I got myself an NFB1-AMP along with a pair Chinese-made AkG k701 i modded to balanced (4-wire cable in its last version). This a mini-review.
The reason to choose the NFB1-amp over the c-2 was i wanted to use the balance out of my Master-7 DAC, the ACSS being used for the speakers setup.
So far, so very good. After about 50 hours put on the amp and around 150 on the cans, i am delighted to hear inflexions never heard before through speakers out of my firmware-upgraded Master-7.
This amp is a real audiophile piece, and as such, it will not be at its best with poor recordings, like many pop music records out there i won't name (but it is nonetheless forgiving). Therefore, for jazz or classical, it's wonderful. The AKG k701 are reputed as light on bass, but is not in my setup. I love the bass depth and definition the setup brings. The NFB1-AMP is up to the task of properly driving the K701. This set of cans is a tricky one, it needs some juice to extract the most out of it. And the NFB-1AMP is more than adequate. In fact, the point in my buying such a powerful amp is i intend to acquire better cans within the next months and i knew power would not be a problem. It is not cheap for just occasional listening sessions on cans - i am more of a speaker guy - but headphones are growing on me.
The sound of the amp is typical of audio-gd: good dynamics without harshness, very natural, relaxing, musical, resolving, clean and easy to listen to for hours. I have bought 7 audio-gd gears all in all and i don't regret buying a single one. With the NFB-1amp, i see the fit and finish improved compared to my previous acquisitions which is a pleasant surprise. I really like the style and philosophy behing those gears. I think the built and overall quality is second to none in the price range. It is always amazing to pop the cover up and look inside (even more so with a master series piece of equipment).
Be sure to feed this amp with a quality source because, of course, with a faithful amp, it's garbage-in garbage-out, there is no miracle.
The soundstaging is a very strong point with the NFB-1AMP. And i just love of good the volume knobs operates. Feels smooth, quick and accurate. Sonically, it is a first-rate volume control as well: it is very transparent and you will never get any channel imbalance whatever the listening level.
This amp is not cheap but worth every penny and much more. I have a master-1 as pre and i am curious to set the Nfb-1amp against it. I am sure it does a very fine job, just curious to see how close they are for such a price difference.
I had an eye on this amp for months, recognizing it as a great design and a great value. For me, it is a bit of a collector's item. I knew i would buy one at some point.
The only weakness is perhaps the chassis not being as thick and sturdy as a master series one. But i am being picky. It's a very nice chassis.
Highly recommended amp.
