DAC/Amp combo. FUBAR III or iBasso D1?

[indysmith]

Which is the better one? I'm leaning towards the D1, as it is far more versatile (i.e. has loads of inputs, and rechargeable batteries so can be used anywhere with near-enough anything). Also the D1 seems to be far more highly regarded on this forum.
However, the Firestone FUBAR III is prettier (because that matters

), and seems like a very solidly built alternative.

Basically I think I'm going for the D1, I just want you guys to reassure me that I'm making the right choice, and there's no better deals out there around this price that I've missed.

EDIT: ALSO how do you think each of these amps will sound with my SR80s. Will they suit? I do realise there is a dedicated D1 thread, and I'm sorry for making another one but i really don't have time to trawl through 200+ pages to find the information i need!

 

[wkwlb]

At this price range Leckerton UHA-3 would be a good choice as well... Poor man's pico, LOL

 

[indysmith]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wkwlb /img/forum/go_quote.gif At this price range Leckerton UHA-3 would be a good choice as well... Poor man's pico, LOL

Doesn't have anywhere near the range of options the iBasso does though...
If anyone has tried the iBasso, the Leckerton, or the Firestone, could they please give a quick summation of their good/bad points? thx

 

[musicmaker]

What is your source btw ? PC, DAP ?

I have an iBasso D1.

Pros
- Numerous input options (optical, coax, USB inputs to DAC)
- Excellent sounding DAC
- Battery powered, rechargeable and good battery life
- Opamps can be rolled to tailor the sound
- Excellent Price/performance
- Backed by a company with phenomenal service

Cons
- The amp portion is ok, not bad by any means but not great IMO even with upgraded opamps. It still sounds good, just not as good as some of my other dedicated amps.

All in all, the D1 is hard to beat for the price. You will be happy with it.

 

[Capunk]

iBasso D1. x2
Basically Musicmaker already specified everything about it.

 

[littletree76]

Quote:

Originally Posted by indysmith /img/forum/go_quote.gif Which is the better one? I'm leaning towards the D1, as it is far more versatile (i.e. has loads of inputs, and rechargeable batteries so can be used anywhere with near-enough anything). Also the D1 seems to be far more highly regarded on this forum. However, the Firestone FUBAR III is prettier (because that matters ), and seems like a very solidly built alternative.

I have both to work with my 20" aluminum iMac, BeyerDynamics DT880 headphone and Aego-M speaker. Both handle headphone and line-out differently.

Whenever input or output connection must be changed on D1, you have to make reconnection among multiple inputs and outputs before recycling power to allow built-in micro-controller to detect and select input/output properly based on predefined priority. With toslink connected between iMac and D1 (same configuration works with your MacBook), it is impossible to have signal output simultaneously for both headphone and line-out (speaker) as headphone output will be muted by the controller. Thus reconnection and power recycle on D1 is necessary whenever you have to switch between speaker and headphone.

FubarIII always maintains signal outputs at both headphone and line-out outputs and it has only one USB digital input, thus selection among multiple inputs/outputs is not necessary and all connections can be permanent.

As far as headphone amplifier section is concerned, both provide decent sound quality but definitely not as great as my Xin SuperMini IV dedicated headphone amplifier (just sold and to be replaced by Xin Reference or iBasso D2). Both are able to drive 250 ohm headphone very well and should not have any problem with headphone of lower input impedance. Note FubarIII does not have any line-in analog input to work with outputs of portable players such as iPod and USB digital interface is mostly supported by computer but not audio equipments. In other words, it has very restricted input as compared with multiple inputs of D1.

FubarIII is developed and made by Firestone based in Taiwan whereas D1 is developed and made by iBasso based in China. Thus D1 costs less than FubarIII particularly when matching power supply unit is purchased together with FubarIII.

 

[oicdn]

D1...do a search for a thread started by me about the D1 vs a Petite, as well as the D1 vs. the Voyager.....D1 gets my vote.

That said, I haven't heard a Fubar III, but the D1 is GREAT with the rolled opamps (depending on configuration of course)....

 

[Downer]

Quote:

D1...do a search for a thread started by me about the D1 vs a Petite, as well as the D1 vs. the Voyager.....D1 gets my vote. That said, I haven't heard a Fubar III, but the D1 is GREAT with the rolled opamps (depending on configuration of course)....

Does iBasso sell moded D1s or any other place ?