[artoist]

   For some time I have a set of Audio_GD: / headphone amp. - Phoenix / + Reference 5 DAC  / DF Version /  
DAC is connected to a PC through a USB port.
 
   I'm thinking about purchasing the Digital Interface by Audio_GD or  product M2tech - Hiface? ... and I can connect to my Reference 5 to  Xonar Essence ST / by coax /?


 
I have headphones:  Sennheiser HD650 and HD800.
Please any advice how to improve the sound of my DAC.

Art

 

[tim3320070]

Have you tried both the coax and the usb, does one sound better than the other?
In any case, the DI subtly (but noticeably) improves the standard USB input from my experience.

 

[Denys]

Quote:

Have you tried both the coax and the usb, does one sound better than the other?
In any case, the DI subtly (but noticeably) improves the standard USB input from my experience.

 Same thing here... I own the REF5 as well as the NFB8 and I added the DI on both DAC and I noticed a sound improvement. Even my daughter who did not know I added a DI in the living room asked me if I changed something because "It doesn't sound the same". To me, it's significant enough, because it came from someone who did not try to hear a difference in the sound...She liked the "new sound".
 
Denys

 

[thebathingape]

I was hoping that that I wouldn't need the DI since I am very happy with the USB on the NFB-8.
I think it is better than with my Xonar D2X->coax (which was better than my old Cambridge Magic connected with on coax vs usb). The Xonar->coax sounds more hot and stressed. The usb on NFG-8 sounds more right in rythm and pace, with a blacker background.
 
Overall I am really really happy with the NFB-8. Still burning in but one thing I noticed is that now I play everything at much lower volume and hear much more sound/detail. It is a big upgrade for me in overall sound.
 
So DI on shopping list then

 

[artoist]

... but You're thinking - that DI will be better choice than Hiface... ? 

 

[thebathingape]

I haven't been thinking of buying Hiface no . I am worried about slow driver updates etc which I have been burnt by before (don't know if this is any issue with Hiface but with my Musiland it was abit of a hit and miss).
A-gd hasn't let me down yet so I wouldn't mind testing some more of their gear. Especially that Master-5.

 

[tim3320070]

The NFB8 needs something better than the internal USB- whether it be the DI (my recommendation) or something of equal quality. It is an improvement worthy of the investment you've made IMO. Many have commented that the HiFace is bright-ish sounding. Maybe that's good for some tastes or systems. Yes, I am biased towards AGD equipment.

 

[thebathingape]

Quote:

The NFB8 needs something better than the internal USB- whether it be the DI (my recommendation) or something of equal quality. It is an improvement worthy of the investment you've made IMO. Many have commented that the HiFace is bright-ish sounding. Maybe that's good for some tastes or systems. Yes, I am biased towards AGD equipment.

Thanks for the info. I will check it out

 

[Denys]

Quote:

... but You're thinking - that DI will be better choice than Hiface... ? 

I had the Hiface....although it's a very good choice, the DI is superior. Choose the BNC connection if you purchase it. The $22 cable sold by Audio-GD is worth it.
 
Denys