SierraHotel01
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I kept reading about the new chipset in the 4G Nano, and couldn't imagine it wouldn't result in a different sound signature. Couldn't find any detailed comparisons here.
3G Nano:
CPU - Portal Player
DAC - Wolfson
4G Nano:
CPU - ARM
DAC - Cirrus Logic
Several here suggested it wouldn't be worth an upgrade for SQ alone; that there wouldn't be a discernable difference between the two.
Well, temptation got the better of me, so after a quick trip to Fry's last night, to pick up a black 8G Nano 4G, here are some initial impressions (after 4-5 hours of dedicated a/b testing):
Rig:
Apple Lossless files-->3G/4G Nano-->ALO SXC 18G LOD-->Mustang (@ 250 hrs.; low gain setting)-->Westone 3's (@ 250 hours). Nano EQ = OFF.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary:
Wolfson: warmer, muddier, "clippier", more mids-emphasis, less detail, more congested (signature: more like the copper Cryo Dock sound)
Cirrus Logic: more resolution, more balance, more dynamic range, faster, less congested, cleaner attack, nice decay, more high frequency sparkle/air, more 3-dimensional (signature: more like the copper + silver SXC 18G sound. Or, like a 5MB photo vs. a 3MB photo).
I definitely prefer the Cirrus Logic DAC over the Wolfson, primarily due to better dynamic range, resolution, balance, and air.
To these ears, upgrading from a perfectly good 3G Nano, to the 4G with its new chipset, is definitely worth it, IF.. you have top of the line amp, LOD, and phones.
Otherwise, it might sound like just an equivalent, but slightly different flavor signature (flatter, more detail emphasis).
--------------------------------------------------
Track impressions:
First thing I did, was break out Bella Sonus; Enamoured; which (imho) is still the best "test vector" for this kind of rig (..thanks Ray).
example - From a Standstill:
Wolfson DAC: would clip just a bit on the very bottom of the sub bass, and on the middle register piano fortissimo's during the extended intro. The voices, while warm & lush, were somewhat Grado-like - a bit "in your face". Percussion was warm and impactful. High frequency percussion was smooth, accurate and detailed.
Cirrus Logic DAC: first thing I noticed was that it had better dynamic range; it rode the sub bass perfectly, all the way down. Tight, no clipping, and noticeably faster. (That alone was worth the price of admission). Voices resolved better - noticed the singer's breath more, probably due to increased detail, not quite as warm.
example - Big Blue Ball w/Peter Gabriel: 4G / Cirrus Logic DAC renders Gabriel's voice much better. Noticed details, nuances previously missed. Percussion leading edge transients more detailed, nice decay. Rhythm guitar sparkles way more, as do sticks on a high-hat.
example - Wendy Stark; Child of Transference: I thought this was a flawed recording (bothersome low frequency clipping on intro to Animus Anima. Otherwise, not considered by me to be a well-engineered recording (on the 3G). Well, the Cirrus Logic DAC rescued this recording. Fixed 99% of the issues.
example - Jimmy Buffett; track - Happy Christmas: Cirrus Logic DAC changed this from a ho-hum recording, into something more engaging.
example - Arlen Roth; track: Unchained Melody: this can be an unforgiving recording on lower quality gear. The Cirrus Logic DAC was a pleasant surprise. Opened up more detail, opened up and sweetened what bass there is, and overall - just made it more engaging.
One thing that surprised me is the tendency of the 4G Nano / Cirrus Logic DAC to significantly improve tracks that I previously thought were not engineered well in the studio (well, they were: the details & dynamic range just weren't getting "D'd-to-A'd" well enough).
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion: my ears definitely prefer the 4G DAC / sound signature significantly more than the 3G. (ymmv). I also like the form factor, screen, & click wheel more now too. For $139 - use your 3G Nano as emergency back-up. You'll notice a difference.
I'm really digging the 4G!
Kudos to Apple Industrial Designers: I was worried I'd miss the perfect planform match between the 4G Nano and the Mustang. Was very pleasantly surprised. And the 4G is insanely thin and light - very elegant packaging, Apple guys! The large radius of curvature on the back of the 4G enables a secure velcro bond to amp. All in all, a nice feeling to the package when held in hand. For some reason, I didn't like the click wheel on my 3G - I kept over / under shooting selections - just felt clunkier than others I'd used. The 4G click wheel works better for me - must have been a slight s/w or sensor change. The screen is also way better - love the vertical orientation & curvature - bright, easier to read (disabled Cover Flow). My SXC LOD fits tighter in the Nano lineout - maybe because the 3G had been used so much (18 mo.'s)
Side note: ended up with an extremely well balanced "back-up rig".
3G Nano-->Lil' Knight LOD-->Tomahawk-->SE530.
The components match perfectly!
3G Nano:
CPU - Portal Player
DAC - Wolfson
4G Nano:
CPU - ARM
DAC - Cirrus Logic
Several here suggested it wouldn't be worth an upgrade for SQ alone; that there wouldn't be a discernable difference between the two.
Well, temptation got the better of me, so after a quick trip to Fry's last night, to pick up a black 8G Nano 4G, here are some initial impressions (after 4-5 hours of dedicated a/b testing):
Rig:
Apple Lossless files-->3G/4G Nano-->ALO SXC 18G LOD-->Mustang (@ 250 hrs.; low gain setting)-->Westone 3's (@ 250 hours). Nano EQ = OFF.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary:
Wolfson: warmer, muddier, "clippier", more mids-emphasis, less detail, more congested (signature: more like the copper Cryo Dock sound)
Cirrus Logic: more resolution, more balance, more dynamic range, faster, less congested, cleaner attack, nice decay, more high frequency sparkle/air, more 3-dimensional (signature: more like the copper + silver SXC 18G sound. Or, like a 5MB photo vs. a 3MB photo).
I definitely prefer the Cirrus Logic DAC over the Wolfson, primarily due to better dynamic range, resolution, balance, and air.
To these ears, upgrading from a perfectly good 3G Nano, to the 4G with its new chipset, is definitely worth it, IF.. you have top of the line amp, LOD, and phones.
Otherwise, it might sound like just an equivalent, but slightly different flavor signature (flatter, more detail emphasis).
--------------------------------------------------
Track impressions:
First thing I did, was break out Bella Sonus; Enamoured; which (imho) is still the best "test vector" for this kind of rig (..thanks Ray).
example - From a Standstill:
Wolfson DAC: would clip just a bit on the very bottom of the sub bass, and on the middle register piano fortissimo's during the extended intro. The voices, while warm & lush, were somewhat Grado-like - a bit "in your face". Percussion was warm and impactful. High frequency percussion was smooth, accurate and detailed.
Cirrus Logic DAC: first thing I noticed was that it had better dynamic range; it rode the sub bass perfectly, all the way down. Tight, no clipping, and noticeably faster. (That alone was worth the price of admission). Voices resolved better - noticed the singer's breath more, probably due to increased detail, not quite as warm.
example - Big Blue Ball w/Peter Gabriel: 4G / Cirrus Logic DAC renders Gabriel's voice much better. Noticed details, nuances previously missed. Percussion leading edge transients more detailed, nice decay. Rhythm guitar sparkles way more, as do sticks on a high-hat.
example - Wendy Stark; Child of Transference: I thought this was a flawed recording (bothersome low frequency clipping on intro to Animus Anima. Otherwise, not considered by me to be a well-engineered recording (on the 3G). Well, the Cirrus Logic DAC rescued this recording. Fixed 99% of the issues.
example - Jimmy Buffett; track - Happy Christmas: Cirrus Logic DAC changed this from a ho-hum recording, into something more engaging.
example - Arlen Roth; track: Unchained Melody: this can be an unforgiving recording on lower quality gear. The Cirrus Logic DAC was a pleasant surprise. Opened up more detail, opened up and sweetened what bass there is, and overall - just made it more engaging.
One thing that surprised me is the tendency of the 4G Nano / Cirrus Logic DAC to significantly improve tracks that I previously thought were not engineered well in the studio (well, they were: the details & dynamic range just weren't getting "D'd-to-A'd" well enough).
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion: my ears definitely prefer the 4G DAC / sound signature significantly more than the 3G. (ymmv). I also like the form factor, screen, & click wheel more now too. For $139 - use your 3G Nano as emergency back-up. You'll notice a difference.
I'm really digging the 4G!
Kudos to Apple Industrial Designers: I was worried I'd miss the perfect planform match between the 4G Nano and the Mustang. Was very pleasantly surprised. And the 4G is insanely thin and light - very elegant packaging, Apple guys! The large radius of curvature on the back of the 4G enables a secure velcro bond to amp. All in all, a nice feeling to the package when held in hand. For some reason, I didn't like the click wheel on my 3G - I kept over / under shooting selections - just felt clunkier than others I'd used. The 4G click wheel works better for me - must have been a slight s/w or sensor change. The screen is also way better - love the vertical orientation & curvature - bright, easier to read (disabled Cover Flow). My SXC LOD fits tighter in the Nano lineout - maybe because the 3G had been used so much (18 mo.'s)
Side note: ended up with an extremely well balanced "back-up rig".
3G Nano-->Lil' Knight LOD-->Tomahawk-->SE530.
The components match perfectly!
