Better Spekers than Triangle Borea BR03

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dommaku2

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2022
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OK great help from all of you thanks !

1. I am buying NAD 316BEE or 316BEE v2
2. DAC wise - I can still return CA DAC magic 100 - Would IFI Zen DAC V2 be better? I can't see any other with USB port for my Mac book in £150 price range.
 

npxavar

Well-known member
Nov 30, 2022
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It is not the DAC's problem if you are feeding different quality streams. Tidal streams lossless (in Hi-Fi setting). Spotify Premium streams 320kbps on app ("Very High" quality) and 256kbps on web player.
 

dommaku2

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2022
44
12
45
I got it I will stick with Tidal and close the case. Aside from stream quality I want to ensure all links in my hi fi chain are strong.
Someone said DAC itself might be not best, reading reviews online they indicate same.
 

npxavar

Well-known member
Nov 30, 2022
329
113
570
The ifi Zen Dac V2 is better if used with shielded USB cable (USB only power) or iPower 5V. Generic adapters will ruin the sound. This is my experience with the Air version, the stipped down variant with the plastic casing.
 

dommaku2

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2022
44
12
45
I have bought:
- NAD 316 BEE v2
- Topping E30 II


Topping E30 II - Just arrived
- sound wise comparing with current CA DAC 100 I can hear no difference.

Topping E30 II is just really annoying:
-1- Refused to work - discovered by Mac OS tidal app but no sound - I googled and seen someone else having same issue.
-2- There is noticeable "white" noise when during time no music comes from source
-3- All options seems to be adjustable with remote - what if I loose it? I rather stick with CA DAC 100
-4 - Options are confusing and instruction - like there is F1-F7 available in DAC while instructions talks only about F1 and F2 etc.

I will be sending back Topping E30 II - looking forward to getting my "ears" on NAD :)
 
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dommaku2

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2022
44
12
45
NAD 316 v2 arrived and my early observations are:

1. Clearly can play NAD louder getting juicier bass (thump) & more dynamics. (I remember AXA 25 vs Audiolab 6000A which I contrasted in Richer Sounds & can't recall feeling such clear difference as here, but it was 3 years ago.)
2. Might be imaginary / mood related but Theme From Schindler's List makes me emotional/sad - it was not really the case for previous config, I heard same music just did not feel emotion. It's an odd one but that's my impression.

NAD stays

did I mentioned blue leds from NAD match my DAC Magic 100 blue led? :)
 
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