Search the Community

Pros: Compactness, sound quality, no need to charge Cons: Could not found any This is really a must buy for an iPhone owner who likes to listen high quality music on iPhone. I am using it with my iPhone 7 Plus and the sound quality it improves will surely blow your mind. I know it is not that good like Chord Mojo and I am also owner of Mojo too but on the go it is very hard to manage it when DF Black will give you full flexibility because of it's compactness and it is really very pocket friendly in terms of pricing. Go for it. I also uploaded a small unboxing video on youtube. You can watch it here: Thanks...

In looking at USB to SPDIF converters it dawned on me that I might just want to get a USB DAC for a little bit more money. Question is do I need it or how much improvement of SQ would I get with the USB DAC vs. Converter and my current pre\pro DAC? I think I have narrowed my search down to the MF V Link 192 or Audiophilleo 2 for the converters however pretty lost with DACs “if needed”. MF has a M1DAC that sells for approx 750.00 has the features of the V Link 192 with a DAC. I have an Integra DHC 80.3 pre\pro using its DACS right now. I listen to a combination of Hi-REZ music 24/96 and CDS ripped from XLD. I use a Macbook Pro for music server right now with plans on new Mac mini. So any suggestions on either the MF V link 192 or AP2 would be great. Other converter suggestions welcomed. Or Do I scratch the converter and buy a USB DAC because it’s that much better in terms of SQ. Thanks

In looking at USB to SPDIF converters it dawned on me that I might just want to get a USB DAC for a little bit more money. Question is do I need it or how much improvement of SQ would I get with the USB DAC vs. Converter and my current pre\pro DAC? I think I have narrowed my search down to the MF V Link 192 or Audiophilleo 2 for the converters however pretty lost with DACs “if needed”. MF has a M1DAC that sells for approx 750.00 has the features of the V Link 192 with a DAC. I have an Integra DHC 80.3 pre\pro using its DACS right now. I listen to a combination of Hi-REZ music 24/96 and CDS ripped from XLD. I use a Macbook Pro for music server right now with plans on new Mac mini. So any suggestions on either the MF V link 192 or AP2 would be great. Other converter suggestions welcomed. Or Do I scratch the converter and buy a USB DAC because it’s that much better in terms of SQ. Thanks

So I need some advice…what USB DACS should I consider for replacing my Metric Halo LIO-8? I do not want to go backwards in sound quality and prefer going forward (if possible). A random sampling of DACS that have crossed my mind over the last few days: AMR DP777, Berkeley Alpha 2 and USB (the LIO-8 replaced my Berkeley Alpha 1 based solely on sound quality so a little leery on this one), Ayre QB9, Meitner ($), EMM Labs ($). I very much prefer that the DAC have a high quality volume control and output stage capable of driving my amps via 2.5m of balanced cable (i.e. don't want to buy a high quality pre if I can avoid it). If I get rid of the LIO-8, I likely will also sell the MM and build a CAPS server. You can see my system in the signature below. My musical tastes are fairly broad, though Jazz probably comprises 50% of my listening alone, the rest spread out among blues, folk, rock, flamenco, classical. I don’t listen to rap or heavy metal. The sound attributes that draw me in are numerous and difficult to describe. Adjectives that “resonate” with me are: “organic”, “holistic”, “3D”, “natural detail”, “warm” rather than “analytical”. That said, in my 30 years in this hobby, I’ve found too much of any one thing is a very bad thing, so “balance” is important. Thanks for your help.

$595 plus $15 shipping USPS priority. I have a Bladelius USB DAC for sale in the U.S. This DAC was designed in Sweden, but manufactured in California. Uses XMOS USB receiver chip to play asynchronous 24/192 files. MAC OSX 10.6 or above does not require a driver. Windows XP, Vista or 7 requires the included USB 2.0 driver (on the included USB stick). I have added the latest firmware update to the DAC, so it is ready to go. I have decided to purchase a Bel Canto Ref USB to SPDIF converter to go with my Bel Canto DAC3. Let me know if you have any questions.