JohnnyLightOn
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2001
- Posts
- 217
- Likes
- 10
Here are my listening impressions after 10 days of owning the NFB-12:
I'm not using this DAC with headphones due to a persistent case of tinnitus. I bought it exclusively to listen with speakers at work using my computer as the source. The chain is Realtek integrated computer sound (ALC888S) digital output ---> coax cable ---> NFB-12 ---> RCA-XLR cables ---> M-Audio BX-5 Deluxe powered monitors. For software, I use Foobar's WASAPI output at 24 bit with 470ms buffer, and also Windows digital sound at 16 bit 96k for Pandora and system sounds. I listen to many different genres of music.
Both the design and build quality of this unit more than met my expectations. My powered speakers have separate, rear-mounted volume controls, so I needed my DAC to have a variable analog output. The quality volume control on the NFB-12 is a pleasure to use. The case is well built and attractive. I really appreciate the fixed/variable output having the option of being variable/variable (i.e. no fixed output possible) and also not having to open the unit up to set the fixed/variable output jumper. I don't want to flip a front-panel switch by mistake and blow out my speakers and my ears by suddenly having a full-volume signal going to my speakers.
Before the NFB-12, I was satisfied with my computer's sound but in no way did it sound high end. The BX-5a Deluxe speakers have an open, airy sound with slightly emphasized treble (either that or slightly recessed mids) and natural but not deep or powerful bass. I didn't think I could get truly enjoyable sound out of my computer and these speakers before it occurred to me to buy an outboard DAC. Adding an outboard DAC was the best thing I could have done to improve this system, and it is now very satisfying.
With the NFB-12 in the chain, the noise floor is now dead silent, whereas before there was a noticeable hiss all the time, even when no music was playing. I finally have a good stereo image. The instrument separation is excellent and the soundstage is greatly improved. The sound is smooth but detailed enough for music enjoyment. The bass on my system is not any stronger or weaker than before, so I do not believe the NFB-12 emphasizes or reduces the bass. The timbre of the instruments and vocals themselves are tremendously better.
I have the gain switch set to high. On low gain, in my system there was a noticeable lack of PRAT to the point that the sound was bland and boring. Switching the gain to high fixed that immediately; it now has very nice PRAT. Also, in my system, the NFB-12 has a slightly dark character. It is smooth and very listenable for long periods of time, but there's no question that I can hear the slightly dark sound signature of the NFB-12. There's always the risk of having a given component color the sound enough that all music sounds somewhat the same and you end up listening to the component rather than the music. I don't think the NFB-12 crosses into that territory. Its coloration is done very well, almost to the point of being addictive, but I do sometimes notice its character. For those whose systems are already dark, or to get the most neutral sound, I would recommend Edwin's other DACs such as the NFB-11 or the new NFB-5 that has multiple filters to change the sound signature. For my use, especially at this price, I can live with having this one, slightly dark sound signature. In my system, and for non-critical music listening, it's a good match.
As for break-in, I have left the unit on 24/7 for 10 days, and have had music playing through it for about 40 hours. The sound seems to have improved over that time, but I haven't tracked the changes enough to discuss them here.
I can't speak to how the NFB-12 would operate in a headphone system, especially with respect to the soundstage and treble. My system is not revealing enough to evaluate those aspects of its sound.
DHL shipping to Los Angeles was $40, which is about 20% of the cost of the unit itself, but it got here undamaged in four days, so it was worth it to me.
Overall I'm extremely happy with this $239 purchase (delivered price, bought during a promotion that dropped the price by $10).
I'm not using this DAC with headphones due to a persistent case of tinnitus. I bought it exclusively to listen with speakers at work using my computer as the source. The chain is Realtek integrated computer sound (ALC888S) digital output ---> coax cable ---> NFB-12 ---> RCA-XLR cables ---> M-Audio BX-5 Deluxe powered monitors. For software, I use Foobar's WASAPI output at 24 bit with 470ms buffer, and also Windows digital sound at 16 bit 96k for Pandora and system sounds. I listen to many different genres of music.
Both the design and build quality of this unit more than met my expectations. My powered speakers have separate, rear-mounted volume controls, so I needed my DAC to have a variable analog output. The quality volume control on the NFB-12 is a pleasure to use. The case is well built and attractive. I really appreciate the fixed/variable output having the option of being variable/variable (i.e. no fixed output possible) and also not having to open the unit up to set the fixed/variable output jumper. I don't want to flip a front-panel switch by mistake and blow out my speakers and my ears by suddenly having a full-volume signal going to my speakers.
Before the NFB-12, I was satisfied with my computer's sound but in no way did it sound high end. The BX-5a Deluxe speakers have an open, airy sound with slightly emphasized treble (either that or slightly recessed mids) and natural but not deep or powerful bass. I didn't think I could get truly enjoyable sound out of my computer and these speakers before it occurred to me to buy an outboard DAC. Adding an outboard DAC was the best thing I could have done to improve this system, and it is now very satisfying.
With the NFB-12 in the chain, the noise floor is now dead silent, whereas before there was a noticeable hiss all the time, even when no music was playing. I finally have a good stereo image. The instrument separation is excellent and the soundstage is greatly improved. The sound is smooth but detailed enough for music enjoyment. The bass on my system is not any stronger or weaker than before, so I do not believe the NFB-12 emphasizes or reduces the bass. The timbre of the instruments and vocals themselves are tremendously better.
I have the gain switch set to high. On low gain, in my system there was a noticeable lack of PRAT to the point that the sound was bland and boring. Switching the gain to high fixed that immediately; it now has very nice PRAT. Also, in my system, the NFB-12 has a slightly dark character. It is smooth and very listenable for long periods of time, but there's no question that I can hear the slightly dark sound signature of the NFB-12. There's always the risk of having a given component color the sound enough that all music sounds somewhat the same and you end up listening to the component rather than the music. I don't think the NFB-12 crosses into that territory. Its coloration is done very well, almost to the point of being addictive, but I do sometimes notice its character. For those whose systems are already dark, or to get the most neutral sound, I would recommend Edwin's other DACs such as the NFB-11 or the new NFB-5 that has multiple filters to change the sound signature. For my use, especially at this price, I can live with having this one, slightly dark sound signature. In my system, and for non-critical music listening, it's a good match.
As for break-in, I have left the unit on 24/7 for 10 days, and have had music playing through it for about 40 hours. The sound seems to have improved over that time, but I haven't tracked the changes enough to discuss them here.
I can't speak to how the NFB-12 would operate in a headphone system, especially with respect to the soundstage and treble. My system is not revealing enough to evaluate those aspects of its sound.
DHL shipping to Los Angeles was $40, which is about 20% of the cost of the unit itself, but it got here undamaged in four days, so it was worth it to me.
Overall I'm extremely happy with this $239 purchase (delivered price, bought during a promotion that dropped the price by $10).
