Quote:
Filters: apparently not, as they do not use filters to their more expensive ES9018 dacs
By the way, the filters in their Wolfson dacs are practically indistinguishable to me
NFB-11 somewhat thinner and more detailed
NFB-15 somewhat warmer and more forgiving to bad recordings
I own the 15.1 and I agree about the filters being nearly indistinguishable.
With that said, my NFB 15.1 has channel imbalance - left side noticeably louder. I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down to the amp section, since when I use it as a DAC out to other amps the imbalance is gone. So I'm thinking of either grabbing a new 15.32, 11.32, or a Schiit Stack (A2 / Bifrost). The Schiit stack appeals to me...but it's quite a bit more expensive than the Audio-GD gear. Anyone who's owned Schiit
and Audio-GD gear, please comment!
I'm definitely intrigued by the 11.32, but I wanted to ask folks on this thread if they feel the 11.32
lacks bass quantity? How about bass extension - does it extend well, or does it seem to roll off? Would you folks say the 11.32 is an actual bright amp / DAC, or are other amps / DACs out there generally warmer than neutral?
I like the 15.1. Have no problems with it except the imbalance. But, if I was going to "upgrade", I would want greater separation, clarity, black space - but a smooth sound is important; I don't want added etch or unneeded brightness.
Any comments / suggestions about which of these routes to take is greatly appreciated.
1) NFB-15.32 (~$290 after shipping / TCXO)
2) NFB-11.32 (~$375 after shipping / TCXO)
3) Schiit Asgard 2 / Bifrost (~$770 w/ Bifrost Uber & USB)