master_audio
Senior Member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2001
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Just thought that since I have posted this over VR-Zone, so I just post again over here.
A little history before I start: I got an E-MU 1820m at Home (Singapore) and 0404 USB at work (China). 0404 USB finally dead and I replace it with a X-Fi Titanium HD. 1820m is dying soon, so I am looking for replacement. A quick search on net found that iFi has a trial session over Here (China) and I decided to give it a try.
A quick chat with the Dealer over the Skype and he is very helpful. And the goods are delivered fast as well, it reach me the next day after I send in my confirmation.
Now, I had the iDAC & iUSB for a few days but very little time to try out - Received on Saturday, but no time to try out. Sunday go to Shanghai, manage to try out late evening, but got tired and crawl to bed. Monday working & can only listen when back at home, however wife calling and chat until go to bed.
So I can only say my personal initial impression.
The Setup is PC -> iUSB -> iDAC -> Edifier R1900III. No 2-Head Cable in between - though I wish they send me one. Player used is Foobar, through ASIO Output.
Not a real Hi-Fi, probably Low-Fi, but for me is good enough to hear the difference. My original setup is X-Fi Titanium HD (after E-MU 0404 USB dead on me).
First, the sound signature is definitely different from X-Fi Titanium HD. You can spot the difference immediately once you switch to iDAC.
Second, the Sound is more analytical and the clarity is very impressive. And it is definitely benefit from Burn-In as it become more enjoyable.
Third, the bass sound tighter and seems a very good match with Edifier R1900 III as compare to X-Fi Titanium HD. But I will use it back in Singapore to pair with Gigaworks HD50, hope it maintain the good impression for me.
Forth, if u like warm sound, then no, this device is not for u. The sound is definitely not on the warm side, sometimes I found it is a bit over analytical - I preferred details and smooth listening (not warm!) like E-MU 1820m (which is dying soon that I need to replace).
Although this is only initial impression, but I guess it won't change much for upcoming listening session. Do I like it? Yes, I do, very much indeed - it paired with Edifier R1900 III very well! However, iDAC + iUSB will cost you around CNY3300, that is about SGD660. If u can afford it, then I would say you won't regret buying it.
Another option I am looking at now is Micromega MyDAC, which sell for HKD3280 (about SGD530) at HongKong, but too bad no trial unit for me to try out.
A little history before I start: I got an E-MU 1820m at Home (Singapore) and 0404 USB at work (China). 0404 USB finally dead and I replace it with a X-Fi Titanium HD. 1820m is dying soon, so I am looking for replacement. A quick search on net found that iFi has a trial session over Here (China) and I decided to give it a try.
A quick chat with the Dealer over the Skype and he is very helpful. And the goods are delivered fast as well, it reach me the next day after I send in my confirmation.
Now, I had the iDAC & iUSB for a few days but very little time to try out - Received on Saturday, but no time to try out. Sunday go to Shanghai, manage to try out late evening, but got tired and crawl to bed. Monday working & can only listen when back at home, however wife calling and chat until go to bed.
So I can only say my personal initial impression.
The Setup is PC -> iUSB -> iDAC -> Edifier R1900III. No 2-Head Cable in between - though I wish they send me one. Player used is Foobar, through ASIO Output.
Not a real Hi-Fi, probably Low-Fi, but for me is good enough to hear the difference. My original setup is X-Fi Titanium HD (after E-MU 0404 USB dead on me).
First, the sound signature is definitely different from X-Fi Titanium HD. You can spot the difference immediately once you switch to iDAC.
Second, the Sound is more analytical and the clarity is very impressive. And it is definitely benefit from Burn-In as it become more enjoyable.
Third, the bass sound tighter and seems a very good match with Edifier R1900 III as compare to X-Fi Titanium HD. But I will use it back in Singapore to pair with Gigaworks HD50, hope it maintain the good impression for me.
Forth, if u like warm sound, then no, this device is not for u. The sound is definitely not on the warm side, sometimes I found it is a bit over analytical - I preferred details and smooth listening (not warm!) like E-MU 1820m (which is dying soon that I need to replace).
Although this is only initial impression, but I guess it won't change much for upcoming listening session. Do I like it? Yes, I do, very much indeed - it paired with Edifier R1900 III very well! However, iDAC + iUSB will cost you around CNY3300, that is about SGD660. If u can afford it, then I would say you won't regret buying it.
Another option I am looking at now is Micromega MyDAC, which sell for HKD3280 (about SGD530) at HongKong, but too bad no trial unit for me to try out.
