Part 2 of my wireless DAC home audition
Initial impressions of the NAD DAC 1 Wireless USB
http://nadelectronics.com/products/digital-music/DAC-1-Wireless-USB-Digital-to-Analogue-ConverterPros:
1. Works with both Macbook Air and desktop PC (with Windows 7 running); a much easier install for Windows than the Nuforce.
2. Works with my Samsung Note 3 (via OTG cable)!
3. Has coax out (unlike Nuforce which only has RCA);
4. No problem playing iTunes, Spotify, the works.
5. Coverage is pretty good, even if i'm in the kitchen area (about 5-7 meters away from receiver).
6. Subject to my observations below, SQ is good. (CD quality sound, like the Nuforce; better than via regular bluetooth) Also, in the Watts Hi Fi set up that we tested it with, it sounded louder and better than the Nuforce. In my home set up, the difference in volume was not as stark, but SQ is a bit better than the Nuforce.
Cons:
1. More expensive than the Nuforce Air Dac (almost double the price; but note that as of this writing, it's only US$99 at Amazon, in limited quantities and at 110v <- I think);
2. Same as the Nuforce, the SQ and volume level is not consistent for all platforms.
3. bigger footprint. The transmitter end will dangle if connected to a desktop CPU.
Additional observations:
If playing Spotify, the disparity in the volume level and sound quality if the NAD DAC 1 Wireless USB is attached to a PC versus a Macbook Air is noticeable (but not as great as Nuforce). PC wins, hands down. Low volume level if Note 3 is the source.
Verdict - because of the compatibility with my Note 3, and the US$99 price at Amazon, I chose the NAD. But if I had to buy locally, I would have chosen the Nuforce. Can't justify paying more than 10K considering that my main purpose is just to play Spotify over my HT set up.
