radlux

Does someone know how the Yaqin SD-CD3 compares with the iTube as far as minimal distortion and transparency while still introducing even harmonics? The Yaqin seems to have a better bigger power supply and larger and more (2) tubes. Does that translate into better soundstage, fullness of sound and more transparency/less unpleasant distortion ? iTube has a THD < 0.05% (reference) and the Yaqin <0.03％ per their product specs. Any inputs on how these two perform relative to each other?

Hi, I've been reading glowing reviews for the iFi, Geek out, Halide HD, Dragonfly 1.2 etc. I use both headphones (denon ahd2000, sen hd800), KRK rokit studio monitors and a home hifi system. I've searched the forums and the net but haven't seen direct comparisons between the USB stick days and entry level dacs such as the dacmagic 100/plus, music fidelity v90 and the arcam rdac. Are any of the higher end USB sticks such as the iFi and geek out better or comparable to these entry full size dacs? Or are they just great considering their size and not in absolute terms when used as a line out to drive active/powered speakers or a preamp/amp for a hifi system? For instance I can get a geekout 1000 or a music fidelity v90/dacmagic 100 for the same price. I don't really need a portable setup so both types of devices are fine. Purely as dacs can even the best USB stick devices match the even these entry level full size powered dacs?