sonq

Not sure, but I'll rather spend a little more with reliable sources. diykit prices should be quite resonable

OK, will try out FLAC, does that mean I have to re-rip my CD? I currently ripped to WM files at max resolution. Using Foobar did unmasked many things that were hidden by Win's MP. I was listening to track 11 of the latest free Naim CD with amp all warmed up before I went to bed...music really flowed. However, badly recorded tracks sounded terrible thru Foobar - even ripped WM tracks that were previously quite OK on WMP isn't that great now.....

By the way, how much is a good 0.5m long i/c from LHS? I'm looking at used van den hul 102 III, but not sure how this compares with the LHS cables.

I'm also looking at i/c for my Fubar. The FubarII's stock i/c seemed pretty smooth (compared to an old Monster Cable) except the connector is quite crappy. Noticed just a touch of grain after switching from WM to Foobar.

Just tried out Foobar2k. Initaily sounded bright but switching over to Win MP, I realized MP is flat & slightly muffled by comparison. Didn't tied ASIO format though, just WM files. Did unmasked a touch of grain in the treble - may try to get a Mullard 4003 to tame it a little or new I/C.

Here's another option for server: http://www.zerooneaudio.com/pressnreviews.htm

i've got a used ha-01, almost no audible hiss in background. Howver, the guy I bought it from rolled the tube with GE and JJ.

I've just looped the suppied power cord frpm Fubar 3 times around a piece of ferrite core for fun, surprised to hear a fair amt of grain removed. Heard some impact on the usb cord when looped twiced, but I only have 1 ferrite core, so can't try both cords at the same time. I've also sited the amp & fubar a meter from pc as suggested by fonglav. Just inserted 3 steel cones found somewhere in the drawers under the amp, but effect is pro/con - more spacious and in focus but treble is a touch steely, especially on female vocals. Almost want to remove the cones but tried some of those old rubber ball tweaks (non-bouncing type) under the DAC, which was sitting atop the amp. Toned down everything - less hard & less grain. In the end still removed the cones - seems clear but too vivid for comfort. Maybe the amp's transformer was transmitting fair amount of vibration to the DAC? Next to tweak will be the I/C. I suspect the connector is quite screwed. Remembered that my earlier reversal changed the sound drastically - that's an impossible directional effect as I've only burnt it for a day! ________ I've been listening to this for the last 3 hrs now and I'm on the new Naim sample CD track 11 - damn, the sound is incredibly natural - didn't expect this level of sound quality when I bought it....

Thanks for your tips on setup. I'll look into a few tweaks when I can find the time. May look at changing the interconnect, op amp on Fubar, Foobar2000, tube rolling and line conditioning. However, this is not a high resolution system, so the threshold is likely to be breached easily and will stop before diminishing return rears it's head. I've actually been an audiophile for around 20 yrs (but on & off with each burnout). I've some basics that served me well but still rather green on pc audio, cans, mods & tube rolling. Before this, only owned 1 tube hardware - a Quicksilver.

Hi guys, thanks for the tips & links - will certainly explore them. BTW, sorry about the HA-1A. I'm sure there'll be more units coming on stream - audiophiles are always itchy for upgrades. Just a note; relocated the system and found the sound a touch bright & dirty - tranced the problem to accidentally reversing the RCA direction from 1st setup. Reversed back & fixed problem. Hooking up to the USB behind PC actually yielded cleaner signal too.

2.5 already selling on diykit site in HK today.

Fonglav, I got both 880 & HA-1A from the same seller. I'm using Window's Media player. I was aiming for a his 880 and the Benchmark DAC1 on ebay, but unsuccessful so called up this seller to buy both and look for another DAC.

Hi Topgun, Time to kill and visited Jaben to audition. Sounded thin and sterile in the shop but I know not burnt in so took a chance. Anyway, this guy Wilson is so helpful & went thru so much trouble to hookup...I don't have the heart to walk out without buying...furthermore less than $200 (somehow I mistakenly thought $400+ and red colour) Very smooth now, not much leading edge but good enough for me at this price - using the included RCA. Thanks for the recommendation. I did hide under desk ; ) Hi Scanfiend, Thanks for your suggestions. Tried on an old Dell Precision workstation with USB 1.1 and clipping gone! Ironically, the T42 has a USB 2 and 1G ram....I'll rewire it to rear of PC tomorrow. Enjoying the free naim CD (from HifiChoice) now. Just a note, the sound is more crisp but thinner than thru the Dell - thought the signal is digital, should be the same.

bought it and indeed smooth. grey colour not as tacky as red colour. having some peak sound clipping glitch that may not be related to fubar.

Just bought a Fubar USB DAC to complete my 880 (2006) + HA-1A setup. Played both lossless and CD thru my T42, but keep getting clipping sound at peaks. Even at moderate volume. I've already burned in Fubar for at least 20 hrs - the rest are used, so already burnt-in. Has anyone encountered similar problem? By the way, I get clipping sound thru T42 in the past when listening with the AT clip phone direct, but thought this is irrelevant as I'm running from USB.

Please contact me at laukinkon@yahoo.com if you wish to sell your DAC with USB input. Preferbly be less than 2 years old and in good condition. Thanks.

I saw the integrated amp version with a built-in USB DAC at the Hifi show; quality is simply superb. Very tempting except that it's beyond my budget.

scanfield, I cannot tahan using things that doesn't appeal to me visually, but as you said, hide it behind pc. Maybe I'll go listen to the fubar at jaben.

I'm setting up a PC based system too and has been googling for days on this topic. Seems sound cards offer relatively low quality so I'm looking at good quality DAC - since I just bought a relatively good headset & amp. For USB DAC, I'm looking at the Stello DA100 - not available here, but well-made & great reviews. I know the Fubar gets mentioned alot here, but I don't fancy its cuty look. Wider coice for non-USB DAC, will need a convertor like M-Audion Transit. I'm looking at Benchmark DAC1, upcoming Zhaolu 2.5 and even the Lite DAC-Ah. Great to read lots of reviews, but many offers contrasting opinions - the DAC1 can range from highend reference quality in Stereophile to harsh & sterile compared to Zhaolu etc. Frankly quite confusing at times.

The Lite DAC-Ah looks like good value for money - analog sounding. http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=193042

Diyeden looks rather well made, anyone heard it before? Is it available locally? I just bought a DT880 + Spark HA-1A, but still looking for a source.

Googled on M Audio Transit & Hag and got some info on quality. Seems like Creative's NX is a better bet. http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ic...91243&read&3&4& Trying to hookup to a Benchmark DAC1 that samples to 196 but all these devices carries up to 96, wonder how much quality will I be losing.

I'm also using T42. Currently still looking for a good way to stream to a non-USB DAC. Can someone advise if using SPDIF convertor from my notebook's USB works well? New to this, never even heard of SPDIF convertor till today...

thanks top gun. just called but they only carry the pre/dac 200 at $4K....beyond my budget. Will check out the Channel Islands amp reviewed on Stereophile but their dac does not use usb. Actually will be great to get a good amp/dac - likely cheaper than separate.

Here's a review of the 701 with Stello http://www.soundstage.com/allinyourhead/al...rhead200607.htm The Channel Islands headamp/650 review is also very good - not sure about partnering with 701 though. By the way, does anyone know who is the dealer for Channel Islands? Got the review copy from the HiFi show but no dealer info.