Audio-gd NFB-5, 9 switchable filters - Page 4

They've been using SMD for a few of their new entry-level products. I only know of one customer comparison, and that person preferred the sound of FUN to NFB-11, but then again the NFB-11 uses the ES9018 chip, not the WM8741. http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/468522/review-of-the-audio-gd-fun-a-modular-dac-headphone-amp-preamp/1170#post_7639000

 

No clue if the new components are better or worse or on the same level. But smaller size is always cool :).

I imagine if he added the new Tenor usb chip with async support and support for 88.2k, these would fly off like hot cakes ....Well, that and making sure low impedance HP don't have a hum in them. (although I'd imagine this could probably drive Orthos fairly ok and aren't the type of thing you get for your IEM). With SMD, 119db still sounds like it's some approximation from the DAC specs, not measured on the outs, but meh.

Nice idea, but not the first dac/amp to let you adjust the filter and FS/OS. (dacmagic (weeell dac really), aqvox (dac amp), etc).

Nice price though. Veeery nice. Probably another $50-70 shipping, but yea.
Edited by svyr - 7/29/11 at 7:55am

The Tenor chip has no hardware support for the 88.2 khz sample rate which every manufacturer has to live with (until a better solution comes along that is just as good or better for around the same cost).

 

Peete.

Edited by Pricklely Peete - 7/29/11 at 9:04pm

errr, changing the interface won't really solve the problem if the pc is the same... It may solve some if it's integrated into the PC and not USB, but DPC issues, poor drivers, etc will all still plaque comp audio. If it's integrated you will probably get a dodgy sound card inside the pc anyway

also, wrong forum much?

Happy now ?

 

Peete.

Here is the configure different between the popular design and the NFB-5.

The popular design total applied 6 gain stages ( a OPA already had two gain stages built in ).

The NFB-5 only had 1 gain stage while the OPA had bypass, there is a very short signal transmit journey can offer the low noise and low coloration.

 

Just wondering if anyone has now received or heard the NFB-5. Trying to decide between the NFB-5 and the NFB-3

hi jazz,

 

Audio-GD website now say the newest nfb-3 have the hardware version of nfb-5's filters. so if you dont need the amp section I'd say just go with nfb-3. unless your reason for choosing those 2 are for entirely different reasons?

I agree on the "Flavour" wording.. "Filter" 10x better to use.

 

How would this compare to say, the Matrix Mini i? I guess in terms of sound quality and power output.

 

Ive been listening to my nfb5 for 5 days now. So far Im loving it. Great match with my k702s.

 

Didnt like it much with the stock opa2134. Swapped the opa with a moon hdam and Wow! Before the highs were a bit harsh but now it all sounds very balanced.

 

Very detailed and airy. soundstage is very nice and, I think, very accurate.

 

I was considering a burson 160d but Im glad I got the nfb instead.

 

Thanks Kingwa!

have you tried the so called filter? do they alter sound?

 

an impression on the filters would be appreciated.

 

to be honest I didnt hear much difference.. Maybe the amp needs a bit more burn-in.

 

 

Btw I also tried the dac output with my bijou. From what I remember it sounds much better than my old dacmagic. Its more musical to my ears and more airy. But again I don't have a dacmagic anymore so can't compare directly.

I'm thinking of getting a NFB-5 for use as a head-amp and as a dedicated DAC for use with a Little Dot MK IV SE, anyone try this with any tube amps yet?

thanks, please do give us your impression once you feel you burn-in enough