amazon Nuforce uDAC 3 reviews
The Nuforce uDAC 3 has an almost identical appearance to the Nuforce uDAC2, with a tiny size just a bit bigger than the Zippo lighter, with a knob, headphone jack and active status LED on the front. , Power jacks and communication ports on the back. The aluminum casing is rounded at the sides and has the nameplate on both sides. The only difference and improvement over uDAC2 is that instead of using the standard USB port B to connect to a PC like uDAC 2, it uses a mini USB port. A seemingly small improvement, but it will please those who are mobile because they can use the same mini USB cable with other mobile devices.
Despite being small in size, the uDAC3 is a versatile device, a removable USB DAC for the home entertainment system, as well as a DAC amplifier for headphones, and can also act as a USB converter. Connected to another DAC by equipping a coaxial port for the SPDIF signal.
Design
The internal design of the uDAC3 is similar to that of uDAC2, a neat, intelligent design of the Nuforce circuit for the purpose of signaling a short path. There are two dense two-sided circuit boards connected by two gold-plated pins. In order to further reduce the “jitter” phenomenon, Nuforce uses asynchronous technology, a new technique usually only applied to midrange DACs. Digital audio signals are expressed in two forms: data and timing. It is the time deviation in the transition and the movement of the signal called “jitter” that has a negative impact on sound quality. Typically, computers with unstable clock clocks create a very serious “jitter” and if the DAC receives digital signal synchronization from the computer it also means It receives the same “jitter” phenomenon. So it was recently invented as “asynchronous” technology using a dedicated clock for DAC and this clock is not synchronized with the host’s clock. With the application of this technique, the clock pulse phenomenon will be significantly overcome, contributing to better sound quality.
On the board of Nuforce uDAC3, the digital signal from the USB port is fed to a small pulse transformer that isolates and destroys noise from the source. Then the signal is taken to an IC signaled SA9027 signal reception and processing. This is a component that plays an important role in asynchronous technology, and is capable of receiving music files encoded by the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) protocol, an advanced digital encoding protocol Possible to deliver the highest sound quality. A low-clock “jitter” clock with a frequency of 12 MHz is used to recover the original clock for the data. The DAC chips used were not disclosed, but leaked information showed that this was a 24-bit AACI Kaisei DAC. This is a DAC chip that outputs directly to an 2-volt RCA analog signal without having to go through a DC blocking capacitor. A further modification to uDAC2 lies in the head-amp circuit with the use of an IC acting as an amplifier, thereby overcoming unhealthiness in uDAC2 small volume.
The entire circuit of uDAC3 uses only 5V power from the USB port of the computer. However, on the circuit there are many low-voltage voltage stabilizer ICs that regulate the voltage level of the decoder, IC receiver digital signal and other active components on the circuit. That said, at this device, Nuforce has paid more attention to processing clean source to ensure the best sound quality.
Coupling and sound quality
UDAC3 is a plug and play device. For computers running Windows and MAC users do not have to download drivers to install, but need to do some restoration of the audio device on the computer to output audio to uDAC3. For Windows-based computers, for uDAC3 to work out the need to install additional drivers to read the DSD file as detailed instructions on the Nuforce home page.
Although size is very modest but it can be said that Nuforce uDAC3 is the suitable partner for most of headset in the market. Tried the uDAC3 with a number of handsets, including the Senheiser HD598, the AKG K505, the Sony XBA4, the Yuin PK2, the V-Moda XS and more like the AKG K701, Yuin PK1. UDAC3 only slightly weak when combined with AKG K701 only. Through a test round, the most suitable partner for this tiny DAC is the AKG K505, followed by the Sennheiser HD598.
The overall sound of uDAC3 is quite natural, balanced and well detailed in complex music. The sound of the device is quite warm but still full of detail and free from high strips, it makes the headset bright light become more balanced. In contrast to the tiny size, the DAC / headamp performs quite well, reproducing dynamics and sound stage well. Compared to the sound of uDAC2, obviously the sound quality of uDAC3 is significantly better. The feel of the “bounce” of the pitch is clearer, the sound stage with the layer more separate lang. The application of asynchronous technology, the design of isolation between parts of the circuit along with the emphasis on power supply processing has brought about significant improvement in the sound quality of the youngest brother in the UDAC family.
Testing the uDAC3 as a removable DAC connected to the external system also brought quite unexpected results. The sound of this tiny device is not inferior to the mid-range DACs that have invested in detail.
With a market price of just $130, the Nuforce uDAC3 is an unmistakable device in terms of price due to its ability to meet two new technologies available only in expensive DACs asynchronous and DSD. In terms of sound quality, the uDAC3 is a clear upgrade from the same company to be confident compared to other devices in the same segment as the M2Tech DAC. This is a sensible choice for newcomers to the audio world, enjoying high-quality digital music from a computer with an unreasonable investment.
where can you get a Nuforce uDAC 3 online
NuForce uDAC3 Mobile USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black): Buy it now
NuForce uDAC3 Mobile USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Red): Buy it now
NuForce uDAC3 Mobile USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Silver): Buy it now
Digital
Connectivity: USB 1.1, 2.0
Compatible with frequency: 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz, 24-bit
Output Signal Level (RCA): 2 V
Dynamic range: 90 dB
S / N ratio: 98 dB
Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%
Total output: Coaxial RCA 75-Ohm
Headphone output power: 80 mW x 2 @ 16-Ohm
Power Consumption: USB Bus Powered, 80 mA / 5V
Dimensions: 68 x 38 x 21 mm
Accessories included: USB cable (1 m)