Final thoughts and Conclusions

Final thoughts and Conclusions

The original spitfire was never equipped with a USB port which limited its uses for many users.  Although the newer Spitfire MKII has a USB port it suffers from a common issue that plagues many USB DAC�s in that the USB input has limited support up to 16-bit/48kHz. 

This is not an issue for those that want this DAC for straight red-book CD based Flacs but for those that want support for higher resolutions the S/Pdif input would be the optimal way to go here.

That being said, we would have preferred 24/96 or higher support for people who want to use USB with the Spitfire MKII DAC. 

We were impressed with the sound quality of the SF MKII DAC; it offers clean, clear music with a great soundstage and imaging without being too cold or sterile sounding. 

When we connected the Bravo digital processor into the test system, we noticed further improvements as the music sounded cleaner, focused and more refined overall.  The imaging seemed to expand and clear up further through the middle of the soundstage.

The SF MK II sounded excellent on it�s own but does sound noticeably improved when using the Bravo as an S/Pdif source.

We will suggest that if you are interested in building a compact external system then the Spitfire MKII should be on your list of possible units.  The Bravo unit can be used in conjunction with the Spitfire but it can also be used for any other S/Pdif gear you might have around your home. 

You could use the Bravo to �reclock� the output of your favorite CD, DVD player before the receiver.  We have been impressed with previous Firestone gear and will these new units are no exception.  They offer excellent, tough build quality and great sound quality based on our testing.

Based on our listening tests, sound quality, overall build quality and the price point of the units reviewed we give these products our recommended award.  If you like the Firestone gear as much as we do, stay tuned for future reviews of upcoming audio products. 

On a side note, FSA also has a high end power module to replace the included power adapters found with certain units.  This power module is called the Supplier.  We are hoping to possible review this unit in the future with the Bravo/SF MKII system as a test bed for comparisons.  So stay tuned to your Guru3D Audio Lab Channel for this review.

Until next time, this is Robscix rocking on with the Bravo and Spitfire MKII in the Guru3D Audio Lab.

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