ODAC Advice Thread

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by Everyday45, Apr 29, 2017.

  1. Chris1967

    Chris1967 Friend

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    Well, after having had the ODAC for quite some time [i dont have it any longer neither the O2] (actually i got one of the first ones JDSLabs ever made) i must say that stock it doesn't sound very nice.

    It has a severe problem with the usb receiver making it anything from awful to barely audible depending on usb port quality.

    In Changstar we discussed the problem http://www.changstar.com/www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,383.0.html and some of us made external linear power supplies to be able to make sound improvements because the usb powered ODAC just wasn't consistent enough over a wide variation of usb ports.

    This alone should make someone avoid it at this day and age.

    The improvements with linear PS was huge, but now retrospectively, i am not sure if it was worth the effort (and money).

    I haven't any experience with the lower end Schiit dac's but looking only at the design they should be able to play better than the aging ODAC.

    Just my two cents.
     
  2. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    ..and that is really all the "ODAC advice" needed. Le fin.
     
  3. Mshenay

    Mshenay Barred from loaner program. DON'T SEND ME GEAR.

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    I'm not preaching about absolute's, I'm simply stating that for some The Element is going to be better than a Schiit Stack, not just because of sound. An I guess even though many of you might not say it, you do recognize that


    @Deep Funk Thank you for having respectfully share'd your opinion, and I apologize if I seem like another nWav Cultist, I think The Element sounded... sloppy and loose. To be honest, it's not for me, but I try to recognize the merits of every product, not just be 100% focused on how it sounds. I do that, because I like to help consumers get the right solution to their problem, as I REALLY love getting those PMs from people who thank me for recommending a product to them! A product that REALLY helps them, not just a product that I thought sounds good.

    Though, maybe as stated above, maybe you guys don't care about helping the consumer find whats right for them. So much as you care about getting the industry the right products that it needs, to grow in the direction that you want it to. That's how I see SBAF, as a place for those who contribute, not those who consume, because that's why Head Fi exists, to help consumers, I personally want to exist in both sectors. To help those that consume, and to be one who contributes

    And yea, Le Fin to this entire thread. Thanks @Chris1967 for a nice tidy conclusion, good to know that
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2017
  4. Lurker

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    All DACs sound the same anyway.
     
  5. landroni

    landroni Friend

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    With all the shills running around, HF is definitely consumer-friendly!

    [​IMG]
     
  6. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    How is trolling someone into spending more on a worse DAC "helping", precisely?
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2017
  7. aufmerksam

    aufmerksam Friend

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    Look, I agree that for some people the [insert product] will be better than whatever a consensus can agree sounds good/better. I understand that some people only need to see a certain set of measurements and they don't care to care past that. Good for them, seriously. A dead guy said "know thyself" and in this context it makes sense. I have no objection with your playing a little devil's advocacy in a thread that is already gone to shit.

    However, this:
    I have a problem with. Your observations about SBAF are mostly correct, but making recommendations only to make people happy when we know a product sounds inferior, won't happen. And if it does, someone with a higher mage level will probably step in and do something.
     
  8. DrForBin

    DrForBin Friend

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    hello,

    WTF!!! "not just because of sound." ???

    what, precisely is the point of advising ANYONE to purchase an inferior sounding product, when there are products in the same price range that SOUND better???

    i get it. you like JDS Labs. so do i (for a discontinued product that meets my household's needs on the go.)

    however, this passive/aggressive BS concerning how their products "might" be better for some consumers, is becoming very tiresome.

    mods, if this troll doesn't stop this crap, can they be banned? the S/N ratio in this person's posts is way over the N threshold.
     
  9. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    Unless the Element is going to start making me sandwiches on command, I think I'll stick to recommending the better sounding competitors at similar, sometimes cheaper prices.

    Not always about the sound? I get that size or portability may be a concern, but it should ALWAYS be about the sound.
     
  10. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    Everything is blue...



    P.S. Perfect music for people who always want the same because "Blue."
     
  11. Mshenay

    Mshenay Barred from loaner program. DON'T SEND ME GEAR.

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    Ok thank you for that, I respect your guys devotion to sound quality first and foremost. I can certainly, go back to lurking until I've got something unique to contribute.

    And to those who want me banned, I'm sticking around, I don't scare easy. A little extra heat helps to burn away the slag,
     
  12. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    I have to say that I'm confused, @Mshenay, by your stating that there are advantages to DACs outside of sonic performance. Outside of transportability and its having a built-in amp (and a nice pot, if you're into that sorta thing) there seem to be quite a few alternatives at around its price point that outperform the Element. I've yet to hear it personally, but if it's any close to the original ODAC, then I would have to agree that it's almost not worth the upgrade from a decent mobile phone jack.

    And, er, saying that SBAF isn't about helping consumers find what's right for them seems rather disingenuous.
     
  13. Mshenay

    Mshenay Barred from loaner program. DON'T SEND ME GEAR.

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    Maybe so, I haven't explored all of the options.

    SBAF is about sound quality, first and foremost.
    Not every consumer is shopping with sound quality at the top of their list. Other features will be more important, that's my first and only point. Since you guys recommend based just on how it sounds, not all consumers will benefit, a prime example of this can be found be checking out CNETs "headphone buying guide" I read through it, and bass was the first "sound quality" feature they mentioned, other wise they don't bring it up again till the VERY bottom of that link. Also check out this link, again sound quality isn't the first thing... or really even the focus.

    I think that's horrible, but at the same time cNet was the first place I went to research headphones back in 2012. Many of my Co-Workers and customers, really don't seem to notice a difference in "sound" between different models. An a lot of the most popular consumers headphones, all kinda sound the same... Warm, bassy and "loud," so generally speaking features are what they look at first, how it makes their life easier. So a product that offers a LOT of features and acceptable quality of sounds, serves as a good starting point for a big chunk of Consumers. As much as I love schiit, I couldn't get a M&M Stack for my wife, or even any of my friends. They all kinda thinks it's overly complicated, and I REALLY want them to... have better gear! To have products that will enhance the quality of the music they listen. So, that's where I find value in recommending something that has a simple design, and good sound. Something to get their mouth's wet and give them a taste of what a dedicated dac/amp does for their headphones. I like products that get the ball rolling, maybe the Schiit Fulla 2 is a better... ball roller than The Element at $350

    An in all honesty, I'm REALLY curious how the Schiit Fulla 2 sounds, and heck I need something better than my Behringer UCA 202 for the laptop in my satellite office, I may very well just purchase one for my self... and get back with you guys on what I think. Who knows I might be singing a completely different tune, after hearing that little wonder!
     
  14. SSL

    SSL Friend

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    No shit. SBAF stands for Super Best AUDIO Friends. Not Super Best General Consumer Friends.
     
  15. DrForBin

    DrForBin Friend

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    hello,

    if this is not a total dismissal of what this community is about, i hope i never find one as repugnant.
     
  16. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    ODAC, updated ODAC you decide for yourself.

    The Fulla 2, definitely worth every cent for its sound, DAC, Amp and outs for all kinds of set-up. Add a Koss PortaPro or Monk Plus ear bud and you are done.

    When people ask me what to get I keep it simple and effective to avoid upgraditis and G.A.S. "Get a PortaPro and dance to the music."

    This is S.B.A.F. not Hype-Fi. We want to keep this hobby fun, never forget that...
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2017
  17. landroni

    landroni Friend

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    If all-in-one designs is one of your basic requirement, and this is what you consider a major advantage of The Element, this is no doubt something you should have started with and (in case you actually did) should have repeated high and wide with every single reply you made in this thread. It would have saved us all from a lot of frustration, and the discussion would have moved forward a lot more constructively. No need to get into metaphysical arguments that SBAF isn't about what's best for consumers... and this is false anyway (as long as the sought requirements are clear).

    I can see how the M&M stack can be confusing for complete neophytes, and how DAC/amp combos have their advantages in this market. But Fulla 2 takes care of that segment, and a whole lot cheaper than 300+ bucks. Add in a PortaPro ^, and your budget-friendly emergency kit for family & friends is done.
     

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