@Drive Shaft - Thought I'd ask you. Would it be possible to mod my iPhone Touch Gen4 such that the input stage of the iPod is fed by a Raspberry Pi based Spotify Connect receiver? This would sort of simulate a music track being played from the internal storage of the iPod in order to avoid the exclusion of any Apple pre-DAC filters that may be kicking-in before the DAC stage.
I quite enjoyed the pairing. I have been wanting to try it for years, but supplies of Raspberry Pis went nil for years so I gave up on this idea. Now that I have had a listen, if the supply chains get better it is worth it to build a battery-powered version of this setup. It's a possible Office Rig too. Like someone mentioned, not too long ago this tiny dongle was considered a two-stack DAC setup. Now they shrunk that two-stack into something tiny and inexpensive.
I just wanted to throw the idea out there since the new Raspberry Pis might disappear from the market until 2026. But it's untested with RCA and Spotify Connect so it's a backup not primary. The pre-orders are already being sold out. But I may have stumbled upon a possible primary Wolfson lead within the UK.
That's great that the iPod is such a good fit, but you still need to gradually plan obsolescence over time especially if you want to stream.
Mac Hardware still a possibility:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/dac-quality-on-2021-macbooks.2323913/post-30626413
One day you may have to decide on Mac HW versus a external DAC. Mac HW you are almost guaranteed for Spotify Connect to work.
Last edited:
I started reading about the Wolfson buyout:
I'm glad Cirrus focuses on low latency hardware. That's why I find it usable. For I, I also need low latency on the software side too. That's why my portable dongle setup and possible Office dongle setup should do well. If it doesn't, the cost is low enough to scrap / repurpose or if it gets lost / stolen to easily move on. But it's objectively an modern-day upgrade to the Wolfson iPods, but sound signature preference plays a role too. Spotify Connect with the Office setup should be fun too.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4145662-apple-designing-out-cirrus-logic-is-worth-is-possible
I started reading other threads:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/so-whos-best-cirrus-logic-or-wolfson-confused_face-1.449340/
https://www.itsonlyaudio.com/audio-hardware/wm8741_vs_ess9023/
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/whe...022-wm8740-wm8741-wm8742.962364/post-16841081
The last link brought this possible solution:
In the last link above, they mentioned this UK product is well-built and has quality components and craftsmanship. Since you are in the UK, maybe they can send you a demo? Or they have a small showroom to visit?
http://www.njc-audio.co.uk/referencedac.html
I'm glad Cirrus focuses on low latency hardware. That's why I find it usable. For I, I also need low latency on the software side too. That's why my portable dongle setup and possible Office dongle setup should do well. If it doesn't, the cost is low enough to scrap / repurpose or if it gets lost / stolen to easily move on. But it's objectively an modern-day upgrade to the Wolfson iPods, but sound signature preference plays a role too. Spotify Connect with the Office setup should be fun too.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4145662-apple-designing-out-cirrus-logic-is-worth-is-possible
I started reading other threads:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/so-whos-best-cirrus-logic-or-wolfson-confused_face-1.449340/
https://www.itsonlyaudio.com/audio-hardware/wm8741_vs_ess9023/
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/whe...022-wm8740-wm8741-wm8742.962364/post-16841081
The last link brought this possible solution:
In the last link above, they mentioned this UK product is well-built and has quality components and craftsmanship. Since you are in the UK, maybe they can send you a demo? Or they have a small showroom to visit?
http://www.njc-audio.co.uk/referencedac.html
Last edited:
Give up on this idea. The Touch is too legacy to accept an input. You could possibly stream a large file, but that is too troublesome. It would probably put too much wear and tear on the iPod too from copying files back and forth.
Don't get too hung up on the Raspberry Pi. The UI is just a replica copy of the original iPod. Nothing is original iPod from the Youtube video. It's just a replica, nothing authentic.
NJC has a feedback section:
I’m not steeped in audiophile terminology and don’t pretend to talk from a place of authority where technology is concerned. My aim is simply to be happy with the sound I’m getting from my system. By this benchmark I am exceptionally pleased with what I’m hearing via the NJC headphone amp. The option of selecting one of three gain levels is very useful and after some experimentation I’ve settled on the high setting with a pair of 250 ohm headphones. If I replace them in future, I know I’ll buy safe in the knowledge that the headphone amp will accommodate any specification I choose.
Build quality is exceptional. The controls exude quality and inspire confidence in use.
All my communications with NJC Audio prior to purchase were responded to promptly and my questions answered without ambiguity. The order timeline was exactly as quoted and the amp securely and safely packaged.
My thanks to both Richard and Nick at NJC Audio for adding me to their list of happy customers. Like many others, I plan to add the reference DAC as soon as practicable, something I’m already looking forward to. Kevin Graham (Lincolnshire)
My family very generously clubbed together to finance the order for both the NJC Audio Reference Headphone Amplifier and Reference DAC as a special birthday gift for me so I wanted to give all future potential customers my very honest and positive views about the whole experience and products purchased.
1: The whole ordering process worked flawlessly, where both Richard and Nick kept me regularly updated throughout each stage of the build process.
2: This was a special birthday gift from my family to me which I intend to keep for many years.
Richard and Nick kindly took some extra pictures of my units being built which I have printed out and kept with the paperwork given with the equipment, and it all contributes towards making everything feel that little bit more special. It is also a nice touch that the printed equipment paperwork comes with the owner's personal name on it, and Richard and Nick even put a personally written birthday card from NJC Audio in the package for me.
3: The Reference Headphone Amplifier and Reference DAC came extremely well packaged of which I am really pleased about, as the last thing anyone would want is for any damage to occur to this beautifully hand-crafted equipment during transit. This nicely brings me onto the quality of the finish on these units which is simply impeccable, and I'm a little bit OCD with my equipment so believe me when I say that these pieces of equipment are hand crafted to perfection and are a true credit to both Richard and Nick of NJC Audio.
4: The sound quality of the Reference Headphone Amplifier and Reference DAC is simply effortless with so much detail retrieval from the music that you hear things in your favourite music that you most likely never noticed before, and I have already spent hours rediscovering and enjoying some of my favourite old music. The NJC Audio Reference Amplifier & DAC scales really well through high end headphones, as my friend owns a pair of Audeze LCD-4 headphones (Approx £4000!) which it sounded absolutely awesome with and gave me something to aspire to, however I am more than pleased with the perfectly balanced, highly detailed and immensely listenable sound that I am currently getting through my considerably less expensive Sennheiser HD600s.
5: NJC Audio Equipment is built to last with a genuinely refined high end sound quality, so when all is considered and notably with the fact that the equipment is hand crafted personally for each order, I believe that NJC Audio provide products that are simply unmatched by anything anywhere near their price range, or perhaps even way in excess of it.
6 : NJC Audio only sell to UK customers due to the various reasons detailed on their website, but if you're lucky enough to be in the UK and are in a position to purchase a piece of their equipment I would then fully recommend to go ahead based on my experience, as you simply won't regret purchasing what is basically an 'End Game' piece of audio equipment.
7: Richard and Nick of NJC Audio are also very helpful and willing to help with any enquires, and I feel pleased to support a British business that takes pride in their products and work whilst also valuing and caring for their customers too.
Great work Richard & Nick (NJC Audio) and thanks again for everything! Best Regards, Lawrence Nadar (Surrey)
I was looking at this DAC for over 2 years before ordering (as I ‘am one of them that never rushes into a perches) but just wish I had order the first time I spotted this unit !
This DAC replaced one that was twice the price, the sound is cleaner more defined & richer top to bottom.
No bloated bass with the high’s sharp with out that digi harsh sound some other DAC’s reproduce, more detail in music was a big surprise to me and even my wife noted this (she is in no way into HIFI) so for her to pass comment it must be very good !
I did ask some questions and Richard got back to me no problem, the ordering prosses was no problem with updates come from NJC how my unit was progressing.
The big day arrived 2 weeks after my order went to NJC, one big box arrived with two box’s inside very well wrapped up.
This reference DAC from NJC Audio is something very special indeed so if you just need a DAC this is one to look into.
One very happy customer. Glyn Wilkinson (Cheshire)
I’ve attached some short feedback following my purchase of your reference DAC.
I’m extremely happy with the DAC and to repeat, again what most customers have mentioned: the customer service experience was simply exemplary.
Sonically the DAC has wonderful detail retrieval, tonal accuracy and delicacy of touch. I’m constantly surprised by the clarity, especially in the midrange, with historic classical recordings. I never thought that I’d be listening to performances from the 1920s and 30s with renewed pleasure in the same way I now do with modern recordings.
To my ears, the DAC is a clear improvement on the (significantly more expensive) CD player it has now replaced and also on other, ‘well known’ DACs I have; again at much higher cost than the NJC.
My main comment is that dissolving into the music is now more effortless and pleasurable than ever…
Headphones used: HD600 and Night Owl Carbon. Amir Craddy (Huddersfield)
Before ordering a DAC from a large Chinese company, I decided to Google ‘British made DAC’ and NJC Audio appeared. I was immediately impressed by their webpage. It gave me the confidence that I would be investing in a hand built, made for me item from a small, independent company in the UK I knew it could be a risk, but it felt like the better option…and in terms of communication, support, advice and quality of component, it appears that my choice to purchase this beautifully made piece of British design and engineering was the correct one.
The DAC was packed and boxed better than any item I have ever received. (3 boxes), but the DAC itself is brilliantly made. It is solid, has high end connections, looks great and performs brilliantly well. I’m not a Diana Krall fan, but played a couple of her songs on my system and it sounded like she and the pianist were in the room with me. Clean, crisp vocals, air, and every breath and strike of the keys were picked out.
All in all, my 1am search has paid off in fine style by buying from NJC Audio and for less money than the off the shelf DAC I was intending to buy from China. Check out NJC Audio.. You won’t regret it. Gary Mayes (Renfrewshire)
First of all, let's get this out of the way. The DAC is fantastic! And for the purposes of this review, I should state that I am comparing this new DAC to my old Musical Fidelity V90, which is still very good. I used to think that all DACs sounded the same, but I was wrong! Now the detail. And that is, the detail!! I am hearing (cue cliche) things I have not heard before. There is so much more texture and subtlety than what I am used to. Cymbols sound clear and smooth. There is no sibilance. The midrange is open and the bass is full without being bloated. I cannot fault it. It all sounds so natural. Interestingly, it is slightly quieter compared to the V90, however, when the volume is turned up on the amplifier, the DAC just sings effortlessly. The V90 starts to get a little shouty when pushed.
The only regret I have is not buying the new DAC earlier! I have literally been stalking the website for years and pestering the ever patient Nick and Richard with all sorts of questions and wondering if I should go with the latest fashions with other manufacturers (DSD, MQA, ever higher sampling rates) but all of these are unnecessary. Most music historically has not been recorded any higher than 16/44, so the reference DAC I bought at 24/96 is more than satisfactory. In addition to the sound quality, the build quality is equally impressive. Really solid.
So in summary, if you have wondered, like me whether you should order something that costs £400 plus without listening to it first, then you need not worry. The NJC Reference DAC is worth it. Regards Michael Kalinowski (London)
Quick note to say both packages arrived safe and sound yesterday. I'll follow up with some proper feedback once I've spent some time with these boxes, but I must say I'm completely blown away by how meticulously crafted they are. They are honestly two of the most refined and solidly engineered objects that I have ever purchased. Decent power supplies too, plus many other nice details and finishing touches. I particularly like the serial numbers stamped in the bottom of the faceplates! I'm warming them up with some bog standard 16/44.1 flac files and, for the first time, enjoying my headphone listening as much as my main system. Fantastic!
Best regards, James Cartwright (Suffolk)
I purchased the headphone amplifier first then the matching dac. As you can see from the picture in order to fit the units one on top of the other i used some sorbothane feet applied to the feet on the underside of the dac with glue dots. Have allowed an air gap for the units but they both run pretty cool anyway so temperatures should not be an issue . This was done as i do not have a lot of room on my table. Currently running through usb from my pc with Spotify. I have purchased a usb to spdif rca convertor (M2Tech Hiface Two), which will allow for the playback of some hi res files that i have (mainly Grateful Dead). i will report back on the sound once Spotify has gone hifi and i have the usb / spdif rca convertor fitted but as things stand i am very pleased with the sound so far. My headphones are Fostex T60RP and they sound good - i will be getting a pair of AKG K812 headphones as and when funds allow. No buyers remorse here !!!
Thanks Rick Oliver (Lancashire)
Had my first proper chance to listen to my new DAC today. I can only describe the sound as both neutral and highly musical. Build quality far exceeds its cost.
Listening to my DAC this morning had me bewildered as to why audiophiles are spending 3 figure prices for DACS that simply don’t hold a candle to the NJC.
I shot a short video this morning which includes my new DAC. Here is a link
thank you for your craftsmanship and personal touches.
Steve Petch (Cleveland)
Hi Really enjoying the amp, below some feedback for you.
All the best
Tony
I have been living with the NJC Ref Headphone Amp for a couple of months now and thought it was about time I gave some feedback.
Before buying the NJC amp I had auditioned a number of headphone amps in the £1200 - 2k range and was about to plump for a well known headphone amp from a 'high street' retailer at circa £1700. However I came across a good number of positive reviews of the NJC amp on various online forums and this prompted me to look at the website and in turn question why I was thinking of paying £1700 for an amp!
After making an initial email enquiry, which was answered quickly I took the plunge and ordered the NJC and in a couple of weeks the amp arrived. Now just a small thing but something that indicated to me straight away that these guys really care about what they do... the amp came meticulously packaged with every component wrapped to within an inch of its life! No way was it going to get damaged in transit.
As others have commented the build quality of the amp is top notch and certainly as good if not better than the 'branded names'. As for the sound, the amp has plenty of power, it gets out of the way and what you hear is what your source feeds it and in turn and what your headphones add.
Save yourself a packet and get something that sounds great and feels truly bespoke. I can't recommend the NJC Ref Headphone Amp highly enough. Tony
Nick, Richard, Please feel free to put the following testimonial on your feedback page:
I've had the NJC Reference Phono Preamplifier for over a month now, and I want to express my gratitude for what it has brought to my Hifi.
I have been using a well-known Salisbury-based brand of pre and power amplifiers for around twenty five years now, and I had always been very happy with their sound, assuming that their built-in phono stage design was all that I needed. However, during the COVID-19 lockdown I had some time on my hands and I did a little research and some basic measurements of my cartridges’ frequency responses. I found that the boards from Salisbury with their 470pf loading give quite a severe treble peak coupled with an early roll-off on all my cartridges. Experiments with a cheap Austrian phono stage, configurable for capacitance loading and gain via dip-switches, confirmed that considerably improved frequency responses are attainable and that they translate to improved sound quality overall.
Some reading around the internet in search of a more sophisticated phono stage led me to the NJC website, and my email enquiry was promptly and competently answered. I placed an order and waited while the build progressed. The regular updates via email were very welcome. Three weeks seemed like a lot longer, but the wait was well worth it. I'll admit that my inner teenager had high hopes, but the grumpy old man I've become had somewhat lower realistic expectations. I need not have worried. The improvement in sound quality over the little Austrian box is just staggering, exceeding both my hopes and expectations by significant margins. I’m utterly blown away by the performance.
I'm not in the habit of describing sound quality in the flowery prose of the audiophile, so I'll just say this. The precision and accuracy of the sound I'm hearing is beyond anything I've heard anywhere, but that precision and accuracy hasn't come at the expense of any of the emotion or beauty of the music. It's all there.
I have been able to find the optimal capacitance loading settings for all my moving magnet and moving iron cartridges, achieving flat responses with Japanese, Danish and British examples. Something I've noticed is that the reference preamp seems to allow all of my cartridges to present their better qualities, where the little Austrian box had a tendency to show up their shortcomings. For example, where a cartridge might sound slightly bright on the Austrian preamp, on the NJC this translates to a detailed sound without straying into brightness.
I have had my DAC and Headphone amp for a couple of weeks now and the headphone amp is well suited to the Grado GS2000e and 3000e headphones I use.
I was a little unsure about how good the product would be at the price. I have spend tens of thousands of pounds of hifi, I'm amazed at the sound quality these products produce. The interconnectors are also amazing value for money, in fact, the build and sound quality of all three products is excellent.
I have two hifi systems and have been so impressed with NJC's products, I have decided to sell my expensive second system and replace it with another Reference Headphone Amp and 192DAC.
Mark Allso (West Midlands)
More...
http://www.njc-audio.co.uk/feedback.html
I’m not steeped in audiophile terminology and don’t pretend to talk from a place of authority where technology is concerned. My aim is simply to be happy with the sound I’m getting from my system. By this benchmark I am exceptionally pleased with what I’m hearing via the NJC headphone amp. The option of selecting one of three gain levels is very useful and after some experimentation I’ve settled on the high setting with a pair of 250 ohm headphones. If I replace them in future, I know I’ll buy safe in the knowledge that the headphone amp will accommodate any specification I choose.
Build quality is exceptional. The controls exude quality and inspire confidence in use.
All my communications with NJC Audio prior to purchase were responded to promptly and my questions answered without ambiguity. The order timeline was exactly as quoted and the amp securely and safely packaged.
My thanks to both Richard and Nick at NJC Audio for adding me to their list of happy customers. Like many others, I plan to add the reference DAC as soon as practicable, something I’m already looking forward to. Kevin Graham (Lincolnshire)
My family very generously clubbed together to finance the order for both the NJC Audio Reference Headphone Amplifier and Reference DAC as a special birthday gift for me so I wanted to give all future potential customers my very honest and positive views about the whole experience and products purchased.
1: The whole ordering process worked flawlessly, where both Richard and Nick kept me regularly updated throughout each stage of the build process.
2: This was a special birthday gift from my family to me which I intend to keep for many years.
Richard and Nick kindly took some extra pictures of my units being built which I have printed out and kept with the paperwork given with the equipment, and it all contributes towards making everything feel that little bit more special. It is also a nice touch that the printed equipment paperwork comes with the owner's personal name on it, and Richard and Nick even put a personally written birthday card from NJC Audio in the package for me.
3: The Reference Headphone Amplifier and Reference DAC came extremely well packaged of which I am really pleased about, as the last thing anyone would want is for any damage to occur to this beautifully hand-crafted equipment during transit. This nicely brings me onto the quality of the finish on these units which is simply impeccable, and I'm a little bit OCD with my equipment so believe me when I say that these pieces of equipment are hand crafted to perfection and are a true credit to both Richard and Nick of NJC Audio.
4: The sound quality of the Reference Headphone Amplifier and Reference DAC is simply effortless with so much detail retrieval from the music that you hear things in your favourite music that you most likely never noticed before, and I have already spent hours rediscovering and enjoying some of my favourite old music. The NJC Audio Reference Amplifier & DAC scales really well through high end headphones, as my friend owns a pair of Audeze LCD-4 headphones (Approx £4000!) which it sounded absolutely awesome with and gave me something to aspire to, however I am more than pleased with the perfectly balanced, highly detailed and immensely listenable sound that I am currently getting through my considerably less expensive Sennheiser HD600s.
5: NJC Audio Equipment is built to last with a genuinely refined high end sound quality, so when all is considered and notably with the fact that the equipment is hand crafted personally for each order, I believe that NJC Audio provide products that are simply unmatched by anything anywhere near their price range, or perhaps even way in excess of it.
6 : NJC Audio only sell to UK customers due to the various reasons detailed on their website, but if you're lucky enough to be in the UK and are in a position to purchase a piece of their equipment I would then fully recommend to go ahead based on my experience, as you simply won't regret purchasing what is basically an 'End Game' piece of audio equipment.
7: Richard and Nick of NJC Audio are also very helpful and willing to help with any enquires, and I feel pleased to support a British business that takes pride in their products and work whilst also valuing and caring for their customers too.
Great work Richard & Nick (NJC Audio) and thanks again for everything! Best Regards, Lawrence Nadar (Surrey)
I was looking at this DAC for over 2 years before ordering (as I ‘am one of them that never rushes into a perches) but just wish I had order the first time I spotted this unit !
This DAC replaced one that was twice the price, the sound is cleaner more defined & richer top to bottom.
No bloated bass with the high’s sharp with out that digi harsh sound some other DAC’s reproduce, more detail in music was a big surprise to me and even my wife noted this (she is in no way into HIFI) so for her to pass comment it must be very good !
I did ask some questions and Richard got back to me no problem, the ordering prosses was no problem with updates come from NJC how my unit was progressing.
The big day arrived 2 weeks after my order went to NJC, one big box arrived with two box’s inside very well wrapped up.
This reference DAC from NJC Audio is something very special indeed so if you just need a DAC this is one to look into.
One very happy customer. Glyn Wilkinson (Cheshire)
I’ve attached some short feedback following my purchase of your reference DAC.
I’m extremely happy with the DAC and to repeat, again what most customers have mentioned: the customer service experience was simply exemplary.
Sonically the DAC has wonderful detail retrieval, tonal accuracy and delicacy of touch. I’m constantly surprised by the clarity, especially in the midrange, with historic classical recordings. I never thought that I’d be listening to performances from the 1920s and 30s with renewed pleasure in the same way I now do with modern recordings.
To my ears, the DAC is a clear improvement on the (significantly more expensive) CD player it has now replaced and also on other, ‘well known’ DACs I have; again at much higher cost than the NJC.
My main comment is that dissolving into the music is now more effortless and pleasurable than ever…
Headphones used: HD600 and Night Owl Carbon. Amir Craddy (Huddersfield)
Before ordering a DAC from a large Chinese company, I decided to Google ‘British made DAC’ and NJC Audio appeared. I was immediately impressed by their webpage. It gave me the confidence that I would be investing in a hand built, made for me item from a small, independent company in the UK I knew it could be a risk, but it felt like the better option…and in terms of communication, support, advice and quality of component, it appears that my choice to purchase this beautifully made piece of British design and engineering was the correct one.
The DAC was packed and boxed better than any item I have ever received. (3 boxes), but the DAC itself is brilliantly made. It is solid, has high end connections, looks great and performs brilliantly well. I’m not a Diana Krall fan, but played a couple of her songs on my system and it sounded like she and the pianist were in the room with me. Clean, crisp vocals, air, and every breath and strike of the keys were picked out.
All in all, my 1am search has paid off in fine style by buying from NJC Audio and for less money than the off the shelf DAC I was intending to buy from China. Check out NJC Audio.. You won’t regret it. Gary Mayes (Renfrewshire)
First of all, let's get this out of the way. The DAC is fantastic! And for the purposes of this review, I should state that I am comparing this new DAC to my old Musical Fidelity V90, which is still very good. I used to think that all DACs sounded the same, but I was wrong! Now the detail. And that is, the detail!! I am hearing (cue cliche) things I have not heard before. There is so much more texture and subtlety than what I am used to. Cymbols sound clear and smooth. There is no sibilance. The midrange is open and the bass is full without being bloated. I cannot fault it. It all sounds so natural. Interestingly, it is slightly quieter compared to the V90, however, when the volume is turned up on the amplifier, the DAC just sings effortlessly. The V90 starts to get a little shouty when pushed.
The only regret I have is not buying the new DAC earlier! I have literally been stalking the website for years and pestering the ever patient Nick and Richard with all sorts of questions and wondering if I should go with the latest fashions with other manufacturers (DSD, MQA, ever higher sampling rates) but all of these are unnecessary. Most music historically has not been recorded any higher than 16/44, so the reference DAC I bought at 24/96 is more than satisfactory. In addition to the sound quality, the build quality is equally impressive. Really solid.
So in summary, if you have wondered, like me whether you should order something that costs £400 plus without listening to it first, then you need not worry. The NJC Reference DAC is worth it. Regards Michael Kalinowski (London)
Quick note to say both packages arrived safe and sound yesterday. I'll follow up with some proper feedback once I've spent some time with these boxes, but I must say I'm completely blown away by how meticulously crafted they are. They are honestly two of the most refined and solidly engineered objects that I have ever purchased. Decent power supplies too, plus many other nice details and finishing touches. I particularly like the serial numbers stamped in the bottom of the faceplates! I'm warming them up with some bog standard 16/44.1 flac files and, for the first time, enjoying my headphone listening as much as my main system. Fantastic!
Best regards, James Cartwright (Suffolk)
I purchased the headphone amplifier first then the matching dac. As you can see from the picture in order to fit the units one on top of the other i used some sorbothane feet applied to the feet on the underside of the dac with glue dots. Have allowed an air gap for the units but they both run pretty cool anyway so temperatures should not be an issue . This was done as i do not have a lot of room on my table. Currently running through usb from my pc with Spotify. I have purchased a usb to spdif rca convertor (M2Tech Hiface Two), which will allow for the playback of some hi res files that i have (mainly Grateful Dead). i will report back on the sound once Spotify has gone hifi and i have the usb / spdif rca convertor fitted but as things stand i am very pleased with the sound so far. My headphones are Fostex T60RP and they sound good - i will be getting a pair of AKG K812 headphones as and when funds allow. No buyers remorse here !!!
Thanks Rick Oliver (Lancashire)
Had my first proper chance to listen to my new DAC today. I can only describe the sound as both neutral and highly musical. Build quality far exceeds its cost.
Listening to my DAC this morning had me bewildered as to why audiophiles are spending 3 figure prices for DACS that simply don’t hold a candle to the NJC.
I shot a short video this morning which includes my new DAC. Here is a link
Steve Petch (Cleveland)
Hi Really enjoying the amp, below some feedback for you.
All the best
Tony
I have been living with the NJC Ref Headphone Amp for a couple of months now and thought it was about time I gave some feedback.
Before buying the NJC amp I had auditioned a number of headphone amps in the £1200 - 2k range and was about to plump for a well known headphone amp from a 'high street' retailer at circa £1700. However I came across a good number of positive reviews of the NJC amp on various online forums and this prompted me to look at the website and in turn question why I was thinking of paying £1700 for an amp!
After making an initial email enquiry, which was answered quickly I took the plunge and ordered the NJC and in a couple of weeks the amp arrived. Now just a small thing but something that indicated to me straight away that these guys really care about what they do... the amp came meticulously packaged with every component wrapped to within an inch of its life! No way was it going to get damaged in transit.
As others have commented the build quality of the amp is top notch and certainly as good if not better than the 'branded names'. As for the sound, the amp has plenty of power, it gets out of the way and what you hear is what your source feeds it and in turn and what your headphones add.
Save yourself a packet and get something that sounds great and feels truly bespoke. I can't recommend the NJC Ref Headphone Amp highly enough. Tony
Nick, Richard, Please feel free to put the following testimonial on your feedback page:
I've had the NJC Reference Phono Preamplifier for over a month now, and I want to express my gratitude for what it has brought to my Hifi.
I have been using a well-known Salisbury-based brand of pre and power amplifiers for around twenty five years now, and I had always been very happy with their sound, assuming that their built-in phono stage design was all that I needed. However, during the COVID-19 lockdown I had some time on my hands and I did a little research and some basic measurements of my cartridges’ frequency responses. I found that the boards from Salisbury with their 470pf loading give quite a severe treble peak coupled with an early roll-off on all my cartridges. Experiments with a cheap Austrian phono stage, configurable for capacitance loading and gain via dip-switches, confirmed that considerably improved frequency responses are attainable and that they translate to improved sound quality overall.
Some reading around the internet in search of a more sophisticated phono stage led me to the NJC website, and my email enquiry was promptly and competently answered. I placed an order and waited while the build progressed. The regular updates via email were very welcome. Three weeks seemed like a lot longer, but the wait was well worth it. I'll admit that my inner teenager had high hopes, but the grumpy old man I've become had somewhat lower realistic expectations. I need not have worried. The improvement in sound quality over the little Austrian box is just staggering, exceeding both my hopes and expectations by significant margins. I’m utterly blown away by the performance.
I'm not in the habit of describing sound quality in the flowery prose of the audiophile, so I'll just say this. The precision and accuracy of the sound I'm hearing is beyond anything I've heard anywhere, but that precision and accuracy hasn't come at the expense of any of the emotion or beauty of the music. It's all there.
I have been able to find the optimal capacitance loading settings for all my moving magnet and moving iron cartridges, achieving flat responses with Japanese, Danish and British examples. Something I've noticed is that the reference preamp seems to allow all of my cartridges to present their better qualities, where the little Austrian box had a tendency to show up their shortcomings. For example, where a cartridge might sound slightly bright on the Austrian preamp, on the NJC this translates to a detailed sound without straying into brightness.
I have had my DAC and Headphone amp for a couple of weeks now and the headphone amp is well suited to the Grado GS2000e and 3000e headphones I use.
I was a little unsure about how good the product would be at the price. I have spend tens of thousands of pounds of hifi, I'm amazed at the sound quality these products produce. The interconnectors are also amazing value for money, in fact, the build and sound quality of all three products is excellent.
I have two hifi systems and have been so impressed with NJC's products, I have decided to sell my expensive second system and replace it with another Reference Headphone Amp and 192DAC.
Mark Allso (West Midlands)
More...
http://www.njc-audio.co.uk/feedback.html
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Hi @Drive Shaft - you my friend have been instrumental in not only inspiring me but giving me credible direction. I want you to know that I really appreciate it.
I think you are right, eventually I will have to let go of the iPod as I will need a solution that sounds just as good and allows the integration of music streaming. The NJC outboard DAC seems like a very interesting piece of equipment. I respect a passionate approach but I think the British tend to take the 'Hand Built' aspect a bit too far at times and this is reflected in the price. I don't see how using good quality Chinese pre-fab boxes and interface panels would be detrimental to sonic fidelity. Companies like SMSL and Topping are well respected and they continue to provide high quality DACs at reasonable prices.
My attention is drawn to the fact that the NJC DAC incorporates a Cirrus WM8741 which was formerly Wolfson. This means that the NJC may have the same or better sound signature than my iPod. At £540 (Approx $656) inclusive of delivery, I would not call that reasonably priced. Having said that and to be fair, I have no idea of the cost of the components and/or board they are using.
All in all, it's synonymous to a streak of light at the end of a long and complex tunnel - thanks to you my friend.
I think you are right, eventually I will have to let go of the iPod as I will need a solution that sounds just as good and allows the integration of music streaming. The NJC outboard DAC seems like a very interesting piece of equipment. I respect a passionate approach but I think the British tend to take the 'Hand Built' aspect a bit too far at times and this is reflected in the price. I don't see how using good quality Chinese pre-fab boxes and interface panels would be detrimental to sonic fidelity. Companies like SMSL and Topping are well respected and they continue to provide high quality DACs at reasonable prices.
My attention is drawn to the fact that the NJC DAC incorporates a Cirrus WM8741 which was formerly Wolfson. This means that the NJC may have the same or better sound signature than my iPod. At £540 (Approx $656) inclusive of delivery, I would not call that reasonably priced. Having said that and to be fair, I have no idea of the cost of the components and/or board they are using.
All in all, it's synonymous to a streak of light at the end of a long and complex tunnel - thanks to you my friend.
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Not that it matters because it my case the DAC would not be visible but I don't like the overall design of the NJC DAC for if I did want to display it. It has a very chunky and retro feel to it, I know some people like that but I prefer minimalistic and modern industrial design. The typography on the face-plate is a bit dated and really needs to be more current and elegant.
Yes, I understand in a perfect world, that there would be an streaming iPod solution with modern pricing and aesthetics.
But for niche legacy like your use case, you have to consider it like a "Collector's Item" not mainstream. You have to consider that the only other viable option is to Time Travel into the past and pickup a new iPod for $500 plus the Time Travel expenses. So since this is the xover from Wolfson to Cirrus, I think the value is quite good considering they focus on only using select quality modern components to go along with a legacy OEM-DAC in it's implementation. As an added bonus, they have a critical mass of positive feedback from customers on this legacy product.
So I recommend just taking a long-term approach and save, save, save. It's much cheaper than Time Travel expenses into the past. Then decide between this and a Mac Mini in the long run when the iPod starts going downhill. In the meantime, may be email NJC to contact you if they ever have a demo unit available to try out in your chain. May be mention it's replacing an iPod and they might be able to comment if there are any similarities. As a backup, if you are ever near an Apple Store just drop in for a listen. Just think about all the money and time you saved by not having to DIY this yourself and likely not end up happy with the results. It would be close to the price of an NJC not to mention a lot of time wasted. So just let someone that specialises in Wolfson implemenation and the value should be good. It's like repairing your own rare vehicle when you should just let a specialist do the job for a little extra money. Less headaches in the long run.
Since there is not an immediate need, just prepare now knowing you have two options available. If this is your niche, I think it's well worth it if you save properly. You can't really compare to mainstream options or pricing. Just like you can't have a new Blackberry or Nokia as a option and compare them to current iPhones. This is a collector's item. May be eventually you will need a Mac Mini for non-Audio purposes. Just prepare for the long run. If the NJC was in short supply, that's a different story but I think you have years to consider.
I noticed this too:
https://www.inquirer.com/news/natio...apple-selling-mp3-retro-vintage-20231023.html
They are sold out, but they were possibly used items not new.
I'm just worried that the NJC synergy will be really good in your chain, and that you will have to purchase redundant backup NJCs as availability likely will not be forever. That's what I started doing post-COVID if planning for obsolence and the future by buying redudant gear that I can't live without.
But for niche legacy like your use case, you have to consider it like a "Collector's Item" not mainstream. You have to consider that the only other viable option is to Time Travel into the past and pickup a new iPod for $500 plus the Time Travel expenses. So since this is the xover from Wolfson to Cirrus, I think the value is quite good considering they focus on only using select quality modern components to go along with a legacy OEM-DAC in it's implementation. As an added bonus, they have a critical mass of positive feedback from customers on this legacy product.
So I recommend just taking a long-term approach and save, save, save. It's much cheaper than Time Travel expenses into the past. Then decide between this and a Mac Mini in the long run when the iPod starts going downhill. In the meantime, may be email NJC to contact you if they ever have a demo unit available to try out in your chain. May be mention it's replacing an iPod and they might be able to comment if there are any similarities. As a backup, if you are ever near an Apple Store just drop in for a listen. Just think about all the money and time you saved by not having to DIY this yourself and likely not end up happy with the results. It would be close to the price of an NJC not to mention a lot of time wasted. So just let someone that specialises in Wolfson implemenation and the value should be good. It's like repairing your own rare vehicle when you should just let a specialist do the job for a little extra money. Less headaches in the long run.
Since there is not an immediate need, just prepare now knowing you have two options available. If this is your niche, I think it's well worth it if you save properly. You can't really compare to mainstream options or pricing. Just like you can't have a new Blackberry or Nokia as a option and compare them to current iPhones. This is a collector's item. May be eventually you will need a Mac Mini for non-Audio purposes. Just prepare for the long run. If the NJC was in short supply, that's a different story but I think you have years to consider.
I noticed this too:
https://www.inquirer.com/news/natio...apple-selling-mp3-retro-vintage-20231023.html
They are sold out, but they were possibly used items not new.
I'm just worried that the NJC synergy will be really good in your chain, and that you will have to purchase redundant backup NJCs as availability likely will not be forever. That's what I started doing post-COVID if planning for obsolence and the future by buying redudant gear that I can't live without.
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The power supply included should retail for a good amount too, so the total cost with the included power supply should be easily justiable.
For example if it's 600, PS valued at 100-150 so you are only paying 450-500 for the DAC (Cost of a new iPod in the past). The custom PS is specific for the NJC which is good performance-wise, but difficult to put a estimated cost. Good power supplies are not cheap.
Another lucky situation is that they only sell within the UK mainland. Imagine if they sold worldwide? This product would likely not be available for purchase and disappear like all the other Wolfson options in the last decade.
For example if it's 600, PS valued at 100-150 so you are only paying 450-500 for the DAC (Cost of a new iPod in the past). The custom PS is specific for the NJC which is good performance-wise, but difficult to put a estimated cost. Good power supplies are not cheap.
Another lucky situation is that they only sell within the UK mainland. Imagine if they sold worldwide? This product would likely not be available for purchase and disappear like all the other Wolfson options in the last decade.
I did a final sweep of NJC on another site:
They use a Mac Mini to input into NJC. That's why it's best to try the Mac Mini first as you may not need anything else.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/review-of-the-njc-audio-reference-dac-and-monitor-ii-amp.615328/
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sta...hd650-with-the-njc-monitor-ii-amp-dac.577424/
IPod more warm and coloured?
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ful...ons-help-and-advice-forum.529144/post-8262355
Again, I think it's an extremely good value with the rarity of this DAC then you pair it with British Craftsmanship and QC. If anything goes wrong, it should be straightforward to repair. Any other product and you can be in limbo. If Mac Mini does the job, no NJC? But Mac Mini will be available forever, NJC likely will not. I doubt anything other than NJC will give you the authentic Wolfson fix, but it needs to be justifiable too. If somehow you can demo, that's the best short-term scenario. The above posts are over a decade old, so I'm not sure if NJC has another decade ahead. They do mention it's modular for possible future upgrades, but that's not relevant as Wolfson is king.
Overall, just spread it out long-term and save. Consider it a long-term investment, not a throwaway product.
Looks like the Wolfson logo, No Cirrus logo yet:
You can double-check with NJC if this interest you if you are unsure if it's Wolfson or Cirrus.
They use a Mac Mini to input into NJC. That's why it's best to try the Mac Mini first as you may not need anything else.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/review-of-the-njc-audio-reference-dac-and-monitor-ii-amp.615328/
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sta...hd650-with-the-njc-monitor-ii-amp-dac.577424/
IPod more warm and coloured?
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ful...ons-help-and-advice-forum.529144/post-8262355
Again, I think it's an extremely good value with the rarity of this DAC then you pair it with British Craftsmanship and QC. If anything goes wrong, it should be straightforward to repair. Any other product and you can be in limbo. If Mac Mini does the job, no NJC? But Mac Mini will be available forever, NJC likely will not. I doubt anything other than NJC will give you the authentic Wolfson fix, but it needs to be justifiable too. If somehow you can demo, that's the best short-term scenario. The above posts are over a decade old, so I'm not sure if NJC has another decade ahead. They do mention it's modular for possible future upgrades, but that's not relevant as Wolfson is king.
Overall, just spread it out long-term and save. Consider it a long-term investment, not a throwaway product.
Looks like the Wolfson logo, No Cirrus logo yet:
You can double-check with NJC if this interest you if you are unsure if it's Wolfson or Cirrus.
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@Drive Shaft - You input, advice and technical insight is exceptional. I agree with you and I think it would be wise for me to invest in an NJC DAC. It will most likely have the closest sound signature to my iPod and may even end up being better, who knows?
Thank you so much for guiding me and helping me make the right decisions.
How do you currently listen to music? - would love to know more about your setup if you don't mind sharing.
Thank you so much for guiding me and helping me make the right decisions.
How do you currently listen to music? - would love to know more about your setup if you don't mind sharing.
Well, I'm glad you have options now. Apple just released some M3 products too, but nothing significant technology-wise.
I hope NJC can get you a demo one day and/or you get information on how the NJC compares to an iPod. Don't sleep on the Apple products.
My setup is boring, it's just more of a philosophy. Modern British Hi-Fi combined with Southern California Studio Production gear all powered Off Mains by Ultra Capacitors.
I strive for sound in which the loudest instrument doesn't dominate like in real life. So with Modern Technology, it's possible now so you can pick out the instrument with the lowest volume across a soundstage without being overwhelemed by the loudest attention-seeking instrument. Same with vocals. I enjoy Duets+ so much now because they get separated into their own space and volume is not gathered into one space and one dominating loud volume. It's all separated. When the Duets+ sync their lyrics, it's Euphoric because they are in separate spaces.
Anyways, best of luck in your pursuit. I learned a lot in the process. For example, I learned the ADC in the Apple Dongle is of high quality. I use dampening headphones to block out environmental noise so I can make phone calls or video calls with less distraction with an expensive microphone.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...adc-quality-with-earpods-free-headsets.34219/
I enjoy my Dongle along with the expensive gear as one is for functional use and one for serious listening.
Again, pace yourself, this is just an backup plan when the iPod shows signs of wear and tear. Not an immediate, spontaneous purchase.
I hope NJC can get you a demo one day and/or you get information on how the NJC compares to an iPod. Don't sleep on the Apple products.
My setup is boring, it's just more of a philosophy. Modern British Hi-Fi combined with Southern California Studio Production gear all powered Off Mains by Ultra Capacitors.
I strive for sound in which the loudest instrument doesn't dominate like in real life. So with Modern Technology, it's possible now so you can pick out the instrument with the lowest volume across a soundstage without being overwhelemed by the loudest attention-seeking instrument. Same with vocals. I enjoy Duets+ so much now because they get separated into their own space and volume is not gathered into one space and one dominating loud volume. It's all separated. When the Duets+ sync their lyrics, it's Euphoric because they are in separate spaces.
Anyways, best of luck in your pursuit. I learned a lot in the process. For example, I learned the ADC in the Apple Dongle is of high quality. I use dampening headphones to block out environmental noise so I can make phone calls or video calls with less distraction with an expensive microphone.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...adc-quality-with-earpods-free-headsets.34219/
I enjoy my Dongle along with the expensive gear as one is for functional use and one for serious listening.
Again, pace yourself, this is just an backup plan when the iPod shows signs of wear and tear. Not an immediate, spontaneous purchase.
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Except FAST. Qualicomm was catching up so they stepped on the gas. From the field it seems that Windows running on the M2 under Parallels is faster tyhan most Intel laptops. With the M3s MacBooks should be the fastest Windows laptops around. Apple did a really good job with Rosetta (with the help of a few very important Intel instructions in the Mx prossesors.
dave
@Drive Shaft - That sounds really interesting, I've always wondered if its possible to isolate individual instruments in a music track and accentuate them a touch. Same goes for the loudest instruments and vocals that need to be attenuated slightly just to balance things out. What are you using to enable that sort of control? I love listening to music via DPLIIx but unfortunately the codec is slowly being phased out. I prefer it to DSU.
Does that imply two levels of digital to analogue conversion? or is it digital output from the Mac Mini to the digital input on the NJC which means that the Mac Mini is used as a transport device?
Hey Drive Shaft, hope you're well. I just discovered something new that put's a whole new twist to things. I'm still using my iPod Touch 4th Generation connected to my home theatre processor via analogue-in RCA interface. What I've discovered is the fact that the iPod is outputting an analogue signal via an old Onkyo dock that I am using, the dock has analogue (RCA) out. This means that the DAC in the iPod is being engaged. Hence, my AV processor is converting the analogue signal back to digital in order to process it and then converts digital to analogue to out put it. It is the sound of this two levels of conversion that I've been loving all this time.
The AV Processor has a USB interface that is compatible with Apple iPods. When I connect the iPod to the AV processor using the Apple 30-pin to USB connector, it seems like the DAC in the iPod is bypassed. Hence, the iPod passes a digital signal to the AV Processor but the sound is flat and boring. This tells me that the DAC in the iPod and the way it has been implemented is doing something special.
I know there are a lot of super smart electronic engineers and enthusiasts on this forum. Just had to ask this question, is it possible to dismantle the iPod Touch 4th Gen and turn it into a DAC?
I'm already using a powered docking station for audio-out (RCA Stereo) so its really about creating a way to enable audio-in.
I'm already using a powered docking station for audio-out (RCA Stereo) so its really about creating a way to enable audio-in.
