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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]Introducing the updated
Sabre 9018 USB DAC from [/color]
HiFime[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)].[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]Product Link: [/color]
http://hifimediy.com/Sabre-9018-DAC
~ All Photos Taken By Me ~[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]**Dislaimer - I was provided a sample of the Sabre 9018 USB DAC from HiFime in return for an honest review**[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]*Features*[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]- Sabre ES9018k2m DAC chip and SABRE9601 headphone and line out driver, SA9023 USB receiver chip[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]- Works and sound great with most headphone (including low impedance IEM and high impedance headphones) and all line level devices (preamps, amplifiers)[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]- Accepts 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz inputs files @16 and 24 bit.[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]- Volume controlled by computer vol +/- keys[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]- Ultra low noise regulator LP5907 with added noise reducing aluminium solid capacitors (NCC PSF series)[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]- Patented Time Domain Jitter Eliminator (by ESS Technologies)[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]- Optical output[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]- No drivers required! Optional Windows ASIO drivers available[/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]*Specifications*[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]122dB SNR 110dB THD+N: 2V rms @ 600 ohm load[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]100dB THD+N: 30mW @ 32 ohm load[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]No DC blocking capacitors on the output[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]Power usage: 40-80 mA depending on sample rate and volume[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]Dimensions:5.5 x 3.5 x 1.8 cm (without cable)[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]Weight 30g[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]It must be noted that this DAC is purposely designed not support 196k or 384kHz naively, nor does it play DSD files. [/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]HiFime is quick to point out that they do have another product that fills those needs for $21 more: HiFime 9018 Asynchronous High resolution USB DAC: [/color]
http://hifimediy.com/9018-DAC
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]*Build/Design*[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]As you can plainly see, the HiFime Sabre 9018 USB DAC is built to keep the price low and the performance high. That said, this unit has a new and improved body, though it is still a basic plastic shell. There is no volume or bass control, just a straight up DAC/Amp.[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]I found the little DAC to be put together well, with a good strain relief at the USB Cable out. There is one, simple red led light to indicate when you are connected to a source. I noticed this same light proceeds delightfully out of the 3.5mm input, giving it a almost laser like look.[/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]*Use*[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]Tested with multiple windows computers. I found the Sabre 9018 USB DAC was quickly recognized, installed itself and I was on my way, Plug and Play. As an added benefit, there are also optional ASIO Drivers that can be installed as well.[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]The little DAP can also be used with some Android Devices if it matches their
Compatibility List. Unfortunately for me, I did not have any of these items or the matching Android version to test. [/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][Hifime 9018 should work with most Android Lollipop 5.X and above phones.][/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]While the HiFiMe USB DAC can be used with the devices, like the ones I have mentioned above, I found it was most beneficial when used with my ancient Compaq Netbook.[/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]*Sound*[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]The Sabre 9018 is well known in the Audiophile world for its good price to performance ratio. HiFime did well harnessing the power of this chip for use in their USB DAC.[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]When coming from a basic sound card (like the netbook in this review), this seeming little and simple DAC offers a considerable upgrade in sound quality. [/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]For testing, I used [/color]
foobar2000[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)] and [/color]
YouTube[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)].[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]I found output of the USB DAC to be unbiased and accurate. It adds slight bump in soundstage and width. As advertised, floor noise is extremely low, allowing playback to be much soother than stock. [/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]Overall presentation of the HiFiMe DAC is clear and focused. [/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)](
Shown with optional USB Isolator)[/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]*Optional USB Isolator*[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]I had the opportunity to also test out the optional USB Isolator ($29 [/color]
http://hifimediy.com/usb-isolator[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]). The Isolator is not required for use with the Sabre 9018 USB DAC and did not show any benefit when in use with my current desktop. Instead it can be helpful with devices suffering from ground loop problems, like my old netbook and smooth out a slight buzz it was displaying.[/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]*Comparisons*[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]Nothing to see here, please move along. Currently, I really have not tested/owned anything quite like the HiFime Sabre 9018 USB DAC, though I'm well aware that there are many other like it out there.[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]I do have a few products that I will be receiving in a short time that fit in this same category. Once those come in, I will update this section of the review.[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]*Overall Thoughts*[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]As you can see by my "Cons:" list, there really is nothing bad to say about the HiFime Sabre 9018 USB DAC at this price point. For less than $100, it does so well to upgrade older computers. [/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]I also found its small size pairs well with my netbook as both are so easy to take on the go. A mini little audiophile workstation.[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)][/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]For those starting off in the audiophile world or those looking for a simple portable solution, the HiFiMe is an easy recommendation. [/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588)]..[/color]