Cheap DAC OFF: Topping D30, SDAC, Modi Multibit, JDS EL DAC, iFi Nano BL

Note that nwavguy offered $100 for someone who could tell the difference ODAC and other similarly measuring DAC and make a YouTube video on it.

Amir = nwavguy. Same MO. Just saying.

 

told y'all so.

yet after a couple weeks with xDSD, prefer using the xDSD compared to the nano BL for a few reasons:
form factor, better volume knob
balanced 3.5 TRRS/TRS
bluetooth connectivity (not for great audio quality, handy to allow charging iPhone X at same time as listening)
slightly more power for cans
(separate, external IEMatch still needed for Andromeda)

from memory the xDSD sounds a tad more spacious on USB compared to nano BL, could be the TRRS or perhaps the output section is improved more inline with iDSD BL ?
no huge changes in attack or resolution.
does seem the xDSD slots right in the middle, above nano BL and below micro iDSD BL in many ways, including price.

should anyone fret about their LHLabs GO2Pro breaking (or never being built again), xDSD would be the best replacement at present IMO.

 

hiss.
also use external IEMatch dongle with GO2ASpecEd and GO2ProSpecEd, and elsewhere.
the functionality helps Andro with almost every device.

 

Tonality too with the Nano BL. The regular headout of the Nano BL seems to be near 0 output impedance, so the Andromeda was more bassy - too much for my tastes. The IEMatch has perfect Zout for Andromeda at 2.5 ohms, similar to that of the Sony ZX2.

It seems that iFi is pulling off what LH Labs couldn't do. LOL.

@iFi audio: xDSD loaner for SBAF? Just asking.

 

The differences are subtle but noticable to experienced ears (not saying I have magical abilities, but it's a just a matter of familiarity and exposure over time to lots of gear and implementations). I am not totally sure as I have not measured it, but I suspect, and it sounds like, that the "Measure" filter is minimum phase and the "Listen" filter is linear phase. Maybe @iFi audio can fill us in on what these filters do. (I'm short on time for measurements).

Now I'm sure what I am about to say will make Amir think I am full of shit and it's all placebo; but f**k that guy. He's deaf.

The "measure" filter has a harder edge. The "listen" filter to my ears sounds smoother and more damped and controlled. Now I can understand why certain listeners might prefer the harder edge of the "measure" filter because the Nano BL does have a more relaxed presention. To me however, I prefer the "listen" filter. It's more natural and flows more seemlessly with the Nano BL's presentation.

I suggest cranking up the volume to highish realistic concert levels. Play something like Sarah McLachlan Mirrorball, track 1, Building a Mystery. You should hear what I am talking about with the snares and high-hats. Don't switch on the fly at first because that causes brain confusion for less experienced listeners. Play the track one minute through. Stop. Change the filter. Try again. (Similar to how serious wine and whiskey drinkers cleanse the palette with water). After you learn what the difference sounds like, you will hear the difference switching on the fly.

P.S. Extra discussion on minimum phase vs. linear phase. FYI, I hate minimum phase filters. Sounds like ass - fatiguing over long sessions, especially for higher volume listeners such as myself.
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...d-post-effin-ringing-and-shit-like-that.2627/

 

I had some idea from prior experience, but just tested this with HD58X and HD800 (Vader modded) to be totally sure.

The Nano BL is just another class. Much more engaging, more refined, more natural, better microdynamics, better bass extension. The Fulla 2 is more mechanical and tonally just slightly on the leaner and brighter side. The Nano BL, as I mentioned before is slightly laid-back. The Fulla 2 stage placement is just slightly deeper with more diffuse sound. The Nano BL stage is wider.

Note that I did not test Fulla 2 with the second USB slot wired up for extra power. I know this does give it a more refined sound. But the same can also be said with the Nano BL on battery mode. I used the Nano BL on USB power.

P.S. The Nano BL is a keeper and will likely replace the Fulla 2 AIO on one of my computers after the loaner is complete.

 

Strange... so I did some measurements: still preringing, maybe a little bit less, but ringing on both sides. Behavior seems more linear-rish, for both switch settings.

Nano BL Measure 500Hz


Nano BL Listen 500Hz

 

Here we go. It's rolloff. 44.1kHz Listen mode seems to have a FR more similar to NOS DACs.

nano BL measure


nano BL listen