Black DAC FX Wifi vs older III


Edit: Black Ice - I can't edit the subject line.

Does anyone know if the newer Wifi version provided any sonic improvements over the Jolida branded III model?

My signal path would be Bluesound node --> DAC --> amp

I don’t think I have any need for wifi built into the DAC so I guess would prefer to save money on the older version if all things are equal.

johns21

Showing 2 responses by johns21

thanks for the thoughts guys.  I emailed the manufacturer this am - we'll see if I get a response.

Pricing these things is tough, as they've really shot up.  I wanna say almost doubled in the past couple of years, but I could be wrong.  

I found a review of the DAC FX III, which is the model previous to the Wifi, and its listed as $599 retail.  The new ones are now up to $1250, so depending when someone purchase, it could be all over the place.

The older III model, there's one on one of the big sites for $500, fairly close to me.  While this is a good price compared to new now, new back then its kinda close to retail.

Do used prices follow the inflation prices of the new equipment?  I guess its worth what someone is willing to pay.....

Incase this helps anyone in the future. I think this may steer me to the newer DSD Wifi model. From an email reply from them:

"Both DACs share the same tube output stage but the digital conversion stage is different. The DAC III uses the 24bit/96khz burr-brown DAC chip whereas the DAC DSD WiFi has the 32bit/192khz burr-brown DAC chip and the DSD/128 Savi-bravo chip. They do sound different. The DAC III is a very good sound but I find the DAC DSD WiFi is better because of the smoothness in the highs without losing detail, a more accurate midrange and a tight controlled bass. Overall the DAC DSD sounds less like digital and more like analog."