Introduction
Been hearing a lot about Fiio’s,iFi’s,TOPPING,SMSL and of course many others but not Stoner Acoustics. Out of curiosity, I went and read up some reviews about this DAC that’s designed and made in Malaysia and also checked with fellow Audio Monsta members who happened to also own this unit and the feedback is pretty positive.
Without further ado, I reached out to Stoner Acoustics via email and I guess I kinda struck a lottery because there’s only one last unit left in their inventory.
*I bought this unit off my own fund without any sponsorship from Stoner Acoustics. All the words here are off my own opinion and it might be subjective due to the differences on how some perceive sound.
Specification
Savitech SA9227 USB Audio Receiver
AKM AK4493 High Performance DAC
TI TPA6120A Dual Channel High power Amplifier
USB Audio Class 1.0 24Bit/96KHz
USB Audio Class 2.0 32Bit/384KHz, DSD-64/128/256, DoP-64/128
0.5dB/Step Digital Attenuation (255 steps)
Select-able LOW/HIGH Gain
THD(%): <0.001% 20Hz-20KHz
Packaging and Design
It came with a rather simple and straightforward no BS kind of packaging.
A carrying case that consists of UD130 itself and a micro usb cable.
Operating The Unit
Operating the unit is fairly straightforward, the front panel consist of a Analog-ish digitally controlled volume knob, smooth and easy to operate and not to mention it is very precise as well. There is also a SET button, a slight push on the button will allow you to change the gain mode. Blue LED indicates that it is currently on low gain mode. Purple LED indicates that is is on high gain mode. Not sure if its my unit’s issue or the LED its just like that, the purple doesn’t seem purple to me? More like a light blue? Anyway, it doesn’t really affect anything as the sole purpose of the LED is to serve as an indicator only. Holding the SET button for approximately 2-3 seconds will enable LINE OUT mode.
The rear panel consist of a USB 1 or 2 switch, Toggle to USB 1 if you just want to plug and play without installing any driver. Toggle to USB 2 if you want to fully maximize the potential of the unit. USB 2 enables DSD decoding with the necessary drivers installed of course.
Source
IPad Air 4 -> Tidal MQA -> UD130 -> Fiio F9 Pro
Windows 10 -> Tidal MQA -> UD130 -> Fiio F9 Pro
Sound
Let’s dive into how this little gem actually performs. Coming from iFi’s HipDac, i must say that i have fairly high expectations on how this UD130’s AKM’s AK4493 will perform. On the first run,I just WOW-ed. Clean, Neutral, a little shouty compared to HipDac which was warm and musical.
I then decided to let it run in for several hours before i listen to it again. In the next session, I am just amazed and out of words on how this little gem which doesn’t cost an arm and leg can sound so good.
First I plugged in using Fiio’s F9 Pro, immediately i am impressed with the sound rendered by UD130. Bass is tight and controlled. Billie Eilish’s vocal in Your Power is just so sweet and the high is not sibilant at all, well extended.
Curious about how it will render a live recorded song, I fired up Toto’s Africa Live. The clapping sound from the audience, the kick drum and percussions can be identified clearly without overlapping each other. The layering is just impressive for a device costing only RM290 or 71 USD at the time of writing.
Off to another fast paced track to test the capability of UD130. Metallica’s Master of Puppets. It is able to keep up with the pace of the electric guitar’s riff and the drum beat, there is just so much fun listening to this track.
Moving on to the last track. I’ve decided to go for something a bit more mellow. Anita Mui’s Qin Mi Ai Ren. The vocal is so luscious and on point,nothing is being over emphasized here.
Comparison
Unfortunately I do not have something similarly priced to compare UD130 with. I will however based on my memory compare UD130 with Hip Dac which i used to own. Based on my memory, Hip Dac’s tuning is more on the warmer side of the spectrum, it has got the iFi’s house sound that many people favoured including me. UD130 on the other hand does not colour the sound, it is neutral and slightly analytical to my ears. Both are fun to listen to. In terms of pricing, this is something iFi’s offering definitely can’t match. UD130 is budget friendly and it will definitely not put a hole in your pocket and i would say the performance is on par with Hip Dac except for the difference in the sound rendition as both are using different chips.
Conclusion
Will I recommend this DAC/AMP? Hell yes. How will I rate this on a scale of 1 to 5? To me it is a 5 out of 5 product. Why? The price performance ratio, to me, it is no brainer and I don't see a reason why anyone who is looking for a budget friendly DAC AMP should skip this. Fiio’s Q1 M2 DAC AMP itself is costing RM459 and it only sports AKM’s AK4452 which is a lil inferior compared to UD130’s AK4493. The only downside of this is it doesn’t sport any balanced out port such as 2.5 or 4.4, however i am sure that the inclusion of the said ports will definitely contribute to additional cost,
This is the DAC/AMP for you if you are looking for something portable and also clean and neutral sounding, also for someone who is running on single ended setup and has no intention of going the balanced route, this is definitely for you.
Komen