So... Finally got the chance to visit the local Audio-gd distributor, and listen to the Master 9, NFB-27, and both the NFB-11 and 15.
Had a lot of fun and positive impressions doing so, but before I dive into my
rant review, I'd like to say that I am by no means an audiophile, so those of you who are would have to forgive any inaccuracies that you might notice. Despite that, I've made a point to be as objective and down to earth as I could, and with that said, here's what I've learned:
First I've listened to the more expensive Master 9 and the NFB-27, but I'll begin with the NFB-15 and 11 first, as those are the ones that I have the most to say about. What I should also note is that I've had no way of comparing them to either a smartphone (LG G3) nor a laptop for reference, which could've made the difference in the performance more apparent. But to get a little ahead of myself, I think I'll have enough opportunities to do that with my own unit.
The NFB-11 was too bright with my K7XX, and lacked that joy factor everyone seem to talk about. The NFB-15 definitely wasn't as detailed, but was much more dynamic, so to speak. It really gave me the feeling that what I was hearing is a dedicated audio equipment, as opposed to the more analytical and bright NFB-11, which sounded dry in comparison. With the NFB-11 I constantly wanted to turn the volume knob higher, but couldn't because the highs were making my ears hurt.
The NFB-27 did not have that effect, despite being based on the same DAC chip, but I would be surprised if that wasn't the case, given the price. There was much more difference between the NFB-15 and 11 though, the 27 still had the Sabre's characteristic sound, only it sounded more refined and balanced, simply put.
Won't say much about the Master, as I think what I was hearing was more attributable to the DAC than the amp.
After that I've had the pleasure to listen to a russian Desireless "Voyage Voyage" cover on a turnable that he had, which probably made the strongest impression, that warm, analogue sound. Someday I am going to get myself one of these, for sure. The record had some crackling and skipping, but those were as crispy clear as the record itself, as it was played through the NFB-27 and Master 9. Those weren't audible through the speakers though.
I could summarize with saying that there wasn't any significant difference between the setups (aside from ear piercing highs), the rest would require a trained ear and A-B double blind testing, neither of which I had available. I can see how in combination with the law of diminishing return, all previously said makes this a very niche endeavour.
A few words about the headphones that I had at my disposal (Hifiman HE-400, Beyerdynamic DT880 (600 Ohm) - both balanced, AKG K7XX):
An interesting thing that I've noticed is the fact that comfort is significantly more impressionable than sound. The first headphones I've listened to the NFB-27 and the M9 through were the HE-400, and despite sounding as good as they did, the heft of those things didn't give me the chance to fully immerse myself into what I was hearing. To be fair, the total time that I had with them did not exceed 15 minutes, I guess this is something you get used to.
The second pair that I've listened to were the DT880 (600 Ohm), and they made me very pleasantly surprised with my K7XX. Maybe I missed something, but there was nothing even hinting to those having the resistance of 600 Ohm. If someone had put those on my head without telling me what they are I think I could've easily confuse them with the AKG K272 HD, as they sit almost exactly the same way on the head, clamping the ears with somewhat of a 'pillow' effect.Of course they're different sound-wise, but I do dare to say that they are closer to the 272 than the K7XX, in that they are more of a closed headphone than an open one, which reflects on the soundstage, making it intimate in comparison.
When comparing the K7XX to the HE-400, there wasn't any breathtaking difference one would expect, given that those are not only different price brackets, but different technologies the headphones are built with. Of course the Hifimans had more resolution and perhaps more punch in the low-mid range, but the AKGs had a slighly spacier soundstage, and were much more comfortable to wear.
One more thing to note was that both the HE-400 and the DT880s sounded a tad bright with the NFB-27, not the K7XX though, for some odd reason. What I'm getting at is that there definitely is a pairing factor, when one DAC can sound dry and bright with one headphone, and dynamic and enjoyable with another (and vice-versa). I think by now you've already guessed, but I would be going with the NFB-15, as out of all of what I've heard it paired best with the K7XX. YMMV.
Audio: a couple of hi-res rock-guitar instrumentals, The Cure and that russian cover. It's a pity I hadn't listened to any classical music, it could've probably give the Sabre a better chance, and the headphones' separation ability more obvious, but to be realistic, rock/metal is what I mostly listen to anyways, so I guess it wasn't necessary.
P.S.: Thanks to the Audio-gd distributor, who was kind and patient enough to let me test and switch between the products several times
.