Sonic Defender
Headphoneus Supremus
Nope. Did not resolve more. It was a bit smoother [I felt the USB was slightly abrasive in the treble].
However, the X12 [at the risk of praising a Sabre DAC] might be that. I received it about an hour ago and from very early impressions [going through my favorite pieces atm] it sits squarely between my NFB-7 and Gungnir.
More resolving than the Gungnir but one of the most analogue and smoothest sounding Sabres that I've heard.
I'd say it keeps most of the musicality and smoothness of the Gungnir and adds a layer of detail and better separation of the Sabres. The least 'digititis' I've heard on a Sabre too. I'd say it rivals Gungnir in that. Also, very black background. Like, dead silent. Sounds just come and go - pretty cool.
It is not as airy and trebly as my previous NFB-7 and is definitely less revealing and detailed too, but it does keep things fairly more musical than the NFB-7 did and easier on the ears.
Again, just preliminary impressions. Give me a bit to adjust but so far I am feeling very good about these ~550$ spent. I think it might keep me occupied until the Yggy is out. and I might actually get the HE-1000 first. I feel like it is the more important part of my chain right now as the X12 really seems very good so far.
Nice, thanks for the reply, and it does sound promising. I'm going to hold out for as long as I can and see what if any new products come into the picture. It is nice to hear that the X12 is that nice. Is it balanced?