Audio-GD NFB-1 Head Amp Loaner

Ill try it.

Hartford CT

 

I was really interested in this amp a while back. I had a dac 19 10th anniversary at the time (nice and soft and friendly, and a bit round on the bottom - crap, now I'm horny) and wanted a matching balanced stack. My headphone time is pretty limited these days, so it would not really get a just review from me. I've got a Bifrost Multibit fed by a MacBook Air USB into USB v3 or anAK100ii via optical, a liquid crimson to compare to, and Ether C v1.1's.

My write up would be really brief, and the test rig and comparisons pretty limited. I'm willing, but I sorta sound like I'm trying to talk you out of having me take it for a spin. Let me know what you think.

 

Single data point perception - except for the Master 7, Audio-GD gets a bit of a bad rap here. Add to that, it is price competitive with Schiit, but the overseas issues with warranty and support make it a tougher choice for at least US based folk.

 

Sure, I'll take a listen to it.

Dallas, TX

 

(One of) my issues with Audio GD is that they rotate through new revisions so quickly that it cannibalizes their lineup and resale values. On the other hand, it feeds the upgrade nervosa and makes the older models more affordable for newbies to get into, which will in turn eventually feed their newfound nervosas. I don't personally like this business model, but it works for them. Price creep is another factor I have gripes with.

 

Yeah, I just can't keep up with their stuff. Product line is too confusing.

I've heard some really good amps from them, but couldn't for the life of me tell you which ones they were.

 

I'll do it, I haven't owned a SS headamp in ages, will be good for me to compare with the headphones I now have

Can someone link the AGD website for this particular amp? Their product line is so confusing I can't find it, and Google thinks it's a DAC

 

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB1AMP/NFB1AMPEN.htm

I think this is the correct product. I'm sure @Vansen can correct me if I'm wrong.

 

For me, it was hearing that the company asks customers not to declare values for shipping so customs won't get involved, the support nightmares a friend of mine had with them on an nfb11 with a clearly faulty usb port (I told you to buy Schiit, Jon, but you didn't listen...), the language barrier and/or piss poor customer service... AGD just seems shady AF. I choose not to risk doing business with them. I'm glad they make stuff people like, but it isn't a business I want to support.

I'm waiting for @brencho and @Bill-P impressions. If they say it's better than sex or air, I'll toss my name into the loaner list, but otherwise... Ignorance is bliss.

 

You're on! First beer is on you since you won't be paying shipping! Hahaha

 

I am not a well established rando or friend, but I do have an Audio-GD Master 9 which I have bought coming on Monday, so if anyone was interested on my thoughts between the two, I could try and do a bit of a comparison. It would be interesting to see whether or not the differences (if there are any) are worth the price difference, or if they both completely suck etc...

I Totally understand if there is no interest due to me not being an established set of ears and what not, just thought I would offer

 

Very likely. No worries though!

 

nah marv got sick but hopefully tomorrow/soon!

 

Any impressions? Is the amp still on tour? I think I'd like to try it.
If the CO folks are done with it by next week, I can pick it up after RMAF.