NuForce UDAC 5

HEM8 & UDAC5

Nuforce uDAC5

Look: Slick, also aesthetic and not as bulky as other DACs. Also, it’s not that heavy, convenient for when you carry your laptop around and need to carry this as well.

Sound: The amplifier really does make a difference. I had gotten so used to the computer sound which is not bad, but clearly lacks on the lows and some mids. The bass is clearly brought forward, as w/o a DAC, sound tends to get muddy or lost in the background. My only complaint, and not directly against the amplifier, is that computers are not built with exceptional sound and having to resort to an external DAC to help you out. Sometimes it does get annoying having the DAC connected as it may get in the way when connecting flash drives, which I use often. And although small, it does take up some space on my table, which is critical, considering my table has a small area for the computer. I guess I like my sound so much I’m willing to deal with these inconveniences.

Nuforce HEM8

Look: Very aesthetic. Straight from the box you can tell Nuforce took its time in designing and ensuring 1st customer experience is a positive one. Can't go wrong with black, as it goes with everything. In regards to the cables, I can see an average listener preferring the smooth one, but both braided and smooth cables are nice to use. Just wish the braided one had sound control capabilities (e.g. Play/Pause, Answer/Disconnect calls, etc.) but something really minor there. Don't know if they have these headphones in different colors, but I think that would definitely give the consumer an appealing option of customizing on an investment (you have to remember these go at about $500 retail). Other musicians have complemented me on the look of these


Fit: fit is awesome, definitely like the assorted choice of different bud material and sizes, after altering with a few combos, definitely found the right one for me. Cable hangs well both from the back and the front, depending on user preference, only thing with my experience is that the left ear cable, the part that goes around your ear, has a hard time staying in place. Right side is no problem. Only way I've gotten around this is by adjusting the clear plastic thing holds both sides of the cable when it splits for each ear, all the way up. Maybe it's my ears? Just something minor as well.


Sound: Considering they are balanced driver in-ears, they are not as "bassy" as dynamic driver in-ears. Don't get me wrong, the bass sounds beautiful. But it is not empowering, as perhaps some users may like. I am one of those that likes the bass empowering, but I admit that a balanced sound sounds so crisp and beautiful with these. After a few months with these, I can tell the difference in quality compared to your average headphones. You can clearly hear all the small details artists intentionally record that sometimes get lost with less-quality sounding headphones. I’ve even heard when artists inadvertently take a deep breathe or lick their lips (Yes, that clear lol). Fellow musicians have stated they can instantly perceive the difference in quality compared to their in-ears. I’ve enjoyed using these in-ears for both leisure and when performing, and you really can’t complain. If you’re in the market for balanced driver in-ears, these are definitely worth considering.

I used this setup with Hip-Hop, Pop Rock, Dubstep, Bossa Nova, Classical, Flamenco, Merengue, and Jazz. I like how different and clear the bass sounds with Bossa Nova; before the bass was perceived but the notes were not really distinct.The lows are super clear, whereas with no amplifier and cheaper headphones, they sometimes get lost. I like how the sound is kept in sync when e.g. an artist does a falsetto or a guitar does a riff on the high end of the neck. The sound is not flimsy or too high-pitched unlike when other headphones are being used. Don’t get me started when the bass plays a solo. Notes played on the low end of the neck don’t get lost; they sound explicitly clear

Conclusion

After using these for some time now, it would be hard to go back to cheaper setup. I would hate not to have these headphones and amplifier in my life anymore, that’s how important they’ve become in my daily usage, whether commuting, at work, or when performing.

I won these in a contest. I wrote this review without being asked or enticed to do so.

Nice

The uDac5 is the perfect size for carrying around. It also has loads of functionally including DSD 256 playback. Having RCA outputs on the rear is a plus because it allows me to connect it to an external headphone amp for my more demanding headphones. Sadly I wish the RCA output level was fixed instead of being controlled by the volume knob. I went through my music collection the uDac5 pairs nicely with the HEM2s. The dac and the earphones are a nice addition to the rest of my existing gear.

Solid

When using on my earbuds I didn't notice any difference except that it had a lot more power. When I use on my over ear headphones it makes a significant difference in sound quality. I don't have any hi-res music just spotify, apple music and youtube music but it sounds better than what my computer can do. Hopefully I get a chance to hear some hi-res music to see the difference.

Better than the old uDac

I purchases this and the Apogee Groove to replace my old udac. The new one looks pretty much the same. Improves sound better than the older unit but I haven't tried with 24bit files yet so I'm sure it may get even better. I bought both amps to compare and return the one lesser. They sound identical but I kept this one because I like the rotary volume control; I like that you can turn it off so you don't get surprized when you plug it in while having your earphones on and music playing. Solid buy