NJC Reference.
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Is it quite a small one designed to match the headphone amp and comes with an external SMPS? If so although it was well reviewed I imagine a better dac with good PSU would beat it.
Doesn't have to be NOS though, there are some good analogue sounding ones like Audio Gd (of which I have 4, but one has stopped working).
I think it's an NFB 3.1 in the north east and a later (better) model in London but I'll have to try and find the model as they made so many.
The common theme in all the ones I like is they use dual WM8741 chips rather than the ESS versions he also made.
Just checked my dac it's an NFB 10 (probably 10.32).
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphon...0.1EN_Tech.htm
Bollocks, iv'e ordered a Pontus II 12 year anniversary. A present to me from me.
Looks very interesting, Steve. I've been reading this thread for a while. It's good to hear that you took the plunge. Bet you can't wait.
I've gone for the Weiss DAC 204, proper kick ass sounding. Not cheap but, bloody wow!
My review is here in case you missed it on my other thread.
https://www.tannoyista.com/2024/06/weiss-dac-204.html
Sent from my BBC Microcomputer 32K
I received my Denafrips Pontus !! 12 on Tuesday and only just got round to listening to it today (Friday 28/06/24). First impressions are all very positive. Very insightful and revealing sound with a solid bass. Starts and stops on a sixpence. Build quality is off the scale. Big up to Iain at Willow Tree Audio, excellent dude to deal with.
However, having bought this beautiful piece of kit it has really brought it home just how good my NJC Reference DAC is too.
Just running some of me fave tunes through it.
https://i.imgur.com/bxwhC6T.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/6MkMCNZ.jpg
Pontus seem to be the sweet spot of quality without breaking the bank. It was top of my DAC wishlist before I picked up a Resonessence Labs Veritas second hand which does just what I want from a DAC. If it ever dies on me the Pontus will be back on my shopping list, so I am really interested to learn how you get on with yours.