iBasso T4 vs. NuForce Icon Mobile

[sugrhigh]

I need something pretty pocketable for when I go to the library and such to study (college kid here) but will still drive the headphones. I will be using one of two set ups....

Code:

[left]iPod Classic -> DIY LOD -> (T4, no DAC) -> Alien Ears IEM -> (Icon, DAC) -> Alien Ears IEM or Macbook Pro -> (T4, no DAC) -> Denon AH-D2000 -> (Icon, DAC) -> Denon AH-D2000[/left]

Obviously, the NuForce has more input/output options because I could choose to use the DAC or not but as far as neutrality and power for driving the Denons (not all that worried about the IEM) which would be better?

 

[Ronald Lee]

well, if you are using with your mac. and you using the ibasso t4, it will be double amp-ing the music in your computer. In other words, amplifier out those "mistake" in your track and making it sound nasty.

For the DAC in nuforce, it will bypass the internal amp of your mac and process through the DAC, making the sound much cleaner and nicer. The T4 will only double amp-ing, thus making it louder in another way rather then have much better improvement.

But, the T4 will be good for portability due to it small and slim design.
Why not you can consider ibasso D3? is a good amp with DAC!

 

[tstarn06]

Not sure if it's the same, but I use the T4 out of my Clip HP out and it definitely enhances the SQ not just the volume with my W3s. Same with the Zune. Anyway, agree that a DAC is better for computer HP out, but when it comes to IEMs, it's hard to beat the T4 for SQ and form factor. I had both, but the Icon Mobile just never seemed like it had much impact at all when used with IEMs, other than to make the highs a bit harsh with me PFEs. Just a view from someone who has had both.

 

[sugrhigh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronald Lee /img/forum/go_quote.gif well, if you are using with your mac. and you using the ibasso t4, it will be double amp-ing the music in your computer. In other words, amplifier out those "mistake" in your track and making it sound nasty. For the DAC in nuforce, it will bypass the internal amp of your mac and process through the DAC, making the sound much cleaner and nicer. The T4 will only double amp-ing, thus making it louder in another way rather then have much better improvement. But, the T4 will be good for portability due to it small and slim design. Why not you can consider ibasso D3? is a good amp with DAC!

Good point, didn't think about the double amping!
And as for the D3, it's a money thing. I know.... you get what you pay for and all that but I am on a limited budget with school and I understand that so I won't let myself get that regret

 

[Scott_Tarlow]

Well I think if you want to the get the best of both worlds, the D2 sounds like it is for you, but that is a little more expensive

 

[tstarn06]

Or the FiiO E7, which is due out soon and is going to have a DAC with a price rumored to be under $50. I think there is a thread on it. A good student amp.

 

[Ronald Lee]

D2 from ibasso? isn't it end of line alr?

well, as a student, i would recommend the nuforce icon mobile, is a good and easy to use amp. i quite like the sound from it. But end up, i opt for iqube! haha

 

[Joe91]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronald Lee /img/forum/go_quote.gif D2 from ibasso? isn't it end of line alr?

Where did you hear this? Interested as I'm looking to buy a D2 pretty soon.

When it was updated as out of stock on their site a week or so ago I contacted them and they said it would be back in about 2 weeks.

 

[Scott_Tarlow]

Yea I just sold off my d2, and just ordered a Pico

 

[Ronald Lee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe91 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Where did you hear this? Interested as I'm looking to buy a D2 pretty soon. When it was updated as out of stock on their site a week or so ago I contacted them and they said it would be back in about 2 weeks.

i heard from my local distributor that it's no longer in the market already

 

[Joe91]

Well, after contacting iBasso about it:

Quote:

We are not going to develop new products to replace the D2. But we will add the line out function to the next version.

 

[Ronald Lee]

hmmmmm, sound strange. haha, well, at least the D2 is coming out with something new? as in an improvement. great!