bigshot
Headphoneus Supremus
That's kind of true of most modern home audio electronics... if it sounds clearly different, odds are it's broken.
Even for these, they have to be pretty much fundamentally broken to be distinguishable in a blind test. I am talking about SINADs of 50 dB or even lower, and that's depending on the power they are providing and the level you are listening to music because distortion detection is affected by the volume you listen.
It makes a difference in reactive loads (and the level of difference depends on the specific impedance curve of the transducer), resistive loads do not change FR when connected to variable or high output z, so it would depend on the load.Output impedance. That's all really - just this one parameter makes a bigger difference than any other metric I can think of in at the top of my head.
It makes a difference in reactive loads (and the level of difference depends on the specific impedance curve of the transducer), resistive loads do not change FR when connected to variable or high output z, so it would depend on the load.
That's just using the wrong tool for the wrong purpose. Like using a straight head screwdriver on a hex screw. With proper impedances the amp wouldn't be a problem. It's a broken way of using an amp.
I've tried to use a straight screwdriver on phillips head. How is that?
I have no idea how they sound, and maybe all you say is justified. But we can't rule out some severe issues with your experience.A little bit old thread, but i want to add the information about my experience with upgrading my Bifrost 1 to Unison USB (from GEN5) for the people searching for some informations in this regard.
I have to say i expected little to none difference because i thought GEN5 is good solution and i had no problem with it. I am suprised how much audible difference there is. The sound is more smooth now with a lot less harshness (i didnt realize it is there), its more organic and fluid, more analog character. Now i can turn the volume much higher without fatique I had before. I use Bifrost with Valhalla 2 and T1.1. Unison USB also changed my tubes preferences. I dont know if there was some problem with GEN5 or not, but difference is really audible. Maybe there are some negatives - its about audio setup synergy. I miss the sharpness of GEN5 sometimes (I dont know why but i prefered playing Yes albums with the GEN 5. Thats my 2 cents.
I did installation myself, so there was about an 1/2 hour between listening. I know about expectation bias a lot, thats the reason I am sceptical about my perception in audio stuff and my memory. But this time it is obvious, I am not deaf. I dont know if this upgrade worth $150, for me, it is as a hobby i dont measure with money, it was my choice and i did that even with expectation of little to none sound difference - just for my curiosity. Still have both cards, swap is easy, could be done even faster (without reassemble). But 1/2 hour was really enough Its obvious that i am curious why it is possible - really didnt expect it.I have no idea how they sound, and maybe all you say is justified. But we can't rule out some severe issues with your experience.
In term of initial bias, if you really expected little to no difference, why waste 200$ on it, and bother with packing the DAC, sending it back and waiting for it to come back?
Then there is the lack of opportunity to make any sort of direct comparison. That's a big flaw in a listening experience.
Again, that alone does not demonstrate everything you feel is imagined or poorly remembered. And ultimately, if you're enjoying your system even more for whatever reason, that's a pretty cool ending for you. But it's very hard for me and I'm sure for many others, to put much confidence into this testimony.