Cannot decide between Audio-GD NFB11.32 and NFB 15.32
Nov 29, 2013 at 4:34 PM Post #16 of 23
Yup, same quandry here. I'm planning on getting a Philips X1 (easy to drive), an AKG 712 pro (requires a good amount of juice) and maybe a pair of HE-500's down the line. Any opinions please on whether it may better to go for the cleaner, more detailed and natural sounding Sabre based 11.32; or to go for the warmer more musical Wolfson unit given the choice of headphones above? No particular music style of choice, with some movies and gaming thrown in the mix too.
 
I can always add an external amp at a later date to change the flavour if needed. Thank you for any replies.
 
Dec 6, 2013 at 4:40 AM Post #18 of 23
From what I've gleaned, the Sabre actually reduces the amount of bass - it tightens it up, but the reduction is there by all accounts. Bit worrying if you want decent bass in a headphone. The Audio-GD has pretty much positive reviews from users here.. only a few called it too sterile or too digital sounding; nonetheless I'm worried.
 
Why on earth is the closest meet always in London.. are we too mean in Scotland to hire a room and provide tea and cakes? grrr.
 
Jun 21, 2014 at 11:28 PM Post #19 of 23
Hi guys, I'm in the same boat here, not sure where to go with NFB-11 or NFB-15. The headphones I'll be using LCD2.2, D7000, HD650, DT770-80, RS2.
I also don't want to loose any bass quantity however don't want sloppy bass either, if the bass impact could be stronger it would be nice.
I'm thinking about going with NFB-15 due to having a more 'musical' presentation, but just worried that the headphones will get too dark by that I mean darker than some of them already are, NFB-15 is also slightly cheaper.
The NFB-11 seems to be the FOTM, if it is too sterile as some have described probably I won't like it as much.
 
If any of you guys have experience with the Headphones above and could share your experience that would be appreciated.
Cheers
 
Jun 22, 2014 at 9:48 PM Post #20 of 23
willmax said:
  Hi guys, I'm in the same boat here, not sure where to go with NFB-11 or NFB-15. The headphones I'll be using LCD2.2, D7000, HD650, DT770-80, RS2.
I also don't want to loose any bass quantity however don't want sloppy bass either, if the bass impact could be stronger it would be nice.
I'm thinking about going with NFB-15 due to having a more 'musical' presentation, but just worried that the headphones will get too dark by that I mean darker than some of them already are, NFB-15 is also slightly cheaper.
The NFB-11 seems to be the FOTM, if it is too sterile as some have described probably I won't like it as much.
 
If any of you guys have experience with the Headphones above and could share your experience that would be appreciated.
Cheers
Click to expand...

Deciding WM vs. Sabre is a common question for AGD products... I'm very much into musicality but the NFB-28 I got has the Sabre. What I appreciate is how the music is represented as it was produced, which is really a special, engaging, and enlightening. I'm sure the differences are minimal... but who knows. I find nothing to be sterile... just accurate. I've never wanted a warmer amp. I've used it with LCD-2.2F's, Sennheiser HD598's (right now actually), Sennheiser PC163D, and Phillips X1's. I find this DAC/amp to just be very easy and neutral. It really lets you hear tonal differences in your headphones quite clearly. Both are killer products, I'm sure. Both the 11 and 15 are well loved. For those headphones, I'd go for the 11. They're mostly all just a little warmer than neutral, so I think the Sabre might do better. Just one man's opinion.
 
Jun 23, 2014 at 10:11 AM Post #21 of 23
jodgey4 said:
  Deciding WM vs. Sabre is a common question for AGD products... I'm very much into musicality but the NFB-28 I got has the Sabre. What I appreciate is how the music is represented as it was produced, which is really a special, engaging, and enlightening. I'm sure the differences are minimal... but who knows. I find nothing to be sterile... just accurate. I've never wanted a warmer amp. I've used it with LCD-2.2F's, Sennheiser HD598's (right now actually), Sennheiser PC163D, and Phillips X1's. I find this DAC/amp to just be very easy and neutral. It really lets you hear tonal differences in your headphones quite clearly. Both are killer products, I'm sure. Both the 11 and 15 are well loved. For those headphones, I'd go for the 11. They're mostly all just a little warmer than neutral, so I think the Sabre might do better. Just one man's opinion.
Click to expand...


Thanks for your opinion and impressions, judging by the size of the threads here on Head-fi, the NFB-11 is the more popular choice it has a much bigger following that is for sure.
 
Jun 24, 2014 at 12:57 PM Post #22 of 23
Personally I would go with the Sabre too.  My thoughts are the DAC should be as neutral and revealing as possible.  Let your amp/headphones colour the sound.  Once the DAC colours it, there is no going back :)
 
So I would take the more resolving Sabre
 
Jun 24, 2014 at 4:09 PM Post #23 of 23
You could of course get the Compass 2 which would allow you to swap out the WM and Sabre depending on what you want.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top