Thank you, Nigel. I give you partial credit for the good words and experience you conveyed throughout. I originally wanted the NFB 7.32 but couldn't come up with the dough. I don't feel that the 1.32 is too much of a compromise though and can't wait for full burn-in to take effect so I can sit...

Hi all, New AGD NFB 1.32 owner here. Just took delivery of the unit with TCXO x2 upgrade and upgraded OCC wiring ($15) last week and is currently burning in 24/7 with Isotek Burn-in CD via coxial RCA. Had a brief listening session with lots of household noise last night after about 80hrs of...

Thanks guys for your impressions. Much appreciated. Kenobi

mwindham08, If you don't mind, can you share with us what your impression is with this fabulous DAC? I am on the fence and like to hear thoughts from actual owners. Thanks in advance, Kenobi

Thanks much for the write up.  Very thorough and comprehensive.   Much appreciated,   Kenobi

Quote: Same here.  This disty definitely has their preference/bias on this one.  They don't even rate the Ref 7 that high among their DACs when I last inquired.  I think I'll go direct instead.   Kenobi  

Has anybody seen the comparison here pitting the Ref 7 with the Resolution Audio Cantana ($6K) and the Prism Sound Orpheus ($4.5K)?    http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Heads-DAC-not-mentioned-much-here   Have fun reading,   Kenobi

I am curious to find out if it is in the same league as the Ref 7 but of a different sound signature due to the different DAC chips involved.  I hope it is on par with a slightly "younger" sound to the singer as previously described.  Also, if the NFB 8 is any good as well.  Those with...

SP Wild,   Thanks very much for your impression of the Ref 7.  It is detailed, analytical and well put in the various scenarios you put it through.  Above all its technical accomplishments, its great to know that it is indeed musical.  Hope you'll continue to provide feedback as it further...

Denys,   I thought the ref 9 is obsolete.  Please correct me if need be.   Thanks,   Kenobi

Thank you so much, Silvercan for the info.  It is much appreciated.   Kenobi

Daniel,   That is good news indeed.  Please let us know how you like it once have it in your system.  I can only be an envious spectator now that its no longer available.  Looking at the NFB-1 as an option now.   Best regards,   Kenobi

vrln,   Thanks for the correction and input on NFB-1.  Curious how much of a surcharge to go with the OCC wiring upgrade just so I don't have to mess with it myself.   Regards,   Kenobi

vrln,   Thanks for the correction and good news.  So, now its between the Ref 5 and the NFB1....   Kenobi   Quote:

Thank you for the update oqvist.  Unfortunately, the Ref 9 along with other utilizing the 1704 are no longer available.  So, I'll have to look at the NFB-1 now instead.   Daniel: I do hope you got your order in on time for them to build what could be the very last piece of this DAC.  ...

Borrego,   Thank you much for the positive response.  Good to hear that it is wide spectrum, non top-end emphasis.  I am now pretty much set on the NFB-1 now.  Thanks for pointing out another postive attribute regarding the Sabre chip-- immunity to quality of digital cabling, although I do...

Hi Borrego,   Thanks for the update.  I was orignally looking at the Ref 5 and Ref 9 but now these options are gone since the 1704 chips are obsolete and depleted.  Do you ever have to worry about the NGB-1's top-end being overly detailed/sharp/prominent as this could be the case for the...

I played around with the BC DAC 3 for a few weeks but ultimately didn't like it for its lack of musicality in my all solid state gears.  Perhaps, it would work better with a warmish set up.  I'm looking at the AGD offerings now myself.    Kenobi

OQvist,   Knowing what you know now about the Ref 9 as well as other options, will you order this again if you hadn't?  I'm still on the fence between Ref 9, Ref 5 and NFB1.   Thanks in advance,   Kenobi

Thanks in advance, minusthetom. Will be looking forward to your feedback. Regards, Kenobi

ChroniCali: Please post your impression should you decide to pull the trigger. Thanks, Kenobi

Hello Phil, Pat, Bill and others, I am happy we have this new post to get back to mod and enjoying of this nice little DAC. Hoping to learn more and be brave enough to do some mods when the time comes. Please keep up the great work all! Regards, Kenobi

Hi, I have two Valab DACS, one Christmas 08 series and the other, the new 09 revised board series. Both worked as advertised w/o a hitch and oh so musical. I am alternating between optical and coaxial and both sound wonderful if slightly different. Have not tried USB at this point. A friend...

Hi Zardos, Thanks for your feedback on this unit. I've been tempted to try and might just do it. Regards, Kenobi

I recommend the Valab NOS DAC as discussed here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f7/val...ssions-378459/. Very analog-like, with great detail, transparency and gets out of the way. In my system, this killed the Bel Canto Dac 3 for musicality. Kenobi