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.
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
//////////////////////////////////// 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. |
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. |
Hi, I believe most of the participants here are well and truly in the modern HiFi world. I'd suggest they are some of the most educated HiFi people on the planet, so you start off on a very condescending note to those who likely know a lot more than you about getting the music they choose to sound right for them. That said DACs are an interesting area as regardless of 'measurements ' or manufacturer they sound different synergistically in individual setups of amplification and speakers, IEMs and headphones. The criteria is not how great the DAC but the entire system. If you want to establish that very good sound can be had from today's less expensive electronics you will find little dissenting here as many of us use inexpensive streamer/DACs etc. There are excellent class D amps for a few hundred dollars. Its just our preferences are not for those choices as sound to my ears and yours is different but I don't deny your belief in 'modern' inexpensive digital technology. But, I thank you for reminding us that we have choices.
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