[Falconetti]

  I believe the cheapest $399 PCM5102 does not allow for swapping, or at least it didn't initially. The 449$ WM4841 doesn't seem to be available anymore, so the $499 ES9018 is the one that certainly allows it... Not sure about the PCM one but I really do believe that there's a slightly different design and thereby does not allow DAC swapping... But I may be wrong.

Ok thank you for your input!

 

[conquerator2]

 
Ok thank you for your input!

Sure, no problem!
Best to directly ask Kingwa about it.
He's very friendly and responds fast, even if his English is a bit basic. The important always gets through 

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Planning to buy T70 or T90 headphones paired with the Compass 2.
 
Go with the ES9018 version and try WM8741 later, or vice versa ?

 
I've all ways understood the dual WM8741s DAC to be a little more musical and the Sabre DAC a little more detailed.
But I've only listened to the dual WM8741 (in my NFB-15.32).

 

[Falconetti]

   
I've all ways understood the dual WM8741s DAC to be a little more musical and the Sabre DAC a little more detailed.
But I've only listened to the dual WM8741 (in my NFB-15.32).

 
Yup, that what I've been told. But I think the advice cel4145 gave pretty much hit the nail on the head for me.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/737734/soundcard-dac-headphones-for-pc-gaming-and-movies/90#post_10972594

 

[KamijoIsMyHero]

You can swap the dac in the 384, it was marketed that way

 

[Falconetti]

You can swap the dac in the 384, it was marketed that way

So are there any other differences between the two except for the DA modules?

 

[KamijoIsMyHero]

Maybe some slight differences in sound, I concluded there wasn't much when I asked the same question myself before choosing the 384

 

[Falconetti]

Maybe some slight differences in sound, I concluded there wasn't much when I asked the same question myself before choosing the 384

 
Then it would seem to be pretty pointless to pay 499 USD for the 9018 and only get the ESS module, when you could get the 384 including all modules for 449 USD, if additional DA modules go for 25 USD that is.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

I would err on the side of caution and choose the warmer flavors, since I felt the Sabre to be a bit lean and analytical. I prefer musical and thicker. Too bad about wolfson versions no longer being sold.

 

[Falconetti]

I would err on the side of caution and choose the warmer flavors, since I felt the Sabre to be a bit lean and analytical. I prefer musical and thicker. Too bad about wolfson versions no longer being sold.

 
Im kinda aiming for the NFB-11 right now, you think I would be better of going for NFB-15 paired with the T70 headphones?

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

Beyers tend to be bright, so yes. The warmer NFB15 should be a better match, IMHO.

 

[Falconetti]

Beyers tend to be bright, so yes. The warmer NFB15 should be a better match, IMHO.

 
But isn't it better to have an amp that is more accurate and then try to find a headphone that matches it? The NFB-11 is supposed to be more detailed and accurate then the NFB-15, right?

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

I had a Compass 2 with sabre es9018 dac. Yes, it was neutral, but it lacked musicality. I still preferred my much older NFB5. To me, I would prefer things stay on the warm side rather than dealing with dry, analytical sound. So even if a headphone is warm, adding warmth is fine for me. But when you have a dry headphone with something as dry and analytical as the Sabre equipped Compass 2, it feels lacking for my tastes.

I spent $600+ for my Compass 2 with all the bells and whistles, and I was still missing the slight warmth of the NFB5.

 

[Falconetti]

I had a Compass 2 with sabre es9018 dac. Yes, it was neutral, but it lacked musicality. I still preferred my much older NFB5. To me, I would prefer things stay on the warm side rather than dealing with dry, analytical sound. So even if a headphone is warm, adding warmth is fine for me. But when you have a dry headphone with something as dry and analytical as the Sabre equipped Compass 2, it feels lacking for my tastes.

I spent $600+ for my Compass 2 with all the bells and whistles, and I was still missing the slight warmth of the NFB5.

 
Maybe I should get a STXII instead and call it a day?

 

[jodgey4]

I like the Sabre sound, it adds nothing nor takes away anything from the music, you hear it as the producer intended. The STX might be a good value and give you more time to decide what you want.