maricius
500+ Head-Fier
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- Oct 11, 2013
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Quite a shame these STILL aren't getting any recognition. It's not that they're lower performing but it seems ALO has no existing promotion for these.
The problem is that the same price can buy you a lot more than an USB DAC stick with only line-out these days. It needs a big price slash to make more sense.
I'm strongly considering the ALO 'The Key' DAC as an upgrade to my Hifimediy Sabre (ESS9023 chip) DAC.
There are a couple other implementations of the PCM5102A chip that have my interest as well, including...
Stoner Acoustic UD 110v2
M2Tech hiFace DAC
I'm also considering the Geek Out DAC by Light Harmonics.
Since I will be powering desktop speakers with a T-amp, would anyone care to offer a guess as to what some of the 'sonic' differences may be between these three DACs?
Don't take my word for it as this all based on what I've read. All mentioned sound better than th Stoner Acoustic DAC due to better implementation. The Geek Out has better technicalities than the M2Tech (check out the M2Tech thread). Nothing about The Key though.
Also check out the iFi nano iDSD!! A lot of people prefer it over the Geek Out. Check out the iDSD Nano review at Audiostream.com!!
I did some reading on the iDSD nano and now it's in the running, doh. One think, I assume, the Key lacks is the ability to play DSD/DXD, which is not of much concern now, but may be in the near future as more material is released.
Three Dacs I'm now considering are:
iFi Nano iDSD
Geek Out 450
ALO The Key
I'll be using a separate amp, so I'm hoping there won't be any issues with the Geek out and iDSD's having internal headphone amps (I'll be using a 3.5mm jack).
The review at computer audiophile looks good too! http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/review-portable-universal-serial-bus-industry-standard-cables-connectors-and-communications-protocols-between-computers-and-electronic-devices-dacs-audioquest-dragonfly-meridian-explorer-director-ifi-idac-idsd-geek-out-pulse-19272/index3.html
Anyone could confirm if the 'The Key' works on an iPhone 5 with the lightning to USB kit? [ http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD821ZM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter ]
Someone could please test and report on this thread please? Please specify your iOS version.
Thanks!
It doesn't look like anyone answered this one so I'll throw it back out there: Does The Key work with iPhone 5 and lightning to USB adapter? Thanks!
Yes.