Audio-GD NFB-1 Head Amp Impressions

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by brencho, Sep 22, 2017.

  1. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    end it. two to the back of the head. tap tap.
     
  2. Peter78

    Peter78 New

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    I think you mean Office Space.
     
  3. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    Right

    That too.
     
  4. aamefford

    aamefford Nothing like chamberpot coffee

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    Wow. Not that all of those ideas aren’t hilarious. And probably fun. Does it really suck that bad? Am I really that much of a Spode for not completely hating it? Although after lusting after it for a year, now that I’ve heard it, I have no desire to own it, so maybe I’m not a complete Spode. I did drive a PT Cruiser for about 5 years when I didn’t absolutely have to. Hey, it was “good enough....”
     
  5. JewBear

    JewBear Almost "Made"

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    Although I don't have much stake in the game, being in NZ and all, I would suggest you keep the loaner going. Just so people can gain greater perspective. Perhaps some people will have contrary opinions.
     
  6. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    I don't hear any issues with it... I think it sounds fine with my HD650 KISS. These are just initial first time impressions, but it seems fine
     
  7. Daveheart

    Daveheart Friend

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    I mainly listened to this via SFD-1 mkII and my HD650. For initial casual listening, it sounded okay. There didn't seem to be any weird spikes in distortion, channel imbalance, and the frequency response seemed pretty even. That being said, the more I listened to it the more it just seemed bland. It didn't present any additional impact or speed over the Sonnet but lost the air and soundstage. It's been a while since I heard it, but I'm pretty sure I'd rather listen to my original Magni that I gave away.
     
  8. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    It remembers gain and input settings, but really annoying when you turn it off and on it sets volume to 0...
     
  9. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    Certainly quite large as well. I still don't notice any major issues with it for now, but going to do some more listening. Unfortunatly my house is being sided, so 8am- whenever they have just been hamering away on the outside of my house...

    Volume knob thing is nice, I like hearing those relays click.

    Compared to Bottlehead Crack, Valhalla 2, and SPS DAC 3 (on top)
    IMG_20171121_111647.jpg
     
  10. abhinit90

    abhinit90 New

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  11. landroni

    landroni Friend

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    HF is a stamp tramp: It may give its stamp of approval to just about anything that moves.


    If you're going to follow its advice, beware.

    ----

    For comparison (and for posterity), and for those who cannot go on HF, here's the HF review of the amp:
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2017
  12. abhinit90

    abhinit90 New

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    I mean that's very surprising and interesting, right?
    Reading that romanticised text would make any man's feelings throb for it. Wish I was eligible to be a part of the loaner program here so I could give it a listen first hand. Is sponsorship the reason for that recommendation?
     
  13. gbeast

    gbeast Mighty Moral Power Ranger

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    interested in the HE-9? Their top amplifier? Take the same sound, add sound stage and resolution, lower the distortion, and add good bass.
     
  14. brencho

    brencho Friend

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    I'll hear anything once but I have very little trust in agd based on every piece of gear from them that I've ever heard. But yeah id give it a listen and try to keep an open mind.
     
  15. mrflibble

    mrflibble Friend

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    The HE-9 would also need to greatly improve the attack and incisiveness in addition to fixing the fat, bloaty bass. These are the biggest problems of the NFB-1AMP from my memories of owning one earlier this year. I don't remember soundstage, resolution or distortion being a particular weakness of the NFB-1AMP.
     
  16. gbeast

    gbeast Mighty Moral Power Ranger

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    Short story is that they have a house sound based on what you guys are saying about the NFB amp. The HE-9 lacks musicality more than almost any amp I have heard. It lacks pop and tonal weight except for the bass with planars that is extremely well controlled and deep. Otherwise, it is one of the most boring amps I have heard.
     
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2017
  17. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    Exit stage left....
    Currywong dong would love it then. and write about it if he was paid.
    WongDong may be as deaf as Steve Gutenberg.
     
  18. Miracle1980

    Miracle1980 Acquaintance

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    Do i understand correctly that if I use RCA signal cables from my dac I will not lose the "balanced" design of this amp?

    I am thinking of buying this to drive the ZMF Verite...
     
  19. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    I see zero value in pairing agd and zmf. Shortly owned this amp long before. And it’s the worst amp among I’ve ever heard. Terrible technicalites —lacking micro details and lame transients were too critical. Will take fulla 2 over it any day.

    Plugging verite into this amp ... oh... no.. never. Almost insulting
     
  20. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    • You will lose balanced benefits if you feed such an RCA.
    • Sound quality or personal preferences aside, I don't think the ZMF and NFB-1 have good synergy
    • Chase sound quality instead of balanced gear. The majority of such gear is balanced for the sake of balanced because "balanced" sells. Its better to have the extra x2 money spent on a better SE design.
     

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