Why would we buy NFB 1 over NFB 10 ?

I haven't listened to the NFB-1 but still own the NFB-10ES.

A few good reasons why an NFB-1 might be a better option:

- if you're using speakers

- if you already have a headphone amp you're pleased with

- if you want a better DAC first and foremost, less so a headphone amplifier

the list can probably continue ...

Yes you can plug whatever you want, but remember the NFB-10 is essentially the ROC headphone amplifier with an add-on DAC section. And that's exactly what you'd be paying for.

If you need a tube amp just buy a DAC, not a dac/amp

The power supply is more comprehensive in the standalone DAC, so it will outperform the DAC/amp combo, but the question is by how much. I think the NFB-10es and wm are absolutely fantastic value. A few years ago balanced audio was nowhere near these prices. It´s only recently that balanced rigs have become affordable.

was this discussed before,

some people quote from audio-gd

the nfb10es will give around 85-90% of performance of a nfb-1 + roc

but that is also the same different between mid-fi and hi-fi

negative return is the key

This question bothers me too. 

I am rather surprised by the signature of NFB-10ES. Judging from reviews of some other dacs (eg. Wyred) ESS 9018 was about air, speed and large amount of microdetails. I am not sure if I can say this about NFB-10ES, which is unexpectedly rich in textures thus sounds somewhat heavier and not that fast. Perhaps NFB-1ES owners can comment on that?

Quote:

Originally Posted by axw 

This question bothers me too. 

 

I am rather surprised by the signature of NFB-10ES. Judging from reviews of some other dacs (eg. Wyred) ESS 9018 was about air, speed and large amount of microdetails. I am not sure if I can say this about NFB-10ES, which is unexpectedly rich in textures thus sounds somewhat heavier and not that fast. Perhaps NFB-1ES owners can comment on that?

NFB-1ES is dynamic and "full of air". You will not be disappointed.

The NFB-10ES already got a very good I/V volume control. So if you are pairing a headphone amp/preamp with lesser quality volume adjustment stage, then I would say you are better off with a NFB-10ES. This also save you money on cables and headphone amp/preamp.

The NFB-1ES have 2 transformers, class A power supply sections, which make it less affected by "dirty" AC lines. If you have dirty AC power, then the NFB-1ES advantages would be more evident.