Curly21029
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2010
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I know, I know. Another (subjectively) ugly, oddly-named piece of audio equipment from Firestone Audio. Still, color me intrigued, but there's currently a dearth of information available about a DAC that could possibly find a place alongside the "bang for the buck" elite. (depending on one's needs, of course) I created this thread as a means to aggregate the small number of current impressions available, a way to invite those who've tried it to share their thoughts, and to possibly drum up more interest among Head-Fiers thereby leading to more shared opinions. A few reasons why I feel the i♡TW is worth a look:
-Supports 24bit/192kHz via USB. Most DAC's USB inputs are limited to 16/44.1, 24/44.1 or 24/96.
-Relatively cheap at $367.
-Exclusively USB: the most convenient input for myself and, I'm sure, others. Why might this be a good thing? Because the investment was made in building and tuning a single output. Many DACs have inputs that go unused and, whether we take advantage of them or not, they add to the cost of the build raising the amount paid by the consumer. It does, however, have an I2S output that will serve as a means to connect to future equipment that Firestone has coming down the pike.
Specs from Firestone's website seem to indicate that they did, in fact, aim to utilize quality components:
| [size=9pt]Amplifier Structure : Low pass filter with 2Vrms output[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Power Structure : High frequency switching DC-DC regulator [/size] |
| [size=9pt]USB Support Format :[/size] |
| [size=9pt]16 Bit : 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz / 176.4kHz / 192kHz[/size] |
| [size=9pt]24 Bit : 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz / 176.4kHz / 192kHz[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Digital Interface : Direct I2S data format transmission (MAX support up to 192kHz-24bit over 1 meter CAT-5E cable)[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Operation Mode : Support Adaptive and Asynchronous mode for audio stream transmission[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Circuit Protect : Output short / over current protect[/size] |
| [size=9pt]DAC Chip : WOLFSON - WM8740[/size] |
| [size=9pt]USB Chip : TENOR - TE8802[/size] |
| [size=9pt]LPF OP : NS - LM4562[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Audio Performance (1kHz sine wave, 2Vrms output, 24-bit / 48kHz) USB Input[/size] |
| [size=9pt]dB-Weighed Frequency response (From 40Hz to 15kHz) : 40Hz +0.02dB, 15kHz -0.12dB[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Total frequency response is of course much wider from < 20Hz till far over 20khz[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Noise level (1kHz, A-Weighted) : -106.7dB[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Dynamic range (1kHz, A-Weighted) : 106.7dB[/size] |
| [size=9pt]THD% : 0.012%[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Stereo crosstalk : -102.7dB[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Housing dimensions : 117 x 80 x 50 mm (D x W x H). Housing only without parts 'sticking out' like connector parts, swithes, etc.[/size] |
| [size=9pt]Weight : 286 gram (without the external power supply)[/size] |
Searching has uncovered only one Head-Fier who has had the chance to audition it so far:
Quote:
Soundstage (of the TrueHarmonix DA&T U2) is not especially large, especially compared to Firestone Audio's new ILoveTW asynchronous 24/192 DAC (the ILoveTW has a very large soundstage, almost too large to be true to source).
When asked by another member for further impressions...
Quote:
The I <3 TW DAC is pretty good; you can look for reviews in Chinese on sites like mobile01.com and andaudio.com.
It uses the same housing as the other cute series products, so if you have existing ones, it'll fit well cosmetically, although personally I think the housing is a bit ugly. Word is that Firestone is using this machine as more of a proof of concept rather than a long-term release product, and that it makes the DAC at either zero profit or at a loss.
Firestone definitely put all the money into the DAC. For starters, it uses a bespoke Galaxy Tenor TE8802 chip as a USB receiver. Most budget 24/192 DACs use the Tenor TE7022 or some variant of that chip. The new chip is what enables the asynchronous USB transfer mode, which needs to be enabled through a toggle switch within the circuit board. Users also need to download a custom driver (currently only available for 32-bit OSes) that allows ASIO output asynchronously over foobar or whatever else you use. At the front, there are indicator lights telling you what sample rate and bit depth the DAC is receiving.
When I auditioned the DAC, I thought that it definitely was very airy and transparent, a definite step up over the Audinst. It's designed as a DAC with very high cost/performance ratio, and most people who have auditioned it agree. Unfortunately, I can't really tell you how it compares against other asynchronous 24/192 DACs for I have not heard any. I'll try to audition the Benchmark DAC1 when I have the time.
The Mobile01 and AndAudio reviews referred to in the above can be found here and here... complete with horrible Google translation! (if anyone knows of a better way to translate these pages please make it known) Interestingly, the impressions from the second link also describe a large soundstage. For those like me that are currently restricted to closed 'phones, this could prove desirable.
Other links with impressions are here, ("giant killer") here, (looks like more updates are forthcoming) here, (a 5 star review from a customer who also owns Stax components, a K1000, and an HD800... hardly a novice) and here, ("The computer audiophile on a budget just got another reason to smile")
Since finding the i♡TW locally is out of the question and I'd like to give it a go, I'm considering purchasing from an e-tailer with a good return policy. (?) In the meantime, has anyone else heard one of these yet? General thoughts?