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Audio-GD NOS-1704 DAC Measurements

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Hands:
RMAA tests at 24/96, using laptop -> JKSPDIF setup, DirectSound mode. See how this compares to the Auzentech Bravura coax out tests in the next post (also DirectSound). Also note the improvements KS brings (post above).

Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB | -0.01, -0.66 | Good
Noise level, dB (A) | -90.6 | Very good
Dynamic range, dB (A) | 90.5 | Very good
THD, % | 0.0039 | Very good
THD + Noise, dB (A) | -81.7 | Good
IMD + Noise, % | 0.011 | Very good
Stereo crosstalk, dB | -88.1 | Excellent
IMD at 10 kHz, % | 0.029 | Good
General performance | Very good

Hands:
RMAA tests at 24/96, using gaming desktop -> Auzentech Bravura coax out setup, DirectSound mode. In some areas it measures better, in some worse. I might give the overall edge to the Auzen coax out. It seems the Auzen doesn't support KS through the coax out, either that or it just doesn't work with RMAA.

Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB | +0.02, -0.91 | Good
Noise level, dB (A) | -91.4 | Very good
Dynamic range, dB (A) | 91.3 | Very good
THD, % | 0.0050 | Very good
THD + Noise, dB (A) | -82.0 | Good
IMD + Noise, % | 0.0094 | Very good
Stereo crosstalk, dB | -88.3 | Excellent
IMD at 10 kHz, % | 0.013 | Very good
General performance | Very good

Hands:
When I first tried the NOS-1704 with my laptop/JKSPDIF setup (what I had used with the Metrum previously), I thought the overall sound was, hmm, perhaps more syrupy(?) than the Metrum Quad. Less focused and less resolving. Much of this is likely that I haven't listened to the Metrum in a week or two, so it could just be me forgetting.

I was honestly surprised when I tried the NOS-1704 out of my Auzentech Bravura's coax out, because I was not expecting much.  Why should I? It's a gaming rig and not optimal for audio. Measurements I've taken of sound cards in it before always came out with extra noise and distortion than expected.

The sound in general seemed to just come into focus better than before, though, with the Auzen coax out vs laptop/JKSPDIF. I think my measurements might hint at these differences, especially the jitter measurements. If so, this is one of the first times I've had a chance myself to listen and compare gear first, think I hear differences, and then take a look at measurements (that I happened to produce myself) that might actually validate what I heard. I find that somewhat exciting and cool, ha.

According to RMAA, the Auzen coax out does bring more of a roll-off in the highs and might have slightly higher THD. Not sure why the extra roll-off would be...any ideas?

I'm not sure what exactly is going on behind these findings. I'd have to test the JKSPDIF and Auzen on other gear, including trying the JKSPDIF from other computers. At this point, there's why too little info and too many variables to say the Auzen coax out is simply better. That would actually be pretty funny and sad if so, however. But in the context of my setups and these measurements, the results are certainly interesting.

Files attached:

1. 1KHz square wave response, 24/96
2. Periodic impulse response. Only really posting because it's inverted. I tried a different power cable to make sure I didn't get a reversed on from A-GD, as research showed me this was something that actually used to happen in the past.
3. FR and HD generated from a sweep impulse
4. Zip file of all RMAA tests for the NOS1704 (16/48 through 24/96, KS when I could, DS, etc.).

Marvey:
So how does it sound compared to your other DACs?

Hands:
I'm planning on doing listening comparisons tonight and will report back with (likely not the best) impressions. Lately I either spend a lot of time with one set of gear, because I've had new stuff roll in and like to get acclimated with it, or I just take too many long breaks in between listening to make valuable comparisons.

But, as briefly mentioned above, I think the NOS1704 is a bit more syrupy sounding than the Metrum Quad, or perhaps it would be better to say the Metrum is a bit lighter sounding overall. That's not to say it lacks the detail or resolution I'm looking for. I don't remember being as impressed using JRMC w/ upsampling for playback on the Metrum as I am on the NOS1704. XXHE stuck out for me more quickly on the Metrum than JRMC, so I'll have to try that more with the NOS1704. Of course, we'll see if my memory serves me correctly when I actually compare them. It's been a while since I've listened to a S/D DAC setup critically, so I'll test out what I have tonight as well.

That said, I did spend a good bit of time listening to the NOS1704 from the Auzen coax out. I am happy so far...just not so great at putting what I hear into words. I was honestly surprised I was able to hear the differences between the JKSPDIF and Auzen out.

I also still need to get new pads for my Mad Dog, and the HE-500 isn't great for when others sleep (my awake time, hooray). I'll get the HE-500 out tonight for the comparisons, but I'll primarily be testing it with the modded TH-02.

BTW, do my jitter measurements look like I'm doing them correctly?

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