RodmunchHow does $90 USD for the Fulla compare to this thing at $45 USD? Literally twice the price. What is there around the same price point that compares to this thing (I'm not being sarcastic; I really want to know what's at the same price tier for comparison; I'm a complete noob re: DACs)? So far, there's the FiiO K1 that's been mentioned that's at the same price point; everything else has been double, triple, quadruple the price.
HucklemuckFor $40 I doubt this thing is any better than a PC soundcard. Maybe I'm wrong, I haven't heard one. But personally I would rather pony up a bit more dough for something made in the USA from a company with a great reputation for bang-for-buck budget products. That's just me and my opinion.
RodmunchI don't think you're wrong -- I think I understand where you're coming from, and it makes sense to me.
However, for me the thing I want is something just good enough to sit between my PC and my headphones to eliminate the constant whine I get from power supply interference, so spending over $50 USD for a glorified power conditioner is suboptimal for me -- and I'm in Canada, so the "made in USA" is not a thing I care about.
I guess, given my particular use case, that's why I'm really into other options at this price, and not at all into things that are 200%+ more expensive.
...at the same time, will the Idol (or the FiiOS for that matter) even make any difference for me?
HucklemuckYou should care! LOL.
I can't tell you if it will make a difference or not, sorry. But if you are getting whine in your headphones from your power supply then you should probably try to fix that first. New power supply maybe?
CEntranceWell, that's cool and all, but this Idol is half the price and I'm locked around there due to my use case (explained further up in the thread). So far, the only thing that's been comparable to the subject of this actual drop in this thread has been the FiiO K1.
I mean, it's great and that things that are 200% to 400% the price of this Idol DAC/amp are better, but... I don't see how that's relevant to this specific drop?
HucklemuckViewing your conversation I see you have not stated the headphones you are using so my advice that follows may be somewhat off. If you are looking into DACs in the $40 range just to clear up on board audio hiss and you care less about having more detail and the ability to drive higher volumes on headphones that require more power. The cheapest fix might be a usb sound adapter, it is basically a no frills DAC with no amp. I'll link one below but I have seen them even cheaper on ebay.
I don't think you are looking to get into the audiophile world, I think you are looking to fix a problem on the cheap and that can be done.
http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=nav_timeline_asin
CEntranceIs the next drop shipping on June 2nd or the last one shipping on June 2nd? I can wait until June 2nd but anything later than that and I don't feel like buying.
HucklemuckI have the FiiO version and love it for the fact that it 100% solved the exact issue you describe. My work laptop was lousy with noise through its build in headphone jack.
I added the FiiO K1 and it solved that for me. It also sounds better but again, work laptop, hardly a great source.
I haven't tried the SMSL but the FiiO does a solid job. No complaints whatsoever. On my Philips X2 & Audio-Technica ATH-50x it gets plenty loud. My Fostex TH-X00 and Sennheiser HD-600 headphones both get to decent volumes but definitely benefit from a more capable amp. Comparing it to my iPhone 6S+ though, definitely a measured improvement.
GambLYes, there are a few gains besides power. Generally you can get the HD for $50 more than the Slim. Totally up to you if it's worth it.
Slim VS HD:
Max Sample Rate (Slim) 192kHz (Also: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4kHz)
Max Sample Rate (HD) 384kHz (Also: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352kHz), DSD
Max Resolution (Slim) 24-bit (Also supports 16-bit)
Max Resolution (HD) 32-bit (Also supports 16 and 24-bit)
Dynamic Range (Slim) 109 dB, re +11.5dBu, max gain
Dynamic Range (HD) 112 dB, re +14.5dBu, max gain
THD+N (Slim) 0.003% (FS, 1kHz)
THD+N (HD) 0.002% (FS, 1kHz)
Max Level (Slim) 2.9 V rms / +11.5 dBu
Max Level (HD) 4.1 V rms / +14.5 dBu
Output Power (Slim) 450mW (total), drives 600 Ohm headphones
Output Power (HD) 775mW (total), drives 600 Ohm headphones