Hifime Sabre 9018 USB DAC

In shortThis is a true audiophile DAC which sounds just beautifully, and represents unbelievable value. It is a simple, understated little box and is limited by design to 24/96 files, but if one cares about listening to music at its best, then this is the first step to enjoy music and build a seriously classy system.Mini reviewI plugged it in a Linux system and connected using QED interconnects to Linn amplification feeding Rogers Floor-standers.I had no issues with firmware compatibility. I simply plugged it in a USB port and selected its Analog Audio Output in the Audio settings. Once this is done the first time the choice is remembered for the future.I used it with Kodi and other digital players. I played well recorded 24/96 masters lossless FLAC files, CD quality minimally compressed 16/44 files, radio streams at 128 Kb/s (Classic FM) and high definition radio streamed at 320 Kb/s. I listened to Jazz, Blues, Classical, Rock Piano, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Choral, Operas, Folk and Pop music. With all the above the experience with this DAC is just wonderful.Of course badly recorded music is exposed for what it is, but despite its incredible detail and precision this is not an analytical DAC and is somewhat more forgiving than other high quality DACs I experienced. With good recorded music the experience is truly enjoyable.Rendition is extremely detailed and accurate at all frequencies. Bass have great extension, precision and pinpoint accuracy with just the right weight. Mids are wonderful rendering voices beautifully. Highs are detailed, agile and truthful, with no harshness, nor graininess. Dynamics is outstanding. Pace is superb.This is an incredibly revealing DAC but despite its impeccable precision, details and accuracy it remains beautifully musical. The tonal signature is neutral or even a little warm. The soundstage is where this DAC really shines and it is just class act. Wide, deep and incredibly precise.This is a little understated plastic box and it does just one thing: it reproduces music perfectly.

I have bought 3 older HIFIME(DIY) DACs over the past couple of years, and all are still excellent (top marks)I really wanted this one to to be good as well, and it kind of is, but has a major flaw.I have bought two of these HIFIME9018 DAC, 6 months apart, and both of them have had exactly the same characteristics, both have been returned.When used with my Samsung Galaxy 5 neo phone, the sound occasionally stutters, maybe 2 or 3 times in each track.When connected to my computer (Linux), the sound quickly gets in to a pattern of stuttering every 3 seconds or so. This is terminal until the DAC is unplugged and plugged in again.Reading on the forums etc, I don't think I am the only one with this same issue

Well.. its okay. Three Starts is generous. I previously bought the SMSL Sanskrit, and that sound was way better but it had flaws in that it added hmm and could here crackles and adding random sounds to the music. This well, sounds slightly dull, adds to the lower end and kind of muddies the mids to low. This is testing with DT 1770 pro's. To be honest the on board MB sound is clearer more balance and spacious with the bass punchier and defined . This i think should be a £30 item. Also the packaging is non existent, just a plastic bag - not good for a £60+ item.overall i wouldn't recommend this item for the price. But this is just my opinion.

My unit came in a cheap case and itself was a plasticky, cheap looking thing. However, once I plug ed it into my pc...wow.It died after about six months, would not be detected in any PC. Sent it back to Amazon for full refunds, no issues. I bought a better known, better packaged, metallic, more expensive looking Dragonfly black. A great DAC/Amp, but my old Sabre was better. And 2/3rds of the price.

This has got to be an absolute bargain. As an upgrade to the UAE23 the difference was immediate and obvious. The depth and width to the sound stage is immense. The Bass is deep, full and rich. Mids are clean and Highs sparkle with clarity. The Global Drum Project's 'Baba" sounds exceptional with deep bass drums and reverberation on vocals I had not noticed before. Tom the Lion's 'sleep' is a very complex and difficult piece to reproduce but the Sabre did it superbly.At this price, its a steal, try it, you won't be disappointed. Without any run-in, straight out of the box, its excellent.---------------------Update -Well, I've had this DAC for 2 months and it just gets better. It takes very little time to 'run in'. In fact, I was extremely pleased with it straight out of the box (it arrived in a clear plastic box).I should point out that I also use the HifimeDIY USB Isolator ADUM4160 to provide clean power to the DAC. Computer USB ports can be very noisy. This does increase the depth of sound, however I noticed an immediate increase when plugging in this DAC.The only thing that will beat this excellent little package is the Chord Mojo but that's much more expensive and uses different technology to other more standard DACs.For £60 its ridiculously cheap and now works with many phones. Buy one.