Collectors can be reassured to forget CD
player and use this device to connect with computer and enjoy various
versatility as well as advantages of music players.
Though the world is being digitalized,
analog has still dominated. For audiophiles, it is a common formula which
consists of bulky devices occupied a lot of space, complicated connections and
consumes a great account of money and time. However, some audiophiles begin to
trust in digital technology and replace their cumbersome analog system with
digital devices that are more compact and multi-functional. Nuforce, among many
manufacturers, has caught the trend by its devices, like Air DAC, with
renovated technology.
Nuforce
Air DAC pack
Nuforce Air DAC first appeared in CSE 2012.
This is a pretty little device smaller than even an Apple’s Wi-Fi transmitter
having audio output (Airport Express). The case is plastic-made and easily opened
as well as assembled. The model uses external 5V power supply via a rectifier. The
pack also includes a Wi-Fi USB transmitter, in a very small size, for PC
connection. Besides, there is another version owning iTX transmitter with
contacts for Apple’s products: iPhone, iPad, iPod.
Its most remarkable feature is great Wi-Fi
connectivity developed by SKAA technology from Eleven Engineering, a Canadian
manufacturer of Wi-Fi applicants in sound industry. Based on the new HPX codec,
a Wi-Fi router connected to PC or Apple’s devices will encode then compress
16-bit audio data into 5-bit signals and transmit them to the device via Wi-Fi.
Signal receiver will decompress and return 5-bit signals into original 16-bit
data. With this typical protocol, transferring audio data via Wi-Fi will become
easier without interruption which often appears in other devices. To protect
the quality of compressed audio data, Eleven Engineering uses some special
technics to maintain minimum latency and THD+N (total harmonic distortion plus
noise) parameter which is equivalent to that of CD standard. Moreover, despite operating
on common frequency (2.4GHz), Wi-Fi technology of SKAA, thanks to WFD protocol,
doesn’t violate other Wi-Fi routers. For users interested in streaming, this is
very important.
SKAA technology allows the main device of
Air DAC system to link with 4 Wi-Fi transmitters. As a result, Air DAC
functions as the center of audio systems, easily connecting with source devices
such as: computers, iPhone, iPad…
USB
Wi-Fi transmitter connected to PC
The interior of Air DAC is quite simple. It
is mainly occupied by SKAA audio decoder plus Wi-Fi antenna of Eleven
Engineering. After decoded and turned into digital format, audio signals are
transferred to IC DAC (AKM4426 of Akashi Kaisei from Japan) to turn them into
analog signals. AKM4426 is a next-generation 24-bit DAC with compact design,
powerful features and especially ability of reproducing sounds with details and
good dynamic range. 2Vm audio output is directly transferred to RCA connector
through no condenser. The compact circuit utilizes all components to make room
for shortest signal lines wherever possible.
Main
component of the product pack is Air DAC
Connecting Air DAC to computer is rather
simple with no configuration of Wi-Fi parameter. Users just need to insert
Wi-Fi transmitter in to USB port then the device will be automatically
recognized.
In our test, we used laptop as power
supplier, connected Air DAC to NuForce Icon 2 digital amplifier transferring
signal right to AKG 701 headphone, and ran software Foobar 2000 to test some
favorite songs. This system gave an excellent audio output relative to the
investment and completely satisfied hard-to-please listeners. NuForce Air DAC
sounded slightly clear, steady in good dynamic range. The regenerated sound of
Piano and Violin appeared rather vivid.
In another test, we linked Air DAC with an
old mid-level receiver of Marantz and a choosy pair of Dynaco speakers. We
realized output sound was less than that of Arcam 72 CD player. Arcam 72 CD
player is quite good, but when compared with Nuforce DAC system on the same
music record, Arcam CD72 appeared faded. Through this example, the cheap device
can not only replace a mid-level CD player but also retain hi-fi audio quality
with no bulky and inconvenient configuration.
Overview
Good
Compact design
Friendly usage
Detailed output sound and good dynamic
range
Bad
The device slightly slower broadcast source
General
At a price of $185, Nuforce Air DAC
perfectly replaces other streaming devices having poor sound quality like
Airport Express and Logitech Bluetooth Audio Receiver. For technology lovers, they
can feel pleased forgetting their CD players and, instead, use this device to
connect with PC and enjoy the versatility as well as other benefits from music
players.
