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analogue 3 said:

 
Thanks for the info. I've been waiting to hear if the D12 is compatible with the iBasso. Partly due to the D12 being an attractive piece of kit and partly since I hope it's indicative of compatibility with other iBasso DACs. Just out of interest, how does the D12 compare to the Pico? I only found one thread online comparing the 2 and that person said that he sees the 2 as being a lateral move, rather than one being an upgrade over the other.

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That was probably my comparison posted on the other site.  I still agree with my original conclusion.  I suppose the slightly bigger illusion of space makes me prefer the Pico, but I don't consider it superior.  All of the same information is present in both.  They just present it a little differently.
 
I wonder if anyone has tested the D7 yet?  It would be really nice if all of iBasso's offerings worked with the S3.
 
By the way, I should add that I also tested the D12 on the AT&T S3.  It worked.

Any iqube owners here??   I'd love to use the iqube with the s3 if possible.  Maybe drew from moon audio can let me know.  I'll shot him an email.

Its funny how this thread started with people getting excited over the included Wolfson DAC...now its turned into a "lets bypass this great DAC with an inferior one and make this portable device into a brick that moves nowhere" thread... 
 
Seriously people...compare the sound to other DAP´s (yes with a P not C) to try and help people decide if they should buy it, there should honestly be a seperate thread for all you people who are pairing it with an external DAC its becoming a joke...

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danny93 said:

Its funny how this thread started with people getting excited over the included Wolfson DAC...now its turned into a "lets bypass this great DAC with an inferior one and make this portable device into a brick that moves nowhere" thread... 
 
Seriously people...compare the sound to other DAP´s (yes with a P not C) to try and help people decide if they should buy it, there should honestly be a seperate thread for all you people who are pairing it with an external DAC its becoming a joke...

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Mostly agree. Those of us in the US don't have the Wolfson, so the external DAC will be an improvement. Worth carrying around a brick? Depends on the person.

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nnotis said:

That was probably my comparison posted on the other site.  I still agree with my original conclusion.  I suppose the slightly bigger illusion of space makes me prefer the Pico, but I don't consider it superior.  All of the same information is present in both.  They just present it a little differently.
 
I wonder if anyone has tested the D7 yet?  It would be really nice if all of iBasso's offerings worked with the S3.
 
By the way, I should add that I also tested the D12 on the AT&T S3.  It worked.

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If it's the same review I saw, I was pretty disgusted with the lack of intelligent dialogue from the posters following your useful comparison.
 
Incidentally, I'm surprised that the D12 and Pico would sound so similar considering both use the WM8740 except the D12 has it in dual config whilst the Pico has it in single config. I guess it's indicative of some good work by the Headamp engineers. Although the Pico also costs significantly more than the D12 if memory serves. Although I suppose that could be due to the D12 being produced in China whilst the other is in the States (I think).
 
Yeah, it would be great if all the iBasso's were compatible. I'd also be interested to know if the DB2 works with the S3. I've seen a thread on here comparing DB2+PB2 with a similarly priced desktop setup and apparently they were quite similar in terms of performance. Would be great for people looking for an easily transportable quality setup.
 
Would I be right in assuming that so far, the D12 would be the best portable external DAC/Amp combo device which definitely works with the S3?

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danny93 said:

Its funny how this thread started with people getting excited over the included Wolfson DAC...now its turned into a "lets bypass this great DAC with an inferior one and make this portable device into a brick that moves nowhere" thread... 
 
Seriously people...compare the sound to other DAP´s (yes with a P not C) to try and help people decide if they should buy it, there should honestly be a seperate thread for all you people who are pairing it with an external DAC its becoming a joke...

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Sorry, I don't get a wolfson .  Besides, why not explore your options?  There could be something better out there.  
 
I'd probably use an amp anyway so why not throw a DAC into the equation?  I haven't heard the DAC, but if it really is that great that there's no better portable options in a brick setup, I really envy you!

Looking to buy this funny little cube:
http://nuforce.com/hp/products/speaker-cube/index.php
 
Anyone knows whether S3 works with it?

[size=10pt]Correction![/size]

[size=10pt] [/size]
[size=10pt]I just tried connecting the Pico to the S3 again.  It works!  I have no idea why it didn't before.  There were times when I’d connect the D12 without success too.  It seems you have to connect everything together in the right order.  First connect the cable to the S3.  Then connect the DAC to other end of the cable.[/size]
[size=10pt] [/size]

[size=10pt]Regarding the engineering at Head Amp: It’s the real deal.  Their products are expensive, but their results are second to none.  I’ve had a Pico for more than 4 years now, and I’ve yet to hear a better 16 bit DAC.  As of now, I’d rate it as the top option for the S3, as it’s smaller and a little better shielded than the D12.  There are a LOT of DAC/amp combos out there now though, and few people have heard enough of them to make a proper comparison.[/size]

[size=10pt] [/size]

[size=10pt]For those annoyed with the external DAC discussion, let me assure you that the S3, decent DAC chip or not, is not currently a suitable source.  The noise floor with my JH13s is nothing short of abysmal.  It probably sounds Ok with an efficient pair of full size headphones.  I’ll try it out with my LCD2s tonight.[/size]

[size=10pt] [/size]

[size=10pt]I understand the desire to separate these topics.  Comparing phone headphone jacks is like comparing Honda Fits and VW Golfs.  DAC/amp combos are more like Lamborghinis & Ferraris.[/size]

Nice! I was actually looking at the Pico as well as the Predator but was put off when you said it doesn't work. Now just a couple more questions about the Predator to be answered and I can hit "buy now".

PICO ordered. Now the wait.

You're about to have a seriously dope portable audio rig NZ.
 
I did try plugging my LCD2s into the stock headphone jack.  I was pleasantly surprised by the result.  They're efficient enough to work, but not enough to reveal that awful noise floor.  The soundstage is flat, but resolution is otherwise pretty good.  If supercurio finds a way to fix the noise, this device will sound great for a phone.

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nnotis said:

You're about to have a seriously dope portable audio rig NZ.
 
I did try plugging my LCD2s into the stock headphone jack.  I was pleasantly surprised by the result.  They're efficient enough to work, but not enough to reveal that awful noise floor.  The soundstage is flat, but resolution is otherwise pretty good.  If supercurio finds a way to fix the noise, this device will sound great for a phone.

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Yep, can't wait. Using my E7 right now and enjoy the sound compared to stock, hoping the Pico is a real step up (sounds from all accounts like it is).

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nztechfreak said:

 
Yep, can't wait. Using my E7 right now and enjoy the sound compared to stock, hoping the Pico is a real step up (sounds from all accounts like it is).

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Yeah, what the other guy said, S3+Pico will be an awesome portable setup. I know some people might moan about the size, however when comparing something like the really slim S3+Pico with the first PMPs out back in the day (iriver h140, archos jukeboxes etc), it's probably pretty much the same size. I think some people are just too used to using slim phones only as their PMPs, or the newer slim non HDD PMP devices and therefore can't fathom using an external dac/amp with their 'droid phone as a portable, but rather as a transportable, if at all.
 
As long it's pocketable, it's perfect. Personally I rarely put anything else in the pocket with a phone or PMP anyway (risk of scratches), so might as well fill it up with a 'hifi' rig. Look forward to seeing your results, either on this thread, or the "Android phones and USB DACs...." thread. It will probably be of more use if posted there and less likely to antagonize anyone Plus that thread is doing a good job of compiling info of all compatible external DAC/Amps.

Just wonder what headphones/IEM are you guys driving with your external DAC/AMP's?
I'm about to pull the trigger on some 1964 Quads and not sure I'll need a E7/Pico for my travel setup.

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fueltank said:

Just wonder what headphones/IEM are you guys driving with your external DAC/AMP's?
I'm about to pull the trigger on some 1964 Quads and not sure I'll need a E7/Pico for my travel setup.

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i'd say with the quads it just depends on the quality of the source more than the amplifier.  idk how much difference the DACs have between the stock s3 in detail reveal.  who knows how great the amp is in terms of muddying up the sound as well, so you might see an improvement, but I have little experience with portable gear so I wouldn't be able to say how much with any particular product besides the e7 which I owned for a short while.  I think the e7 would be better than the stock DAC of the US galaxy anyway though.  No idea about the wolfson.