Ok, so here I am.
Both an O2+ODAC and the Audioengine D1 are on my desktop now.... I'm using a pair of Sennheiser HD598
The O2+ODAC came in 1.0X - 3.3X gain config, and I'm using it at 1X gain, if I push the gain switch the HD598s get too loud too soon and I basically don't even get to use 25% of the volume before reaching uncomfortable levels.
I'm listening to Chavez Ravine, the album by Ry Cooder.
It's the first time I attempt to compare audio components side by side, so any advice on how to proceed would be appreciated.
Basically I've got both devices plugged in, and I'm switching between one and the other trying to work out the differences.
By saying this I've already given out the fact that they sound pretty similar to my ears.
I've tried to match the volumes and... I guess I'd have trouble being able to tell which one I'm listening to if it wasn't me switching the wires.
I honestly wonder if the differences I hear are real or just what I'm convincing myself of being able to recognize them.
Anyway, the D1 seems to sound kinda more laid back and relaxing, I'm not sure how to explain it but I feel like the drum strokes are clearer on the O2+ODAC, the voice more in my face and the bass more thumpy, but the sound of the D1 has some kind of overall signature that seems more pleasant.
I can't really tell which one I prefer, again they sound too close for me to be able to tell.
I'll switch to a completely different kind of music now, just to see if differences become more apparent....
Metallica, Battery (from Master of Puppets)
Here I feel differences seem apparent! The slow guitar intro sounds very similar on both units... but when things get mad and congested the O2+ODAC seem to stay on track more easily. I can tell the instruments apart from each other more easily and the enseble seems more dynamic and less compressed to me.
Again, it's not a massive difference but the O2+ODAC seems to come out stronger on a track like this, where on the more "airy" music I listend to first I seemed to prefer the D1's sound.
Now on to something different again: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Downtown
Again here the two seem to come very close...
There's a very deep and isolated bass note in the intro that seems to extend lower and be more engaging on the O2+ODAC. Also, drums seem to sound more controlled and precise, but at the same time I like to vocals best on the D1. I found myself lowering the volume a bit on the O2+ODAC because I found them to get too much in my face
As a bottom line... I think I really can't tell which one I like best, I guess I'll need to spend more time with them both to be able to tell!
As first impression I feel like the D1 is overall more "pleasant" to listen to, but also not as resolving and fun as the O2+ODAC, which I also found maybe a bit too aggressive when compared to the D1.
Again... I believe I might have exaggerated the slight differences I believe I've heard, in order to be able to describe them at least!
I'll keep playing with these two little boxes, I've got myself the O2+ODAC because I plan on getting an extra pair of cans that might require a stronger amp then the USB-powered D1, but if I had to stick to the HD598s I would say that the convenience of the D1 being 100% portable and not needing an external power source to run would be enough for it to be the winner. Honestly this makes more of a difference to me then the slight differences in sound signatures I've heard so far. Also the design and finish on the D1 is superior and more refined in my opinion.
@lehoang15tuoi sorry! I've got the O2+ODAC "digital version" only, so the only input is USB on this one and I can't test the amp alone using the D1's DAC section...
