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bms44974

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  1. Hi John, I am using Foobar2000 (v1.2.9) on my Windows 7 (64bit) laptop as a source for the USB input on the iDAC. The laptop port is USB2.0. All of my music is FLAC (44.1/16 to 192/24).
  2. Thanks, John. I was using a stereo 3.5mm-to-RCA Y-cable since the X3 has a 3.5mm line out and used this same configuration with a an RCA-to-3.5mm out of the iDAC. Could the problem resolve with the Creek as well if I eliminated the Y-connectors since both channels are sharing a common ground? I'm just curious since I am not likely to be listening to the speakers and IEM at the same time. Cheers... Brian
  3. Update: I received the iDAC micro today and my first impressions are quite favorable. Sourcing my Creek 4330SE/Epos M12 system, there is a noticeable improvement in the presence of the sound stage over the FiiO X3. With Etymotic ER4s, the difference is even more impressive. I am hearing details that were simply not there before with the IEMs. The treble is much more forward, to the point that recording flaws are also more evident. There was a bad hum in the headphone circuit when the unit was trying to drive the RCA output at the same time, but, once the RCA circuit was disengaged, the floor dropped to zero. This is definitely not a "portable" setup, but it is a very nice desktop DAC. I'm looking forward to testing the iDAC with the LSR305s at work tomorrow.
  4. Thanks, Richard. I note that the II+ only handles files up to 96KHz, but that the HD version supports 192KHz (and XLR output). Do you know what DAC chip HRT uses in these models? Thanks... Brian
  5. Thanks, ed71. You are correct, no balanced output on Bifrost. Update: I found a used iFi iDAC micro on eBay for $189 and thought it was worth a try. It, too, has unbalanced output, but dual Sabre DAC chips for $189 was too tempting not to at least audition. I may yet get the iFi iDSD micro or one of the others mentioned above if the iDAC turns out to be a bit thin (others have called it "airy") for my taste. Cheers... Brian
  6. Thanks to all for the recommendation about the isoAcoustics speaker stands. I just received a pair and was instantly rewarded with a cleaner bass and much improved sound stage. I am still debating the DAC question. The iDSD micro is at the top of the list, but the lower cost of some of the contenders is tempting me.
  7. P.S. John, I found the discussion of the iDSD mini at Head-Fi. That sounds like a killer piece of kit, but a bit out of my budget.
  8. Would you say that the difference in SQ between iDAC and iDSD is worth the $200 difference in price? I was hoping that I could add the IsoAcoustic stands and still stay under $500.
  9. Thanks, John. That answers why the iDSD has an A USB port rather than a B. I'm thinking of this as a stationary desktop system and I am actually more interested in the difference in chips. I tend to prefer a more neutral sound signature (i.e. let the music speak for itself) so I'm leaning toward the iDAC.
  10. Thanks for the replies! So… If I drop the “balanced XLR” requirement and look at the iFi products, there are the iDSD and iDAC. The former has DSD/DXD capabilities with dual Burr Brown DAC chips. The iDAC has ESS Sabre chips. I currently have no DSD or DXD music files. Any suggestions on which might be better for my application? Are there advantages to the iDSD or iDAC that might not be apparent considering both units are likely to be converting 24/192 FLAC files? Thanks… Brian
  11. Of course, you are correct. The output from my FiiO X3 is unbalanced. I was assuming that there was some fidelity improvement with the balanced output, but using unbalanced analog output certainly opens the door for some less expensive units (e.g. iFi iDSD and Audio-gd NFB-15). I would like to get away from units that are powered only by the USB. I do not know to what extent the battery charging circuit in the X3 isolates any noise on the incoming USB power, but I would like to remove as many noise sources as I can with the funds available. Perhaps the Micro iUSBPOWER unit would help. Thanks... Brian
  12. I have been using my FiiO X3 as a USB DAC and analog source for the active JBL monitors in my office, but I thought it was about time to get a dedicated desktop DAC. I've found three contenders under $500: Audio-gd NFB 17.32 Emotiva Stealth DC-1 Schiit Bifrost All support 24/192 USB input and balanced XLR output. Do any of you have personal experience with these units or have other USB DACs that you could recommend for <$500? I will be sourcing the DAC using Foobar on my laptop with USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. Thanks... Brian
  13. I have the FiiO X3, but hear from folks at Head-Fi that the X5 is a step up. The user interface is probably its only weak point. I like the fact that you can transfer music with microSD cards. As a portable DAP/DAC, it provides a lot of bang for the buck. Enjoy! Cheers... Brian
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