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Mark3D
11
Jun 28, 2017
Just received my ZuperDAC today and did some listening with my iPhone 6/Lightning camera connection cable, playing with the Onkyo HF Player app. Initial results are good sonically. Compared to AQ Dragonfly Black with my Earsonics SM64, the ZuperDAC appears to have better imaging and soundstage, separation and detail but with a bit less warmth and mid bass than the AQ.
I like the lushness of the Dragonfly but with the ZuperDAC I am able to clearly discern the two vocalists on Mark Knopflers: Sailing To Philadelphia/Baloney Again that were a little more homogeneous with the AQ or iPhone alone.
So far, one downside is that I have to turn up the volume to 88% to reach the level the AQ can do at about 50%. I'm not talking about deafening levels here either. If playing hi resolution DSD files (tried PCM and DoP) that goes up to 94%. Plugged straight into the iPhone I can achieve the same volume at about 60% which makes me wonder whats wrong with this ZuperDAC? I know the Earsonics are high impedance/low sensitivity but both the Dragonfly and iPhone alone can play them fine.
I'll keep checking settings etc. but if this is the reality I doubt I'll be keeping the ZuperDAC as it doesn't offer any flexibility. One step down is too soft and one step up is too loud.
FrowningTea
24
Jun 29, 2017
Mark3DI have neither but I'm looking into getting my first DAC/AMP combo. Would you recommend the ZuperDAC or should I go with the Dragonfly Black?
It'll be for use with a pair of VE Monks (looking at AKG M220 and Alessandro MS-1 in the future) with an android phone (USB-C but I have an adapter for USB-A) and my PC at home.
I'm not much of a bass head and I don't like my music too loud. (Usually listen to Classical, Jazz, Country and Pop.)
Mark3D
11
Jun 29, 2017
FrowningTeaHi Frowning Tea, I'm afraid I am mostly unfamiliar with the VE Monks but before you spend money on a DAC/amplifier I think it may be a good idea to get better headphones to start with. Based on the head-if reviews I've read, I'm sure the Monks do a fine job but I'm not sure that a DAC/amp is going to improve them to the same point that simply starting with better headphones would. Best of luck and happy listening.
FrowningTea
24
Jun 29, 2017
Mark3DI guess I'm putting the cart ahead of the horse. I have my heart set on two pair of headphones in particular but just haven't bought them yet.
I suppose that I'll do just that then.
Mark3D
11
Jun 30, 2017
FrowningTeaI see that Massdrop has the AKG M220 Pro drop going on right now if thats one of the cans you're considering. I have a pair of AKG K7XX that I enjoy quite a bit. I normally use them with a stand alone Gustard headphone amp but I listened to them on my phone/ZuperDAC today and they sounded very good.
waynesworld
45
Jun 30, 2017
FrowningTea I can't compare the Zuperdac to the DFB, but the Monk+'s sound great off of the Zuperdac. Sidenote: also consider the Vido earbuds for more bass (see "Absolute best budget earbuds"? thread on head-fi).
I use one Zuperdac off of my phone (also recommend UAPP app on phone), and another Zuperdac off of my laptop (with various earbuds and headphones and am very satisfied. Off of the laptop/zuperdac, I also use a portable amp.
Mark3D
11
Jun 30, 2017
FrowningTeaWell, it looks like Waynesworld is another fan of the Monk+s as well as Vido. I would say go for it; at those prices it's hard to beat. Heck, I might even get some just out of curiosity!
sucram65
52
May 1, 2018
Mark3DI noticed the same with my ZuperDAC connected to my iPhone 6s Plus. I too have a AQ Dragonfly Black. Same behavior as far as output. I find that curious as I don't see why they would be different. I'm sticking with the Dragonfly to use mobile with the phone. I'm using the ZuperDac with a cheap Bravo 2 amp at work. This combination seems to work extremely well with one day of testing so far.
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