[downsize]

I'm very, very new to laptops and laptop audio. So here is my question :

Using a standard decent laptop with CD's or Flac files out via USB to a Udac, then to amp > headphones ....

Is it fair to say this should compare SQ wise favorably to a decent $500 CD player ?

If the Nuforce Udac is any good, I personally can't see why not when comparing CD to CD ... but would like your opinions.

 

[dana789]

I have a uDac and like it a lot. I've been following the threads about it. The uDac seems to get very high praise from folks who listen to it, some bashing from those who critique the usb and dac chips it uses. I'd prefer a $300 netbook and a $99 uDac over a $500 cd player based on usability, but can't compare SQ in any way (which was the point of your post, sorry). The uDac drives most phones nicely, by the way.

 

[audioqueso]

I agree with dana789.
There is a lot you can do with a netbook and uDac. Dedicated players always seem to have an incredible soundstage compared to lossless audio files, but they both sound great. Now, if you game or watch movies, I would say go for the uDac just because you get much more for your money.
Flac in a laptop vs CD in a dedicated CD player... not equal in sound, but both equally good.
CD in a laptop vs CD in a dedicated CD player... dedicated CD player. One can go on and on about the details of what programs to use, etc, etc, but the fact is the CD player is a machine built to do one thing only... play CDs. The laptop's drive is not. I don't think anyone in this forum can disagree with me when they believe in dedicated amps and DACs as well.
I've own the uDac for about 3 weeks now. I really really enjoy it. I say uDac.

 

[userlander]

The DAC-Extasy will be a lot closer, imo. It's way more neutral and closer to any CD player I've heard, including some nice sounding old skool Sony players. The uDAC is a lot more compressed sounding and colored in comparison.

I know there's a lot of hype about the uDAC, perhaps deservedly so for its features for the price, but at the end of the day it's still an entry-level sounding DAC and imo is not going to rival a $500 CD player. Again, the wolfson-based DAC-Extasy is much more deserving to be in that conversation. Sorry, but that's just the way it is.

 

[MadMike]

Quote:

Originally Posted by userlander /img/forum/go_quote.gif The DAC-Extasy will be a lot closer, imo. It's way more neutral and closer to any CD player I've heard, including some nice sounding old skool Sony players. The uDAC is a lot more compressed sounding and colored in comparison. I know there's a lot of hype about the uDAC, perhaps deservedly so for its features for the price, but at the end of the day it's still an entry-level sounding DAC and imo is not going to rival a $500 CD player. Again, the wolfson-based DAC-Extasy is much more deserving to be in that conversation. Sorry, but that's just the way it is.

You are just about the only person that thinks the uDac is "an entry-level sounding DAC".

 

[userlander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMike /img/forum/go_quote.gif You are just about the only person that thinks the uDac "sounds like an entry-level sounding DAC".

I'm the only one with a clue, then. There are numerous flaws in the uDAC sound signature.

What other entry level dac doesn't sound as good?

Give it a month or two, when the FOTM status has worn off and people get bored and start looking around for better sounding DACs. Then my guess is more people will see it for what it really is beyond all the hype: an entry-level budget DAC with good performance for a good price. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[Rdr. Seraphim]

I would say that it depends on the CD player. There are a lot of good CDP's for that price, but CDP SQ still varies from brand to brand (probably not as much as speakers or headphones though). Maybe you could give us an idea about which CDP(s) you're looking at?

Re the µDAC, it's definitely an overachiever, and bested my Pico Amp/DAC (IMHO). Carefully read Larry's (HPA) review, and some of the other poster's comments. Ultimately, the sound quality you perceive from it will be based on your personal listening preferences, and system synergy.

BTW, I think Nuforce still provides a 30-day return policy, so you could try it out with your system.

 

[Il Mostro]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMike /img/forum/go_quote.gif You are just about the only person that thinks the uDac is "an entry-level sounding DAC".

Add me to the list. The uDac is a *great* little POS, but it is decidedly *entry level*. Unless, of course, you are strictly a bottom feeder and just don't know any better. I like mine for what it is, but let's not get carried away with its capabilities. It is utilitarian and serves a purpose -- nothing more and nothing less. Great gear for $99!

 

[Il Mostro]

To the OP... lots of DAC's that originally sold in the $3,000+ range utilizing the old Ultra Analog 20 bit 8x oversampling are either in or close to your price range. To my ear these are still more musical and analog like than the vast majority of "off-shore" (yes, read: cheap) DACs that are becoming prevalent in the budget range today. Have CD's and want something more up to date? Try a Marantz SA8001 for around $400. A former Stereophile "Class A" component that is good at both SACD and Redbook (and is not so long in the tooth, utilizing the CS4397). I ran one of these through my big-rig system for a while and was very impressed with the price/performance equation.