[Smugsie]

I get this feeling I should also ask Jimmers if the quality of a USB cable will make a difference and noticeable through Q701's and ODAC/O2. My seller included an Amazon Basic's cable...

 

[lsamod]

Note-I'm not jimmers nor electrical engineer.
I don't think that the quality of usb cable can effect the sound, because it's not analog. So it carries 1,0 s only. If that signals weak, still doesn't matter because odac will identify them as 1,0.just make sure your usb cable is good enough.
Note-correct me if I'm wrong .please.

 

[Evshrug]

Isamod,
Shouldn't affect signal quality because USB is digital, agreed, though my personal experience was that my computer didn't recognize the sound device with most of the USB cables I had on hand when I borrowed it. That could be something else related to my OS install (at it's core, my PC first booted with Windows 8 consumer preview, and the full retail version was merely applied as a patch on top of that, and also, you know... it's Windows).

Suggest you look at:

http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AllGraphs.pdf

before you compare sensitivities (maybe you meant HiFiMAN HE-6, not LCD?)

 And at question was "Easy to drive", e.g. something you can plug into phone, or weak mp3 player etc.

(it's like deja vu, all over again)

"sometimes I think I'm an Electrical Engineer........probably because I am!"

So basically... you're not refuting that if someone else tried listening to their Q701 through their receiver, it could easily sound good? Obviously not "the best," but good?

 

[jimmers]

  I get this feeling I should also ask Jimmers if the quality of a USB cable will make a difference and noticeable through Q701's and ODAC/O2. My seller included an Amazon Basic's cable...

I just use whatever to hand, I might build a pretty one with silver wires in Teflon etc. just for S&G, but I doubt it will sound any better than a general reasonable quality one. At the moment at work my X3 is connected with a short micro USB ($1) plugged into a standard A type extension lead that I found lying around

, at home ODAC using a lead I got with a HDD or phone or stole.
 
If you get one you like it will probably improve the overall experience but not the sound.

 

[jimmers]

So basically... you're not refuting that if someone else tried listening to their Q701 through their receiver, it could easily sound good? Obviously not "the best," but good?

Not at all, I can well understand that being someone's favourite, I was going to plug Q701 and HD650 into my ONKYO tonight (expecting them both to be just fine) but time has got away from me, (when using the receiver I am able to use loudspeakers mostly).

 

[Chris J]

Note-I'm not jimmers nor electrical engineer.
I don't think that the quality of usb cable can effect the sound, because it's not analog. So it carries 1,0 s only. If that signals weak, still doesn't matter because odac will identify them as 1,0.just make sure your usb cable is good enough.
Note-correct me if I'm wrong .please.

Deleted, offensive, with apologies!

 

[darrenyeats]

Because the ODAC uses async USB I think it's unlikely the USB cable will make a difference. However, I would always spend a little more (and I mean a LITTLE) just to get a well-sourced cable. Just for mental reassurance about reliability, longevity, correct shielding etc.
 
E.g. http://www.bluejeanscables.co.uk/store/data-cables/index.htm
 
However, Amazon is also a reputable brand.

 

[ThurstonX]

I got an Amazon Basics USB cable to hook up my new Bifrost to my ancient, Frankenstein's monster of a PC, and I swear it sounds better than using a coax cable from my M-Audio Delta 192's S/P-DIF out.  The bass seems to have a smidge more impact via USB.  I tried a couple different coax cables (one Belkin Pure AV, the other some name brand), both sound the same.  I was a little surprised by this, but it is a very subtle thing, if it's even real.  One nice thing is the ability to leave both USB and coax connected.
 
Also, my Amazon cable glows blue   It's real purtty with the lights out.  Orange tube glow + blue LED glow = chillaxin' 

 

[coldkick]

For anyone planning to use an AV receiver I found the Yamaha RX-V675 to work great. Burr-Brown Solid States.

 

[darrenyeats]

Couple of days in with the bass mod.
 
This mod changes the Q701 from "a true bargain but with a slightly shy bass balance" to simply "a true bargain"! Bass mod FTW.

 

[Mama Krama]

Which of you have the Austrian-made model and which of you have the Chinese-made? Can anyone tell any differences?

 

[darrenyeats]

Mine's Austrian, bought from Amazon UK in October 2013.

 

[sonic2911]

I want to ask that the Austrian made and China made, which is better? Where to buy the Austrian made, im living in US.
And is it good for all-rounders?
Tks

 

[Mama Krama]

That's exactly what I'm wondering, too.

 

[Ashade]

I got an Amazon Basics USB cable to hook up my new Bifrost to my ancient, Frankenstein's monster of a PC, and I swear it sounds better than using a coax cable from my M-Audio Delta 192's S/P-DIF out.  The bass seems to have a smidge more impact via USB.  I tried a couple different coax cables (one Belkin Pure AV, the other some name brand), both sound the same.  I was a little surprised by this, but it is a very subtle thing, if it's even real.  One nice thing is the ability to leave both USB and coax connected.

Also, my Amazon cable [COLOR=3366CC]glows blue[/COLOR]   It's real purtty with the lights out.  Orange tube glow + blue LED glow = chillaxin' 

How are you liking your Bifrost?