USBdriven headphone amp. Yes, I know it’s a moot point now to review the NFB-11….but that’s what I got.
Sources: Asus eee PC notebook with mp3, AACand WAV files. I've not been able to get ASIO4ALLto work with FOOBAR (this time, it did work before, hmmm), so the audio processing is still XP.
Cans: Beyerdynamic DT990-600 ohm, Monster Turbine IEMs.
Comparison Amps: uDac, FUBAR IV Plus, Compass, and a powerful HP out from my old british integrated.
Yes, Virginia, the NFB-11 can drive the 600 Ohm Beyers. You do need to use the high gain switch though, as low gain doesn’t do it. I'll max out my ears at about 40% of the volume dial.
Here’s the best thing I can say about the NFB-11, it is the first time I can honestly say that I can hear the difference on headphones between a 256 or 320 kbps MP3 file and a WAV file. It’s subtle, but definite. No audible difference between Apple Lossless and WAV files though. Don’t get me wrong, the mp3 files sound very good. However, switching to a lossless format is an audible improvement.
I do have some hi-rez FLACs from HDTracks as well, and I must say those sound stunning. Great detail even at low volume, and nothing in the background at all.
IEM testing: The Turbines run on the low gain setting at around 30% of the volume dial. I won’t compare the sound to the DT990s, it’s not a fair fight. I know background hiss is a problem with amped IEMs, and I will say when you pause the music, there is a very faint hiss. Compared to my other amps, the background hiss is much less.
With the DT990s at full volume, there is no background noise at all.
As far as a USB-DAC comparison, the NFB-11 has better detail than the FUBAR or COMPASS. I do think the FUBAR goes a hair lower in the bass region..it may have a bit more power I think. However, the NFB-11 sounds cleaner all around. I do get the warning about the NFB-11 being unforgiving though, there are a couple of times listening to songs where the singer would hit a note that would pierce my ears. That was pretty rare though.
In summary, the NFB-12 (since the 11 is no longer an option) should serve as the reference budget USB/DAC. I can see no reason to spend more, unless you are willing to spend MUCH more.
I’ll have a review of the NFB-11 as a pure DAC and preamp later in the week, as I am waiting for a new Emotiva Pre/Amp combo to arrive to do that testing.
