I was about to order for Audio-gd NFB-12 when I found out that Pristine Note stocks the Audinst HUD MX-1. This cute little DAC was being mentioned favorably in almost every review and comparisons. The Audio-gd was more powerful and an array of digital inputs and outputs to boast of. Specification-wise it was better and bigger than the Audinst in almost every aspects-not to mention that NFB-12 was almost future-proof-. But then Audio-gd was also pricier- will be more still since I have to import it (from ebay Singapore). Points that made me go for the Audinst- proven DAC, cheaper (VFM), available in India, 1yr warranty. Being a bit disappointed on the price of M50s (I still think it should be around 5K), I was once bitten, twice shy- what if the NFB-12 disappoints? I went ahead with the purchase of the Audinst from Pristine Note. Lol, the DAC was in my hand before they can notify me about its dispatch and the tracking number. I am sure, Mr Gautam that we will be again dealing soon.
Packing and initial Impression: I was initially surprised about the size of the packing- the DAC cant be this small. The packing was very good- it would have protected fragile glassware. Ripping off the layers and layers of packing, I was kind of disappointed that I have paid much more for a wallet-size DAC. But then, does size matter?
An interesting point- the unit was manufactured in April10 but was imported in April11. Will have ask Mr. Gautam . Not that it mattered.
Apart from the main DAC, you get to get power adapter (with an European-click on adapter), RCA cable, USB cable (one end is like what you see in printer or scanners dont know its technical term-A to B type?) and four little cute rubber pads (you have to stick them to the underbody of the DAC).oh yeah, the manual and the warranty card too.
Installation: Hardware and software aside, the installation of the DAC itself is quite simple and fast. Once you plug the USB cable in, the laptop by default makes the DAC its sound card. Since it can be powered by the USB itself, you may or may not plug the power cord. There is no separate power switch however.
Much has been said and written about its hardware and so I wont go forth here.
Sound/Music: Well to be honest, I have not experience any other portable stand-alone DAC. So I cant really compare the Audinst against other DACs. Same goes for my M50s (I am not counting the Nakamichi headphones found at listening pods/docks in audio stores). The only comparison I can make is with and without (though my laptop sound card) the DAC.
I have used the song Spanish Harlem by Rebecca Pidgeon as a reference file. Also because I love the song and listened to it millions of time. I did not used any output- plug in and kept the equalizer flat.
Without DAC: The M50s did a commendable job of making the music a bit lively with the onboard sound card. I was happy till I plugged the DAC. I listened to the song a couple of times and then went back using the sound card. Now I know what was missing. It was like looking through a hazy glass- I know what seems to be there but did not see with clarity and boundaries. The treble was un-uniformed-peaks were felt to the point of being painful sometimes. The mids were sort of hollow and unguided. The bass was bloated and without purpose. The music seems metallic and inanimate-.There was little or no soundstage. The background instruments were lurking around- like the murmurs in a big hall- you know that everyone is talking but cant make out what they are talking. Come to think that I was enjoying this kind of presentation.
With DAC: First impression was wow!! I mean I didnt know that there were so many activities in that song. After the first wave of satisfaction died down- I listened harder. The treble was crispy and enjoyable. My hair behind my neck stood up when I first heard Rebeccas voice- her presence is felt behind my ears as if shes whispering. You can hear the sound of her lips parting and also her taking breath through her mouth. The mids is very well defined. The bass is controlled and doesnt smother other instruments. Instrument separation was spectacular. I was able to realize the size of the soundstage- not very wide and open. Maybe thats because the closed-back M50s rather than the DAC itself. However transparency was great.
There was no difference- I couldnt make out any- when I listened through 6.5mm headphone jack
Wonder how this DAC stands up against others. For now I am quite happy. I am unable to test the DAC through its line out since I dont have dedicated amp.
Packing and initial Impression: I was initially surprised about the size of the packing- the DAC cant be this small. The packing was very good- it would have protected fragile glassware. Ripping off the layers and layers of packing, I was kind of disappointed that I have paid much more for a wallet-size DAC. But then, does size matter?
An interesting point- the unit was manufactured in April10 but was imported in April11. Will have ask Mr. Gautam . Not that it mattered.
Apart from the main DAC, you get to get power adapter (with an European-click on adapter), RCA cable, USB cable (one end is like what you see in printer or scanners dont know its technical term-A to B type?) and four little cute rubber pads (you have to stick them to the underbody of the DAC).oh yeah, the manual and the warranty card too.
Installation: Hardware and software aside, the installation of the DAC itself is quite simple and fast. Once you plug the USB cable in, the laptop by default makes the DAC its sound card. Since it can be powered by the USB itself, you may or may not plug the power cord. There is no separate power switch however.
Much has been said and written about its hardware and so I wont go forth here.
Sound/Music: Well to be honest, I have not experience any other portable stand-alone DAC. So I cant really compare the Audinst against other DACs. Same goes for my M50s (I am not counting the Nakamichi headphones found at listening pods/docks in audio stores). The only comparison I can make is with and without (though my laptop sound card) the DAC.
I have used the song Spanish Harlem by Rebecca Pidgeon as a reference file. Also because I love the song and listened to it millions of time. I did not used any output- plug in and kept the equalizer flat.
Without DAC: The M50s did a commendable job of making the music a bit lively with the onboard sound card. I was happy till I plugged the DAC. I listened to the song a couple of times and then went back using the sound card. Now I know what was missing. It was like looking through a hazy glass- I know what seems to be there but did not see with clarity and boundaries. The treble was un-uniformed-peaks were felt to the point of being painful sometimes. The mids were sort of hollow and unguided. The bass was bloated and without purpose. The music seems metallic and inanimate-.There was little or no soundstage. The background instruments were lurking around- like the murmurs in a big hall- you know that everyone is talking but cant make out what they are talking. Come to think that I was enjoying this kind of presentation.
With DAC: First impression was wow!! I mean I didnt know that there were so many activities in that song. After the first wave of satisfaction died down- I listened harder. The treble was crispy and enjoyable. My hair behind my neck stood up when I first heard Rebeccas voice- her presence is felt behind my ears as if shes whispering. You can hear the sound of her lips parting and also her taking breath through her mouth. The mids is very well defined. The bass is controlled and doesnt smother other instruments. Instrument separation was spectacular. I was able to realize the size of the soundstage- not very wide and open. Maybe thats because the closed-back M50s rather than the DAC itself. However transparency was great.
There was no difference- I couldnt make out any- when I listened through 6.5mm headphone jack
Wonder how this DAC stands up against others. For now I am quite happy. I am unable to test the DAC through its line out since I dont have dedicated amp.
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). I've had a fair share of good as well as bad/scary experiences with respect to customs. But overall, I'd say the experience is more good than bad.
