Enter the modern hifi world. Try this test.
HiBy FC1 vs. just about any modern or vintage DAC out there.
Cost? Just around 20 dollars or so.
I doubt anyone will be able to tell a difference with their system.
Let’s assume the following case scenario:
1. same speakers
2. same cables
3. same amplifier
The test:
Use a 3.5mm cable to RCA or balanced in to your preamplifier or integrated amplifier on a spare input.
basically, it’s 2v plus a little extra mw, designed to drive headphones.
If anything it’ll be a bit louder than your system, but fundamentally, you won’t be able to hear any difference between it and any solid-state DAC out there in terms of resolution, detail, timing, or instruments/vocals clarity.
Why? Because digital audio has advanced to the point where we are at its limits, and can shrink down the electronics this small, without sacrificing anything. Just look at how far computers and smartphones have come. Audio reproduction is no different in the digital domain.
Hmm well I can offer I have this similar looking DAC/amp I use with headphones all the time and it is very good. Very clean dynamic and detailed. I can compare to Chord Mojo which was an audiophile best seller and cost much more. Mojo sound is warmer and some might say smoother. Which is better? Not going to say other than I use the Tempotec all the time these days and the Chord is essentially a spare. Different strokes but no doubt a good quality DAC need not cost a lot these days. |
@frank009 i mis-read your first measurement; you were talking about the connector diameter being 3.5 millimeters; I mistakenly thought you were saying one needed a connector cable that was specifically 3.5 meters. So, to answer my question, presumably a 0.5m, 1m or 1.5mm cable would be fine for conducting this test. |
