Stan Man

@dave_kiwi: what I noticed with the Udac 2se was that with complex tracks witha lot of instruments, drums etc and just a lot going on musically at the same time( like a typical rock album ) was that it just seemed like the sound just shrunk in, almost becoming mono like and this is not the case with the MF vdac ii. A more acoustic track from the same album sounded fine. This seemed to be the case across albums. I really wanted to like it because it was a nice small package especially with a volume knob. I like the Vdac but digital volume is a pain. With regards to the cutting out issue, NuForce claims this is an industry wide issue, but maybe I am wrong here, but I haven't seen any posts here on CA or elsewhere concerning audio cutting out on USB DACs connected to Macs. So it was really a three strikes for me. If it had sounded good but still cut out and was only an unknown issue, I probably would have exchanged it for a new one, but when a company admits there is a problem without a specific resolution, then it's a no go.

I had the NuForce UDac2SE asynch for a few weeks but returned it. The sound (stage) and image width deteriorated with complex tracks but it did sound good with simple acoustic tracks. I replaced it with a MF V Dac II and although I couldn't directly A/B, the vdac does sound better in that the soundstage and image width remained even with complex recordings and I feel overall there is more depth at least with the tracks I know well. The biggest reason I returned the NuForce though is the fact that it was cutting out all the time, something they even address in their FAQ's in which they proceed to blame the problem on USB DACs and Macs. Well I now have the MF Vdac connected to the same computer and not a single episode so I look at it as a problem with NuForce. That one reason I will probably not buy another another NuForce product. Read their answer...it's a cop out as far as I am concerned. Here's their statement: "Q: I have an Apple Mac computer and for some reason I get clicks, pops and intermittent audio from my NuForce product. Is the device defective or is there something I can do to fix this problem? A: There appears to be an issue with Mac computers with regard to their USB ports. While in theory they are all supposed to be the same, in practice this seems not the case. At present the industry in general is not certain why this behavior occurs. The problem appears to affect various external sound cards from a variety of manufacturers and is not exclusive to NuForce products. Rumor on the Internet has it that the USB port nearest the Fire Wire port works the best, while others have declared the opposite to be true. Regardless, the only way to know which port works best in your situation is to experiment. In most cases you will find that one USB port clearly works better and usually without problems as compared to the others."

I already have a beefy 5A 13.8v regulated power supply from my hobby days as a kid...it should be the same as the pyramid. Thanks for the suggestion. Gunna solder the wires tonight. I tested the wall wort that came with the V Dac and it showed 18v...wtf? I am guessing this can't be good long term on the dac....seriously...voltage wise, how much over- voltage can a device like this take?

So upgraded to a MF V Dac ii and a definite difference. Now I dont have the NuForce anymore to A/B, but in replaying "complex" tracks that I thought were compressed with the NuForce....they don't seem compressed anymore and the soundstage doesn't collapse with the V Dac. Thanks for the input and suggestion on the MF.

So upgraded to a MF V Dac ii and a definite difference. Now I dont have the NuForce anymore to A/B, but in replaying "complex" tracks that I thought were compressed with the NuForce....they don't seem compressed anymore and the soundstage doesn't collapse with the V Dac. Thanks for the input and suggestion on the MF.

AE 5+ vs Airmotiv comparison http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/audioengine-a5

Given that both the AE and the Airmotivs have a 30 day trial and if you don't mind having both on the credit card... I would get both and compare side by side. I probably should have done this but on blind faith from Steve Guttenburgs review, I went with the Airmotiv 5's and think they are great (see my mini review a bit of the way down).

@crisnee: it was a NuForce udac2 asynch....its gone now though...had to return within 30 day window. everyone has brought up good valid reasons why I was having issues. I figured it was due to it being an entry level DAC. We will see when I get the new one and do some detailed testing as other have suggested with good recordings. That's just the dilemma now - not sure what DAC to get. That was why I was hoping someone with some years in this would comment on their multi step move up the price scale of DACs or at least someone who has had the chance to compare lower to mid to high end DACs with all else being equal. Was not wanting to spend a whole lot (thousands) and thats why am wondering if a mid level ($500ish) is the way to go. not even sure if my speakers would benefit from an expensive unit. I completely understand there are a lot of variables in this like room acoustics, etc. so that is the hard part especially given that I live no where close to anywhere where I can test out and compare any DACs. So right now I am waiting for some head to head comparisons between the CA DM+, the Bifrost, and the DacIt.

I don't have a huge collection of good albums...most of my stuff is AAC 256 but my "good" stuff is cd's imported as AL so that's what I have been using as reference. It just seems like with the NuForce Dac2se, that the complex tracks from the albums that have my reference songs seem to breakdown and get less dynamic with narrowed image. So you guys have brought up some great points - thanks. Gunna try out a new DAC. Was interested in the new dac magic + (like having a physical volume knob) but after Forrest's recommendation and some initial reviews am leaning toward the Bifrost.

Bill... Thanks for the info...that makes more sense now why some tracks on the same album can sound so different. Makes me think more about where the weak link is in the chain from the studio to our ears. I did though return the NuForce, matter of fact today, due to it continually "stuttering" or cutting out every half hr or so and then having to disconnect/reconnect it every time....was starting to be a pain. Its even something they address in their FAQ's without a real answer.

Bill...sorry man...jumped the gun...hard to pic up e-humor sometimes...I got it now... just not then. : )

Thanks 4est. Thats what I was starting to think about recording quality, but even on the same record there seems to be a breakdown with more complex tracks with a lot of instruments at the same time....leading me to believe its the DAC. It's even like the image width condenses way down....sorta weird. The BiFrost was on my radar...thanks for the recommendation.

@wdomieka: a lot of value added with that comment...is it really necessary? I'm trying to ask some basic questions trying to figure a few things out. Why do people like you feel they have to add unnecessary comments? Why even waste your time? Why do you even care what I listen to.

To further clarify, I feel that my system is capable, because vocal/instrumental tracks like Norah Jones in Apple Lossless sound great to me - i could listen to them all day. I even notice a small and better difference with Pure Music and vocals. I even downloaded a Native American flute song off of iTunes that sounded wonderful, but when listening to more complex tracks like Coldplay, Foo Fighters etc (apple lossless from cd) the sound just becomes fatiguing. Is this the downfall of a lower priced DAC?

So have been researching here and a lot of places about DACs and reading reviews. I tend to see that most of the DAC posts here on CA are about higher level DACs. I figured I would start off with an "entry level" DAC (NuForce Udac 2 synch), and for the most part have been happy with it but wondering if there is something I could be missing since I am new to this. I have not read too much (maybe I have missed it,sorry) about anyones experiences going from a lower level/price DAC like the the NuForce U Dac 2 to a higher level DAC like the DacIt, rDac, or Dac Magic. There was definitely a big difference from the iMac's headphone out then to the NuForce to the point where I thought $250 was well worth it. Can this be expected going to lets say a $600 Dac Magic + from the NuForce? I understand this is subjective but just wouldn't mind hearing others experiences as they moved up. Is the law of diminishing returns setting in already on lower to mid level DACs? Thanks!