DAC+Amp recommendation for Ether C Flow

[econsumer666]

Can anyone recommend a DAC+Amp unit with (preferably with a remote) for Ether C Flow SYMMETRICAL? I've been looking at Oppo HA-1 which seems like the greatest looking unit on the market with amazing feature set an a remote control however I've read that the pairing with the Ethers is too bright and thin...
 
Thanks

 

[Wyd4]

I haven't heard the DAC in the ha1, I have heard the amp side balanced fed from an opus2 with my ether and I thought it sounded fantastic.

I am using my ether c with an idsd micro and find it great but I get the impression you are after something a little more significant.

 

[econsumer666]

Thanks for your input! I can hardly imagine that the DAC in the Oppo is worse than the one in a DAP. I am somewhat afraid that it will sound steril, cause i have a feeling that the ether c flow could have a little more weight for vocals. However do DACs really sound different...? Such a sexy unit, this oppo-thing kinda don't see an alternative for it at all.

 

[Scythe1]

How about an Audio-GD NFB-28?  That's what I'm getting at least.

 

[econsumer666]

  How about an Audio-GD NFB-28?  That's what I'm getting at least.

 
Yeah it's high on my list. I'm somewhat perplexed, because Kingwa from Audio GD says that if you want symmetrical, you sould bey NFB-28 and if you want not symmetrical you should buy NFB-29, which i don't really understand. Kinda don't want to make a compromise with non-symmetrical and NFB-28...

 

[Scythe1]

He is probably referring to the fact that the nfb-28 has balanced xlr inputs. The nfb-29 is just a higher powered 1/4 input.

 

[econsumer666]

So is symmetrical on NFB-29 underpowered? I wanted an all-in-one box for any headphone, I'll be using some with symmetrical and some with single and which one should i get in this case or is it all just a compromise.. Or another way to formulate it: what all-in-one dac/amp box will give me the sound of equal quality in symmetrical and not symmetrical...

 

[Scythe1]

Forget about symetrical. All you have to adk yourself is if you intend to use balanced cables or not. That being said, I still think the nfb-28 is right for you if you want a more future proofed setup.

By the way, the Ether C Flows can be used with balanced cables.

 

[econsumer666]

Yeah, I have it balanced that's why I was looking for a future proof all in one solution for real balanced mode...
But If i also have say a pair of cans not balanced, will I be missing much on NFB-28 in comparison with NFB-29?

 

[Scythe1]

No you won't. That extra power is nominal. I went through this exact same dilemna a week ago. The nfb-28 checked out with everything i wanted:
Balanced xlr input
Good enough 1/4 input
Balanced xlr input x2 (for powered speakers)
Some rca inputs for w/e

 

[econsumer666]

Ok thanks mate, how do you like the sound if nfb 28? Is it not too steril with the ethers?

 

[Scythe1]

I'll have to get back to you in a few days.  Audio-GD just contacted me this morning saying my unit has shipped.

 

[econsumer666]

  I'll have to get back to you in a few days.  Audio-GD just contacted me this morning saying my unit has shipped.

 
Thanks! Absolutely looking forward to your impressions.

 

[kvn864]

I am also is trying to figure out what to get, NFB-28 or NFB-29, all of my cans are single ended, I honestly don't see the point of balanced setup, but both amps have balanced and single outputs. I am not after more power, I tend to listen on lower volumes. Just not sure what to pick among the four: NFB 28.28 28.38,
NFB 29.28 29.38
Does Sabre ES9038Pro have any sizable benefit over Sabre ES9028Pro?
ANd yes, also looking forward to a feedback
Thank you gents

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

Can anyone recommend a DAC+Amp unit with (preferably with a remote) for Ether C Flow SYMMETRICAL? I've been looking at Oppo HA-1 which seems like the greatest looking unit on the market with amazing feature set an a remote control however I've read that the pairing with the Ethers is too bright and thin...

Thanks

Keces S3 fits the bill and is what I used when I borrowed the Ether Flow for a while for review. It's a little smoother and more refined than the Oppo HA-1 and has plenty of power for the Ether Flow.

I always wanted the HA-1 as it has analogue and digital inputs, but when I got the Keces, my longing for the HA-1 went away immediately. The Keces sounds quite a bit better in my opinion.

The Keces S3 has a remote, and is an awesome unit.