You just convinced me to place my order. I’ve been thinking of this and writing the order email then drafting it and taking it out again and having my cursor hovering over the send button but now, partly thanks to you and others, I’ve done it.
I was going back and forth with this and Burson Playmate with the V6 Vivid OP - amps, I emailed Audio-gd with some questions and Kingwa was always quick to reply, often within the same day, I was pleasantly surprised with the support, very good.
I picked up the R2R 11 and I love the quality feel of the rocker switches, headphone jack as well as the smooth alps volume control, I am very happy with the sound as well. I find these products more interesting than the mass produced stuff out there.
I love the unit. Have had mine for several years and it is a versatile piece of gear that sounds great. Works great with my speakers and easily switch over to headphones whenever needed. It's just practical, powerful, and great!
Actually the DAC chip itself is only a small part of a DAC, because most of the modern DAC chips would measure really well. What affects the sound more is the power supply and the output stage. That is why DACs can sound different even though they have the same chips.
Oh nooo there are audio gear reviews in here as well, I don't have money for this! The man even does the teardowns, bloody hell. Totalbiscuit of tech reviews.
Based on this review and the link provided I went and bought this DAC to replace my Schiit Audio Modi 3, and I have definitely not regretted it. Takes some time to burn in, though ...
Just purchased the nfb11.28 btw my cans are he500 and because of the nfb 11 I sold my ifi micro black label and one word is "wow!" The nfb really opens up the he500 and cleans up the sound with the imaging increased with the ifi it sounded warmer but the soundstage increased a little and sounded heavier in the bass department but with the nfb11 the imaging got more clear and tighter and the headroom soundstage wow increased two folds and the vocals sounds more engaging more dynamic wow oh wow great review btw the he500 are power hungry headphones so it takes alott to drive them on the nfb11 i have the volume knob turned up about 1oclock with enough power to go further.
BTW if you don't know that, you can make the nfb11.28 sounds warmer, go for the user manual and there is ( Setting the NFB-11 with warmer sound flavor ? ).
Nice review, subbed. I wish the jumpers had easier access, especially when switching headphones. I have the same exact dac/amp and love it just the same, but at some point I'd like to upgrade to a balanced setup. Poor wallet! Cheers
Just wanted to say if you are using the NFB 11 and have not tried switching to a slow linear roll-off because you have optical cable then you absolutely should do try it right now, it makes a HUGE difference to the sound and music sounds SO MUCH BETTER, like it is amazingly smoooth.
Lucid! In terms of sound quality only, if you had to choose between the "Audio-GD NFB 11.28" and the "ifi Micro iDSD BL" (DF excellent review posted in Feb) which would you choose?
Well you got me convinced, I just bought it from your link. I will sell my Hugo 2 and get the same line up with the lcd2C I’m enjoying already. More reasonable also... By the way, do you believe getting a usb câble like the qed référence / audioquest carbon at 100/150€ makes a difference from a 30€ cable, like the pearl?..
I understand your exitement. I got the NFB28.38 about a month ago, but I almost only use it as a DAC with my main system. It is really good there. My headset is Hifiman HE400i, and the cable is too short to use there, as I would have to sit on the floor. I have ordered a 3 m custom cable and can't wait to try it. I have listened to it with my Beyerdynamic DT880, but after gotten used to the Hifiman, I don't like this set too much anymore.
Hi Kim thanks that you mentioned the 28.38 dac , I've been thinking about the 11.38 as well , what is your impression as a main system dac as that's what I want it for with a line magnetic 845 valve amp and tannoy grf memory speakers cheers Gary from the Hague nl
Hello there, great review as always! I am definitely going to pick up this amp/dac but I was wondering if you can unplug and plug in the quarter inch jack without putting your hand on the unit? I know it's a peculiar question but it is important to me. Thanks.
I ask for your help in choosing a dac, what would you advise to purchase from the following models: Audio-gd R2R 11 vs Topping DX7S vs Audio-gd NFB-11.38 ???
Hi damir. First can say your reviews are excellent and great to watch your very honest responses to the products. On your recommendation I've today purchased this amp and now need your guidance in choosing a pair of headphones to go with it.my music tatse are drum and bass, dubstep reggae,deep house,hip-hop etc etc. what's your honest advice please.thankyou in advance .
Will you be doing a review on something affordable and for headphones especially, like Sound BlasterX G1? I would love to see you reviewing a product like this!
Good! I just bought HyperX Cloud II (your review persuaded me to it). Alas, I am not satisfied with the sound from the HyperX soundcard, that is why I want to buy a new one. The one I mentioned in the previous comment, and I would also like a review from you on the soundcard because frankly, Franc, your reviews are pretty damn good.
They DacMagic plus should be used just as a dac, the headphone output is bad. You should connect the DacMagic to the NFB11.28 and bypass the dac in the audio-gd - would be interested in the dac comparison. Awesome review as always, take care. :)
Thanks for the reply, indeed the cost cannot be justified, but i was just curios if you hear a difference between the 2 dacs. I also have the DacMagic 100. I was considering Audio GD stuff a few months ago but as with pretty much everything on the internet, everyone has an opinion. Head-fi praises audio-gd, others, not so much. Anyway, love you audio stuff videos, looking forward for more headphones and amps :)
Unfortunately, there’s no analog inputs to bypass the dac and just use the amp section. Mr Kingwa says he did it to preserve as much sound quality as possible. I’m absolutely in love with my R2R11, though. Audio gd for life.
Ya loving my NFB 28.38 though have never thought to mess with the filters yet. Hmmm but i change different headphones alot for different moods so that might be good for one bad for others etc. Now im wondering if it defintely came on the default filter or one of the others like you said.
Ess sabre dacs are analytical and brighter usually unless it is checked by amp section to warmer side. Ess sabre are more revealing. Akm dacs especially AKM's top chip AK4490 are more musical amd enjoyable and slightly warmer as you said you wished.
Hello franc ! I've seen on magna site a new version called nfb 11/38 ! Should I get this new one? I have the hd660 do u think that nfb sounds good with them ?
This isn’t supposed to be a gaming dac,, it‘s mostly for music since it doesn’t offer any of the features of a gaming dac, it doesn’t even have a mic input or anything like that
@@TheNitpicker thank you for your support and reply. I want a external dac for my pc experience. Great review. Thx for English.. hope to see More info on your UA-cam channel. Thx. Darren
Hi Damir, I am looking at gettting a dac/amp setup for my PC. I had a soundcard but it died and when I switched to onboard I immediatley noticed the difference. The volume is significantly lower and the music sounds a little more washed out. I understand this DAC would be overkill for a PC setup but I use my PC alot. What i would like to know is how it would affect lower impedence headphones? Currently I am using b&w p5 and Sennheiser 598cs. Would the amp struggle at such low levels? Cheers mate
so i have the nfb--11.28 and using Senheisser 660s with it. However, I'm able to still listen to songs at full volume and sounds bearable. In your review, you state that you can't go past 50% or around that number, because it'll get too loud. Is it possible that I received a defective model that doesn't reach full volume capacity? I bought it straight from Audio GD's website, after sending emails back and fourth with them. if anyone has an opinion on this matter, i'd appreciate the feedback or thoughts. Thank you
At full volume sounds almost impossible without blowing up your ears, I already listen super loud and the 660S is easy to power, maybe you have a volume on your PC, check that one
nah. the pc volume is set to max. i'm controlling volume through the nfb-11 knob. hmm i don't know what the issue might be. I have the drivers updated as well
That's not normal then, maybe try contacting them if they maybe had such a issue before. The nfb is powerful for sure and most people claim to be able drive the 660S with a phone
@@TheNitpicker yah i know the idsd is portable but it doesnt matter .. i only care about sound quality bro and i can see clearly you advice this over the idsd
Damir, can you help me with the jumpers. I am honestly so confused. Right now it's stock and I want to brighten the sound of my Lcd-2c. It appears that the jumpers are already placed, unless I'm mistaken
Take a pair of tweezers and plug out the jumpers and plug them back in to a combination that you want to use. I tried all combos and the difference isn't that huge honestly but some have more forward midrange and some more relaxed treble, you gotta experiment because each gear is different. If you want a bright sound, take all the jumpers out and see if you like it.
they are easy, just a little piece of plastic that goes over 2 pins, just pull stright up with fingernails or tweezers, when inserting dont force it, if you are on the pins it should slide down pretty easy, just dont bend a pin.
Yeah, but I like to enjoy my music rather than to get all the possible detail. It's way more smooth and musical even with really trash recordings which helps to enjoy them easier than on something that forces more details in :)
You just convinced me to place my order. I’ve been thinking of this and writing the order email then drafting it and taking it out again and having my cursor hovering over the send button but now, partly thanks to you and others, I’ve done it.
I was going back and forth with this and Burson Playmate with the V6 Vivid OP - amps, I emailed Audio-gd with some questions and Kingwa was always quick to reply, often within the same day, I was pleasantly surprised with the support, very good.
You did it Franc! What i have asked for, a review on an suitable amp for hd650. U just never disappoint me , thanks.
I picked up the R2R 11 and I love the quality feel of the rocker switches, headphone jack as well as the smooth alps volume control, I am very happy with the sound as well. I find these products more interesting than the mass produced stuff out there.
I love the unit. Have had mine for several years and it is a versatile piece of gear that sounds great. Works great with my speakers and easily switch over to headphones whenever needed. It's just practical, powerful, and great!
Actually the DAC chip itself is only a small part of a DAC, because most of the modern DAC chips would measure really well. What affects the sound more is the power supply and the output stage. That is why DACs can sound different even though they have the same chips.
Great review! I am currently using Audio-GD R2R11 with Sennheiser HD660s and the sound is perfect.
How does the r2r11 compare to the nfb11?
Oh nooo there are audio gear reviews in here as well, I don't have money for this! The man even does the teardowns, bloody hell. Totalbiscuit of tech reviews.
Too bad he died just hours ago...
0_0
Based on this review and the link provided I went and bought this DAC to replace my Schiit Audio Modi 3, and I have definitely not regretted it. Takes some time to burn in, though ...
Just purchased the nfb11.28 btw my cans are he500 and because of the nfb 11 I sold my ifi micro black label and one word is "wow!" The nfb really opens up the he500 and cleans up the sound with the imaging increased with the ifi it sounded warmer but the soundstage increased a little and sounded heavier in the bass department but with the nfb11 the imaging got more clear and tighter and the headroom soundstage wow increased two folds and the vocals sounds more engaging more dynamic wow oh wow great review btw the he500 are power hungry headphones so it takes alott to drive them on the nfb11 i have the volume knob turned up about 1oclock with enough power to go further.
BTW if you don't know that, you can make the nfb11.28 sounds warmer, go for the user manual and there is ( Setting the NFB-11 with warmer sound flavor ? ).
How does the 2021 version compare to the original?
i use this amp with the fostex th900 mk2 with the jumpers in to make it warmer, really great combo
Nice review, subbed. I wish the jumpers had easier access, especially when switching headphones. I have the same exact dac/amp and love it just the same, but at some point I'd like to upgrade to a balanced setup. Poor wallet!
Cheers
Just wanted to say if you are using the NFB 11 and have not tried switching to a slow linear roll-off because you have optical cable then you absolutely should do try it right now, it makes a HUGE difference to the sound and music sounds SO MUCH BETTER, like it is amazingly smoooth.
I even said in the video I am on slow linear, even showed how to do it
@@TheNitpicker Maybe I am misunderstanding but at 4:30 you say that you are on fast linear and show that you have all three jumpers plugged in.
Not sure right now, I've tried a couple of different settings, from my memory I'd always assumed I use slow, maybe I should check back at some point.
Lucid! In terms of sound quality only, if you had to choose between the "Audio-GD NFB 11.28" and the "ifi Micro iDSD BL" (DF excellent review posted in Feb) which would you choose?
Recently got the Sen 660s i appended to see this review and i think i will actually get one for myself a swell :).
Well you got me convinced, I just bought it from your link. I will sell my Hugo 2 and get the same line up with the lcd2C I’m enjoying already. More reasonable also...
By the way, do you believe getting a usb câble like the qed référence / audioquest carbon at 100/150€ makes a difference from a 30€ cable, like the pearl?..
I understand your exitement.
I got the NFB28.38 about a month ago, but I almost only use it as a DAC with my main system. It is really good there. My headset is Hifiman HE400i, and the cable is too short to use there, as I would have to sit on the floor. I have ordered a 3 m custom cable and can't wait to try it. I have listened to it with my Beyerdynamic DT880, but after gotten used to the Hifiman, I don't like this set too much anymore.
Hi Kim thanks that you mentioned the 28.38 dac , I've been thinking about the 11.38 as well , what is your impression as a main system dac as that's what I want it for with a line magnetic 845 valve amp and tannoy grf memory speakers cheers Gary from the Hague nl
Hello there, great review as always! I am definitely going to pick up this amp/dac but I was wondering if you can unplug and plug in the quarter inch jack without putting your hand on the unit? I know it's a peculiar question but it is important to me. Thanks.
If it's not on a particularly smooth surface you can for sure, the rubber feet hold it in place
@@TheNitpicker Thank you.
Do you know what the different between NFB 11.28 and NFB 11.38 ?
I ask for your help in choosing a dac, what would you advise to purchase from the following models: Audio-gd R2R 11 vs Topping DX7S vs Audio-gd NFB-11.38 ???
Don't really know any of the other ones
Hi damir. First can say your reviews are excellent and great to watch your very honest responses to the products. On your recommendation I've today purchased this amp and now need your guidance in choosing a pair of headphones to go with it.my music tatse are drum and bass, dubstep reggae,deep house,hip-hop etc etc. what's your honest advice please.thankyou in advance
.
Damir Franc . Hi I've bought the so desktop. I ready own v Moda m 100 , sennheiser hd 25and fiio fh1. I've never tried open bacj
I have the combo,and it is so good :)
Will you be doing a review on something affordable and for headphones especially, like Sound BlasterX G1? I would love to see you reviewing a product like this!
Damn, Franc. I don't speak German :')
Good! I just bought HyperX Cloud II (your review persuaded me to it). Alas, I am not satisfied with the sound from the HyperX soundcard, that is why I want to buy a new one. The one I mentioned in the previous comment, and I would also like a review from you on the soundcard because frankly, Franc, your reviews are pretty damn good.
They DacMagic plus should be used just as a dac, the headphone output is bad. You should connect the DacMagic to the NFB11.28 and bypass the dac in the audio-gd - would be interested in the dac comparison.
Awesome review as always, take care. :)
Thanks for the reply, indeed the cost cannot be justified, but i was just curios if you hear a difference between the 2 dacs. I also have the DacMagic 100. I was considering Audio GD stuff a few months ago but as with pretty much everything on the internet, everyone has an opinion. Head-fi praises audio-gd, others, not so much.
Anyway, love you audio stuff videos, looking forward for more headphones and amps :)
Unfortunately, there’s no analog inputs to bypass the dac and just use the amp section. Mr Kingwa says he did it to preserve as much sound quality as possible. I’m absolutely in love with my R2R11, though. Audio gd for life.
Ya loving my NFB 28.38 though have never thought to mess with the filters yet. Hmmm but i change different headphones alot for different moods so that might be good for one bad for others etc. Now im wondering if it defintely came on the default filter or one of the others like you said.
good vid dude!
Ess sabre dacs are analytical and brighter usually unless it is checked by amp section to warmer side. Ess sabre are more revealing.
Akm dacs especially AKM's top chip AK4490 are more musical amd enjoyable and slightly warmer as you said you wished.
The new ESS 9038 are supposed to be more neutral/warmer. Opinion seems to be that they made it warmer while maintaining the detail resolution.
I told you! hahaha. I'm glad you ended up getting one.
Does he support ASIO?
a plexiglas lid might be advisable, especially if it's high power
Which one's sound do you prefer? This one or the iFi iDSD Micro BL?
Hello franc ! I've seen on magna site a new version called nfb 11/38 ! Should I get this new one? I have the hd660 do u think that nfb sounds good with them ?
have you played a game with this dac .. be great to see if this is the best dac for games also
thank you great review
This isn’t supposed to be a gaming dac,, it‘s mostly for music since it doesn’t offer any of the features of a gaming dac, it doesn’t even have a mic input or anything like that
@@TheNitpicker thank you for your support and reply.
I want a external dac for my pc experience. Great review. Thx for English.. hope to see More info on your UA-cam channel.
Thx. Darren
Would you recommend this for a hd800s?
Hi Damir,
I am looking at gettting a dac/amp setup for my PC. I had a soundcard but it died and when I switched to onboard I immediatley noticed the difference. The volume is significantly lower and the music sounds a little more washed out. I understand this DAC would be overkill for a PC setup but I use my PC alot. What i would like to know is how it would affect lower impedence headphones? Currently I am using b&w p5 and Sennheiser 598cs. Would the amp struggle at such low levels?
Cheers mate
so i have the nfb--11.28 and using Senheisser 660s with it. However, I'm able to still listen to songs at full volume and sounds bearable. In your review, you state that you can't go past 50% or around that number, because it'll get too loud. Is it possible that I received a defective model that doesn't reach full volume capacity? I bought it straight from Audio GD's website, after sending emails back and fourth with them. if anyone has an opinion on this matter, i'd appreciate the feedback or thoughts. Thank you
At full volume sounds almost impossible without blowing up your ears, I already listen super loud and the 660S is easy to power, maybe you have a volume on your PC, check that one
nah. the pc volume is set to max. i'm controlling volume through the nfb-11 knob. hmm i don't know what the issue might be. I have the drivers updated as well
That's not normal then, maybe try contacting them if they maybe had such a issue before. The nfb is powerful for sure and most people claim to be able drive the 660S with a phone
thanks for your input. i appreciate it
sooo, Creative SOUND BLASTER X7 or Audio-GD NFB11? movies,music,games..pls need helP!)
nfb 11 for so many reasons
Do I need to push in the metal needles more
Try Queststyle 400i. You will not be disappointed. I upgraded to it from NFB-11...
Hey bro .. which one is sounds better this or ifi idsd black lable? With (lcd2c)
This, the idsd is more meant for portable use and not quite on par with the nfb especially when it comes to neutrality and details
@@TheNitpicker yah i know the idsd is portable but it doesnt matter .. i only care about sound quality bro and i can see clearly you advice this over the idsd
Damir, can you help me with the jumpers. I am honestly so confused. Right now it's stock and I want to brighten the sound of my Lcd-2c. It appears that the jumpers are already placed, unless I'm mistaken
Take a pair of tweezers and plug out the jumpers and plug them back in to a combination that you want to use. I tried all combos and the difference isn't that huge honestly but some have more forward midrange and some more relaxed treble, you gotta experiment because each gear is different. If you want a bright sound, take all the jumpers out and see if you like it.
Why did you choose to 11.28 over the R2r 11 model?
According to the description and what I read others saying it felt like a better fit for me
Could you tell me how these sound in planars like 4XX's?
All planars I used it with sounded really top
@@TheNitpicker you should try the Sundara's!
They aren't anything particular amazing. I tried them briefly, nice but they didn't impress me or anything like that
enough power for sennheiser hd650?
Easily
@@TheNitpicker thank you friend
@@TheNitpicker is version AUDIO-GD R2R-11 is much better from this? maybe you have tested it?
I only know the reviewed version
I have never touched a jumper before andsm afraid to touch and mess it up
they are easy, just a little piece of plastic that goes over 2 pins, just pull stright up with fingernails or tweezers, when inserting dont force it, if you are on the pins it should slide down pretty easy, just dont bend a pin.
Dont worry is very easy :)
Why this over R2R-11?
Yeah mostly, I've had a chance to listen to both side by side and the R2R is definitively more musical. The detail is still there though
I actually sold my CMA600i to keep my R2R 11. The R2R11 will become a classic when it'll be discontinued.
Sebastian Kedra so you would say the r2r11 over the 11.28? I love the saber dac so kinda worried the r2r11 wouldn't have the detail the 11.28 has
Yeah, but I like to enjoy my music rather than to get all the possible detail. It's way more smooth and musical even with really trash recordings which helps to enjoy them easier than on something that forces more details in :)
Sebastian Kedra i have the ifi micro black label do u think the r2r11 is a upgrade to the ifi?