Quote:   Well, I did not volume match precisely with an SPL meter or a multimeter to measure 1Khz sinewave output, but I did this:         Once again, nothing scientific, and hopefully when I have some time later I'd like to do a volume matched comparison too.

Quote:   Whatever Kingwa did to change the sound from Ref 7 to Ref 7.1... it was all in the right direction, as far as I am concerned.  Although I am surprised how the Ref 1 tonally sounds closer to the Ref 7.1 than the Ref 7... in my early assessment, the Ref 1 upgraded to the DSP v5 is...

Quote:   That's very interesting - I'd love to one day compare the NFB-7 with the Ref series gear...    But what's interesting is how I found the tone (especially evident in female vocals) to be similar between the NFB-1 and the Ref 7. Perhaps it's because the two use the same analog...

Quote:   I haven't had a chance to compare the NFB-1WM with the others, but so far my preference is as follows: Ref 7.1 > Ref 1 > Ref 7 > NFB-1ES.         Given that the digital stage is very similar and the DSP versions are the same, It must be just a different analog stage...

You're right, if my goal was to compare ESS Sabre vs PCM1074 the NFB-7/7.1 would have been the proper choice. However my goal was to compare the variations among the Ref series DACs and the NFB was just thrown in there since the SPDIF splitter and input selector both had 4 ports. :) I actually...

Just spent some time comparing the sound of direct connection to the DAC vs through the Mini-Circuits 75ohm splitter, and I can confirm that there are no audible differences. 

Also I should note - the differences are quite subtle and even the negatives are only on a relative basis and exaggerated to get the point across. They're all excellent DACs that produce superb sound... none of them produce "bad" sound. 

Kingwa - I believe the BNC splitter used is a proper 75ohm splitter, check out the datasheet here:   http://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/ZSC-4-1-75+.pdf   What do you think? I don't hear an obvious degradation in sound due to the 75ohm splitter in place...

Shoot, I wrote a lengthy initial impressions message and I accidentally went into Chrome developer/debug mode and the whole thing disappeared...    So, here's a much shorter version. Compared the NFB-1ES with the three Ref series DACs through the Master 5 driving HD-800 headphones.   1...

The Master 7 couldn't join the party, but here goes!     From left to right...   Phoenix, new version (click buttons and 3 feet) Phoenix, old version (rotary dials and 4 feet) On top of the Phoenixes: NFB-1WM   Modified Reference 1 with DSP v5 at the bottom Reference 7...

Thanks! So looks like I'll have the Ref 1, 7, and 7.1 together at the same time... the 7 and 7.1 being stock and all three running DSP v5. :) So much comparing to do!

Modified Reference 1 now completed and on its way! Thanks to Kingwa and his team! (Click for larger images.)   1. Note the toggle switch on the front panel that selects among SPDIF, USB, and I2S:   2. New additions to the rear panel, very clean:   3. Inside, you can see the...

A quick update here. I ordered and just received the I2S input mod kit from Kingwa. Basically, here is the kit with details (click image for higher res):     So, this little board allows for two extra selectable I2S inputs in addition to preserving the original I2S line.   The...

Any original Ref 5 owners thinking of upgrading and letting go of the old one? :)

Quote:   I agree with you wholeheartedly on his reputation and trusting him - and that he's really an honest person. These days I exchange multiple emails with him almost on a daily basis about nitty gritty questions about his products and he's always quick to respond with detailed...