Tiny DAC, Big Sound, Evolved – Stoner Acoustics UD100 / UD110 / UD120
Jul 15, 2014 at 3:15 PM Post #571 of 1,162
 
I agree with its value. Stoner did a great job on the UD110. I already requested an invoice for the UD120.

Oh Yeah ? I wonder is it going to be out on time, I just wrote him today as in they sent me an email asking if the Ud110 v2 arrived safely, and if I was satisfied...What kind of company does that man?  Especially over an item that is under 60$, and I cannot wait to hear the UD120, and I wonder if the detail, clarity, and also the staging/separation will be even more than the 110 because he was telling me I was in for a treat if I was to purchase and that he really thinks I will like what they have done with this product compared to the other 3. I am incline to believe too, because it is not like they are trying to get me to buy a 300$ DAC and he has been solid as of to this point. I am likely the design it is what a lot of people were hoping for with the UD1** models. 
 
Jul 16, 2014 at 12:20 AM Post #572 of 1,162
  The more and more I spend time with the UD110 I come to realize the minimal differences between this unit and the one's supposedly a couple price tiers away. I have written a review after use for a few weeks, and though it is considerably cheaper that units such as: ODAC, CDAC+, Fostex HP-A3, Gamma 1, etc.  Now I am just waiting for the UD120 to be available, being that it was said to be out by Stoner in an email correspondence with myself, around July and or August. I highly suggest and or recommend this unit and or the newer one coming out soon for anyone looking in this review thread about these units....they are totally a hundred and ten percent worth paying such a small amount on something that sounds good. I have compared them to a lot of different units and it hands down beats out the e7, Udac 2, Gamma 1, and I know this is just preference but I still felt like I should share.

 
Yup, it's a beast. Even UD100 sounds cleaner than Aune T1 DAC section. However, it's the harsh and engaging sound make rock music fatiguing that make me turn back to Aune T1. The most obvious improvement is bass sound tighter and more impact when compared to my Aune T1.
 
I sold my Aune T1 and use UD100 as a temporary DAC. Will see how does it perform against Modi and E-DAC. Somehow my expectation is E-DAC is better than UD100, and UD100 is head to head with Modi, a win lose situation.
 
BTW, have you compared UD110 with ODAC?
 
Jul 16, 2014 at 12:30 AM Post #573 of 1,162
Is the E-DAC just a version of the ODAC? Because I have the CDAC+ for comparison which I feel sounds better by a bit than the ODAC, and yes the CDAC+ is better sounding then the UD110 but do I think I would miss it much if I had to pick only the UD110? No, In fact paired with a nice tube amp, and or a good Solid state I would be very content.
 
 
Yes the ODAC, was slightly better but honestly not 100 dollars more. I think there is a bit more clarity in mid range maybe, and bit more detail. But minimal stuff we are talking about. Where my girl who does not search for the difference as much but gives her honest  opinion does  not feel like the difference is really there on normal listening
 
Jul 16, 2014 at 12:59 AM Post #574 of 1,162
  Is the E-DAC just a version of the ODAC? Because I have the CDAC+ for comparison which I feel sounds better by a bit than the ODAC, and yes the CDAC+ is better sounding then the UD110 but do I think I would miss it much if I had to pick only the UD110? No, In fact paired with a nice tube amp, and or a good Solid state I would be very content.
 
 
Yes the ODAC, was slightly better but honestly not 100 dollars more. I think there is a bit more clarity in mid range maybe, and bit more detail. But minimal stuff we are talking about. Where my girl who does not search for the difference as much but gives her honest  opinion does  not feel like the difference is really there on normal listening


Yup, E-DAC is ODAC by Epiphany Acoustic. I buy from them since it's cheaper when compared to JDS Labs. And now I just discover there's a cheaper alternative. Argh man, I just discover there's a DAC named CDAC+ today. And it's an improved version. *facepalm.
 
What is the most obvious sonic improvement from CDAC+ compared to ODAC? I'm wondering the improvement for USB vs independent powered. And I agree with you minimal different is not a big loss because when I listen my music, I don't analyze them. The only thing I don't like is the idea of using 3.5mm to RCA if I want to pair it with my amp. After this UD100 primarily used as my active speaker source.
 
Based from my memory, ODAC is neutral, clean, and no bass or treble coloration. I like the idea of let the amp alone do the coloration. And I do noticed more detail and cleaner sound but it's not like ODAC vs onboard soundcard. While UD100 tend to push mid range and sometimes sound very harsh. But, I notice better treble and bass performance. However, in the end I always pick a DAC that more genre friendly, and I think it's ODAC.
 
Jul 16, 2014 at 4:08 AM Post #575 of 1,162
 
Yup, E-DAC is ODAC by Epiphany Acoustic. I buy from them since it's cheaper when compared to JDS Labs. And now I just discover there's a cheaper alternative. Argh man, I just discover there's a DAC named CDAC+ today. And it's an improved version. *facepalm.
 
What is the most obvious sonic improvement from CDAC+ compared to ODAC? I'm wondering the improvement for USB vs independent powered. And I agree with you minimal different is not a big loss because when I listen my music, I don't analyze them. The only thing I don't like is the idea of using 3.5mm to RCA if I want to pair it with my amp. After this UD100 primarily used as my active speaker source.
 
Based from my memory, ODAC is neutral, clean, and no bass or treble coloration. I like the idea of let the amp alone do the coloration. And I do noticed more detail and cleaner sound but it's not like ODAC vs onboard soundcard. While UD100 tend to push mid range and sometimes sound very harsh. But, I notice better treble and bass performance. However, in the end I always pick a DAC that more genre friendly, and I think it's ODAC.

I would have to agree about finding a DAC with less coloration and that has a nice clean, transparent sound with detail and then let the amp like you said color the sound. I would say the CDAC+ and the ODAC and their difference are pretty minor in overall sound. It comes down to some owner's complaining about occasional interference with the USB powered connection, and where I found that to be minimal in my case, and could be corrected with ferrite core cable. I think it is a little more clean and clear and it is odd saying that because that ODAC is very clean and clear, I would say most would not noticed the difference. So, I believe you would be a hundred percent happy with the E-DAC. The CDAC+ does in my opinion that little bit better at a lower price to boot, but in the same sense the UD110 is not as harsh as the UD100 and I think it is something that succeeds with all music. Man I am ranting super tired playing mmo's with girl and friends need sleep. I will reply more coherently
 
Jul 23, 2014 at 4:12 AM Post #577 of 1,162
If anyone is interested... I'd be willing to sell my UD110v2.
 
Jul 23, 2014 at 7:29 AM Post #578 of 1,162
I wanted to know if anyone has had a similar problem with the UD110 v2 where when playing from a player on the computer such as Media monkey, you will be listening to the musci via headphone----AMP----UD110v2----pc and then while middle of listening it just stops with a slight pop noise and then you have to re select the audio file and or song you were listening to ?
 
Jul 25, 2014 at 12:04 PM Post #579 of 1,162
  I wanted to know if anyone has had a similar problem with the UD110 v2 where when playing from a player on the computer such as Media monkey, you will be listening to the musci via headphone----AMP----UD110v2----pc and then while middle of listening it just stops with a slight pop noise and then you have to re select the audio file and or song you were listening to ?

 
Seems to be the same old 'sleep' problem I used to have. It is basically a Windows' problem since the Vista (and yet to be fixed, AFAIK), that Windows randomly sends out the wrong instruction after awhile of idle and request the USB DAC to go into power save mode. The instruction doesn't actually shut down the USB DAC, but enough to cause it to out of sync in the re-sampling process and result in noise. For all I know, the only real way to fix it is to use a self-power USB hub, which Windows can't affect.
 

Anyway, I am here for an update on the UD120. I should have a review sample very soon, which means they are likely about ready to release.
 
Jul 26, 2014 at 1:56 AM Post #580 of 1,162
Awesome news. Hopefully it's an upgrade to UD100.
 
Jul 30, 2014 at 8:16 AM Post #582 of 1,162
   
Seems to be the same old 'sleep' problem I used to have. It is basically a Windows' problem since the Vista (and yet to be fixed, AFAIK), that Windows randomly sends out the wrong instruction after awhile of idle and request the USB DAC to go into power save mode. The instruction doesn't actually shut down the USB DAC, but enough to cause it to out of sync in the re-sampling process and result in noise. For all I know, the only real way to fix it is to use a self-power USB hub, which Windows can't affect.
 

Anyway, I am here for an update on the UD120. I should have a review sample very soon, which means they are likely about ready to release.

 
Thanks
If you do have Samsung Galaxy (S4 or S5) or LG G3, please check compatibilty with them, especialy with the native USB Audio (not with USB Audio Player Pro).
 
Waiting for your impression.
 
Thanks again
 
Jul 30, 2014 at 8:42 AM Post #583 of 1,162
Sorry, not a Samsung or LG user. I am using Sony smartphone.
 
Jul 30, 2014 at 10:56 AM Post #584 of 1,162
 
I agree with its value. Stoner did a great job on the UD110. I already requested an invoice for the UD120.

As did I but they have not replied to me yet, which is what it is. I just hope they do because they usually make the rounds and get back to me. I am very excited to use the UD120, I wonder if they were wise and kept the ability to work with phone and tablet operating systems? it will definitely increase their sales.
 
Jul 30, 2014 at 10:58 AM Post #585 of 1,162
   
Seems to be the same old 'sleep' problem I used to have. It is basically a Windows' problem since the Vista (and yet to be fixed, AFAIK), that Windows randomly sends out the wrong instruction after awhile of idle and request the USB DAC to go into power save mode. The instruction doesn't actually shut down the USB DAC, but enough to cause it to out of sync in the re-sampling process and result in noise. For all I know, the only real way to fix it is to use a self-power USB hub, which Windows can't affect.
 

Anyway, I am here for an update on the UD120. I should have a review sample very soon, which means they are likely about ready to release.

thanks btw for the reply ClieOS I never wrote that, from when I originally read that which was because I have been super busy with physical therapy looking forward to your impressions of the UD120
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top