Connect Macs to analog amplifier?

Yes the Trends can be used as a Dac. I wouldn't use it this way though. It is more geared for use as a USB converter.As far as I know the Fubar is just a USB Dac.

Hi Xistented,

To try and answer your question, the Fubar II for example is a USB Dac. So what this means is, you can take your digital music from your laptop/PC/Mac, etc and output it directly to your home stereo system. The one mentioned by Gmood1 is a great DAC.

I actually do own a Fubar III so I can comment a little bit on that. This Fubar III is also a USB Dac but in addition it has a headphone amplifier built in. So not only can it output to a stereo/home entertainment center it can also output to a headphone. I preferred to spend the extra bit of money to get the Fubar III due to this because I absolutely love the headphone amp. I hear my music like I never did before.

To give you an example, I'm a big Radiohead fan. I was listening to my headsets last night with my Fubar III and I heard "voices" coming up in my music. I happened to be on ESPN at the time so I went to the page and tried to find what clip was playing. I couldn't find anything so I paused my music and the voices stopped. The funny part is it was actually voices within the song that I just NEVER have heard before, even though I've heard "Paranoid Android" a million times. True story... ;) Honestly I can hear every piano key, every drum beat, etc. The amplifier is nothing short of amazing.

IMO, the added money is worth it... but I would highly recommend the firestone audio line. Great products and very affordable.

Hope that helps!

P.S I bought from MA (miniature audio) as well... they have a great return policy so if you aren't happy I'm sure its no problem to ship it back. Personally I've never had to do that because I enjoy my product very much but that may help ease the burden. Best of luck in whatever you decide!

I think I will get started with the Fubar 2 as that seems to be a pretty good value for the money. Did you buy the SUPPLIER Power Supply Unit or consider doing so? Not sure it's worth the extra money.........?

Hi Xistented,

To be honest I have not bought the PSU as of yet but I'm really considering making it my next purchase. The difference it makes with the headphone amplifier is just incredible. I finally got the chance to experience the headphone amp with the PSU over the weekend and I'm very impressed. Impressed enough I plan to go out and get one.

That being said, if you are just planning to get the Fubar II, IMHO the PSU is not "needed". Honestly I haven't tried it but I have no problem with the output from my DAC with the Fubar III (which has the exact same USB Dac as the Fubar II only it has the extra headphone amp build in). I would be curious if you noticed any difference with the Dac and the PSU. If you were going with the headphone amp as well I would HIGHLY recommend it, but since you chose just the Fubar II I think you would be ok with that. It does make a HUGE difference for the headphone amp though, so I guess that's something to consider in the future.

Best of luck in whatever you choose :) I hope I helped!
Cheers!

yes, you have been vey helpful in me narrowing my down my options here so i can get started on this. i think i'll get a Fubar 2 as i dont have a need for the headphone, and then maybe i will try out that PSU a little later on.

Thanks for the tips!