The gap is too big to compare 

Any new users joining the club? Received my unit today

USB DAC by pixeltailz, on Flickr

I knew it was small, but I seriously did not expect it to be this SMALL... In fact, the standard PosLaju envelope seemed overkill But size (looks) can be deceiving, because it sure packs some BIG sound.

Haven't had much time to really listen for now but initial impressions, absolutely brilliant! Even my non-music centric Logitech Z-2300 sounded so good, bass goes low and deep with a powerful controlled punch. Highs are crystal clear, mids not too sure (Z-2300 is horrible with mids, cannot judge ) Gonna test it with my IEMs next to get a better "feel".

Bought it to replace my onboard audio (Realtek's flagship ALC898) but seems like it can replace my modded X-Fi XtremeMusic as well xD

Means this dac memang have to use with amp?

Hi, its possible but you are decreasing the bit resolution of
your song. It's recommended to control on your amplifier/preamp.

The default state is at 0dB (maximum loudness), when u lower down 6dB, you are reducing 1 bit.

does it mean if i connect an Amp to my Mp3 player, i need to max out the vol of my mp3 player and control the volume using the amp in order not to lost any bits ?

Heat shrink 

^A very very good solution to dress up the UD100.

This tiny thing is fantastic.
Arrived this morning and am very impressed so far.
Un-amped at the moment but we'll see how things go.
Thanks again!

A comparison to my Laptop Realtek output for much fairer comparison.
Laptop: Dell Studio 1555
IEM used: Beyerdynamic XP3
Source: Foobar

Realtek @ Laptop:
- Noisy ambient, once plugged in you'll hear some sparkle noise (electrical conduct).
- Muffled sound; sounds like a sponge at the IEM.
- Treble roll-off lower than... (see UD100).
- Bass is of course ok, not deep yet not overwhelm. FLAT!
UD100
- Clean, not a single sparkle when plugged in or when tuned to max volume (@ Foobar/Windows).
- Clean and clear sound, you can really hear some detail that're not present (Realtek @ Laptop).
- Treble is high, really high, crisp, and sparkling sharp at times.
- Bass is present with detail, great bass all the way to the mid.
- Extras: Feels like the whole frequency range is being amp-ed, louder but not breaking, unlike the software tuned EQ.

My friend can't tell the difference (UD100 vs Realtek onboard) from his cheap speaker (sub RM200 Logitech), while he's able to tell the different with my Hippo CriCri+, but the CriCri+ wasn't able to deliver fully on his PC (pink noise), might due to insufficient USB power output? Or probably just his home's electricity is not stable? I have no problem with my desktop and laptop though.
Unable to poison him using UD100.

So umm... for those who're looking something to replace their Realtek onboard, this might be the one, but if you already has a DAC, like me, you'd probably get it due to it's cheap? Or just need another DAC for certain purpose (portable OTG Audio)? Or maybe another DAC to keep another IEM burn-in while using the main one (like me ).

Just got mine today.  I made a comparison between onboard Realtek chips and UD100.

Source: Asus A43S laptop. Headphone: Goldring DR150. No amp. Just straight from source to UD100 and to DR150.
Tracks used for comparison: Angels - The xx, To Lose My Life - White Lies, Swell Windows - Zee Avi, Lullabies - Yuna, Cough Syrup - Young The Giant, Madness - Muse, Set Fire To The Rain - Adele, Heart and Soul - Kenny G. All are FLACs.

Well, based on my listening, what I got are more or less same like what have been reviewed by others. Except that I think the bass is a bit exaggerated on bassy songs. Sound transition from right to left is absolutely a downgrade, I must say. It is more well presented on Realtek chips, to my surprise. The vocal somehow was overthrown by the exaggerated thumping bass. It goes deep, overshadowed.

For mids, sound is absolutely more refined and controlled on UD100, up to what i've listened so far.

I must say I'm a bit disappointed on the bass part but others, it is absolutely better. I don't have any other DAC to compare with so these are all I can say. 

Worth the money or not? Well, it absolutely is if you want a budget DAC to replace onboard sound card.  I personally think UD100 can only drive up 32ohm cans. For comparison, I have to increase about 20% the volume on UD100 to get the same loudness as on Realtek chips when using iTunes player. On Windows Media Player, I need an amp to get the sound out. The sound is too soft. 

To be honest, I am quite new in this audiophile stuff, but its always keen to be feed to my curiosity. So, I'd received the item and been using it for around 2 hours+ using Foobar @ FLAC @ Alienware M17x-R1 > V-Moda Crossfade LP2; for several albums like Linkin Park - Collision Course & Hybrid Theory, Lady Gaga - Fame Monster and Guns 'n' Roses - November Rain.

The different are there for the first impression, but not in any major way. I love the "cleanness" and discrete separation of instruments which make the sound more.... enjoyable.

Anyway, I hope anyone of the sifu can provide your kind respond regard on;
1 - CrossRoads EDGE Amp - is it good?
2 - Does my headphone is sufficient to start my journey in this path? or I need a more-balanced headphone? I admit, Crossfade LP2 is kinda bassy.

i notice that those usb extension kill my ud100 sound, and i misunderstanding that i dont like the sound signature produced by it....but it is more safer to use usb extension since this dac look fragile...

Any good usb extension tat wont harm the dac sound produced?

bro dennis yeoh, do u have this problem especailly using headphone?

Actually dac dont have it own sound signature right?

CAn i do this:

SIII -> USB OTG -> UD100 -> E3/E6 amp -> Headphones/IEM
Im thinking the amp is only to amplify the output so it shouldnt matter if the amp is not so high end. Whats important is the output from UD100 (good quality) is amplified more.

Is my thinking correct? Newbie here

I have an ipad mini, i read in previous Ipad generations, they can use the camera connection kit with usb port to do this:
IPAD -> Camera connection kit USB -> USB DAC -> AMP -> Headphones/IEM

Anyone tried this ? With new Lightning connector/ old ipad ?

What what mp4 player like creative Zen x-fi3?

Dear Sifus,

I am currently using UD110 USB DAC with HiVi X4 (active speakers). Controlling volume from playback software can be a pain as i have to adjust everything individually, and certain games volume cant be controlled. My X4 is still damn bloody loud even when the volume knob is turned to the lowest if (i dun turn down the software volume). Is there a way to hardware control the volume (via amp or something else)? From what i understand, amp is not required for active speakers.

Sorry for the long question. Hopefully someone can answer me. Thx