I would likely buy the D1 again over the DF because it is way more convenient, for a slight hit in SQ, under the condition both are only used in a stationary situation. If I had just 200 euro right now, and no DAC, and no perspective to be able to upgrade them in the near future. The D1 is also really good, but the DF is a bit more revealing, and a bit tighter if you have high res material that contains enough detail in the first place. It's not that the D1 is bad and the DF good. I still do. For Youtube, casual background music, even Gaming etc it is great and really enjoyable. I've had a D1 for over 2 years now and I really enjoyed it. The few Tidal songs that are 24/192 MQA don't bother me. You need S/PDIF for 24/192 and that will shut off the USB data signal so you can't hook up 2 sources without switching cables every time. I use the D1 over USB so it is limited to 24/96 just like the DF. I use my D1 with headphones more than my DF Red. The reason why I still use my (currently defective - skips on higher bitrates) D1 is because it is a hell of a lot more convenient as a PC soundcard in everyting except a Roon Endpoint over the network or mobile / on the go use on a macbook pro with TB3 ports only. Bass is tighter and maybe a tad deeper as well. I compare them both every day. I asked a user of dragonfly red (9016) he said it sounded better than the d1Īnd that is by a wide margin in terms of sounstage and especially instrument separation.

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