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.

128x128johns21

i would doubt it

but call wally at underwood he can tell you for sure

don't bother writing the folks at jolida/b-i i tried at one point, they don't reply

When I contact Black Ice Audio, I always get an answer the same day.

This DAC won the 2019 AZ Audio Video Club DAC-It-Out. It was a very well designed comparison of ten DACs (the Black Ice being the least costly and the PS Audio the most costly and one of the worst sounding). $100k+ system in a purpose build room. I was there. So, yes, I heard it and it sounded very good.

I wish they would make a slightly less costly, non-wifi version for folks like the OP. I would also add a switch in the back for fixed or variable volume (you're stuck with variable volume). Decent sounding headphone output is icing on the cake.

Black Ice Audio

@vinylvalet 

glad they answered your call, i had no such luck, tried twice within a week, maybe it was covid problems at the time

i agree i wish they made that one with the volume control removed or at least able to be bypassed... suspect it would further improve the sound

They do respond much better to email. Perhaps, once you have their attention that way, you can schedule a phone call.

I agree, bypassing the volume control would improve the sound quality slightly. With that said, it's still one to audition if you are around the $1k price range.