Hi-Fi: Firestone Audio Fubar IV Plus Digital-to-Analogue Converter – Review

It’s coming up 10 years since I’ve owned a CD player. I realise this is quite an admission, but the simple fact is that the digital file format suits me down to the ground. It’s impossible to deny its convenience, and I defy any of my audiophile friends to tell the difference in quality between a lossless FLAC file and a CD.

Pronouncements like that usually manage to rile them up, but there was always one rejoinder I had no defence for: no matter how high quality the music file, or how good the amplifier and speakers, the digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) in a standard computer or iPod will hamstring your listening experience.

The DAC is an exceptionally important piece of technology. The chip’s basic function is to convert a digital binary code – how the information is stored in both CDs and MP3s – into an analogue signal that you can hear through your stereo speakers. There’s a DAC in any digital device you’re playing music on, whether CD player, PC or MP3 player, and they all vary in quality.

However, I found myself a little sceptical about the need for something like the $750 Firestone Audio Fubar IV Plus, a dual USB DAC and headphone amp.

This was one of those occasions when I’m pleased to say I was totally wrong. The difference between a music file played via a computer’s 3.5mm headphone jack and one played via the Fubar’s USB port is immediately recognisable – it’s like removing a blanket from over the speakers.

The Fubar is capable of producing the best possible sound at 24 bits, upsampling to 192kHz. What this means in practice is a smoother sounding delivery. In a test using files in the lossless FLAC format, it’s impossible not to hear the improvement in sound quality using the Fubar.

You’ll notice a shift in the force of delivery and an obvious increase in the amount of detail, the equivalent of looking at your music through a microscope.

Using the DAC audibly extends the soundstage, making the computer’s capabilities sound flat and lifeless in comparison. You’ll hear improvement in the quality of the bass, too, which appears tighter, less murky.

The Fubar also manages to demonstrate the fact that even some of the more highly compressed tracks actually don’t sound too bad. Files crunched to 192kbit/s receive a boost by using the device, although once you begin hearing the level of detail made possible via the Fubar, you’ll want everything in lossless.

Almost as an afterthough, it’s incredibly easy to use: no drivers or software installation necessary, the Fubar merely needs to be plugged into the USB port. There’s also an optical connection and a digital coax input.

Essentially a combination of the Fubar II USB DAC and the Cute Curve headphone amplifier, the Fubar IV Plus also works magnificently as a dedicated headphone amp, with a 6.4mm jack on the front.

The Fubar IV Plus is a great solution for listeners finding themselves concerned with audio clarity and resolution but who want to be able to use a digital medium. I’m converted.

TIM GREY

Firestone Audio Fubar IV Plus Digital-to-Analogue Converter – Tech Specs

USB Support Format: 16-bit, 32/44.1kHz/48kHz
SPDIF Support Format: 24-bit/96kHz (MAX)
Upsampling: Up to 192kHz
Connections: In – USB, 1 x coaxial, 1 x optical; out – 1 x RCA, 1 x 6.4mm phone jack

PROS

• It really works
• Easy setup

CONS

• Expensive, given its limited applications

VERDICT

• This sceptic is convinced

CONTACT

info@firestone-audio.co.nz

This article is from Tone issue 81. Click here to check it out.