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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.

frank009
zlone
1,321 posts
 

Have you had a chance to directly compare it with another DAC? What did you use?

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,928 posts
 

Why spend $20 for a DAC when you can get one for $9.99?  Save your money , after all, they all sound the same. Right?

Party on Garth.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,701 posts
 

I'll never understand why so many do not post links and/or photos of the equipment 

https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-fc1-2024-version

 

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mini jack to RCA:

I used that from my PC, headphone out, to my office preamp rca in.

Learned here, changed to USB OUT to inexpensive $100. Topping DAC rca out to rca in: the sound was far superior

therefore, I'm skeptical, but as OP says, it's darn easy to try and learn something.

mark200mph
825 posts
 

I'm back to the square wheels and flat earth as I like the bounching.its great to experiment it's the only way we'll find out for myself I like a good challenge keep it up enjoy the music.

shooter41
137 posts
 

I also use a very similar DAC/amp dongle but strictly for use on my ipad to headphone connection that I only use when in bed next to my sleeping wife. It did indeed improve the sound pretty remarkably, to the point that I sometimes wonder "why do I even need that expensive "proper" headphone rig?" Then I go listen to that rig and say, "oh yeah, that's why". But that's not really a fair comparison since those are significantly better HP's. I'd try them with the dongle but I really doubt it has enough juice to drive them. They take a ton of power for HP's.

I'd still highly recommend one of these dongles for anyone that doesn't want to commit to buying a bunch of equipment to use with HP's.

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