2. digital
  3. 189963-2195

From Rossini Apex to ????

Hi Folks.  I just recently upgraded my Holo May Kitsune Edition DAC to a Rossini Apex and am very impressed with the DCS.  It has an amazingly black background (the instruments are all that IS), great instrument separation, discerns textures and nuances beautifully, and has very detailed and controlled bass.  I do think the Holo May has a sweeter midrange. May not be more accurate, but sweeter.  I've heard of notable improvement when adding the DCS clock, but that's another $10k plus cables.  I'm thinking it might be worth trying other DACs.  Right now, top contenders might include the Mola Mola Tambaqui and the Grimm MU-2.  For those of you who know the Rossini, and perhaps understand my desire to get sweeter midrange but not lose any of the other great qualities of the Rossini Apex - what do you recommend and why?  Thanks, Peter

peter_s
peter_s OP
1,336 posts
 

@rooze seems like we are on the same page about the differences. Are you using an Apex?

peter_s OP
1,336 posts
 

Has anyone heard the new Grimm MU-2?

soix
9,549 posts
 

I seem to remember reading some people finding a Lampizator DAC to be a significant upgrade from the Holo May and may be worth trying.  Best of luck in finding what you’re looking for.

mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 

consider a Wadax.

no, not the Level 4 $300k beast i have in my room, the new at Munich........Wadax STUDIO PLAYER.

get Wadax magic around $35k retail. was the talk of the show.

https://wadax.eu/

jmeyers's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jmeyers
163 posts
 

I think that, ultimately, the choice is in the ears of the listener. However, the Bricasti M21 DAC is within the same price range (at $16K MSRP) as the two excellent DACs you have identified; it also is a splendid DAC.

I recently listened extensively to both the Mola Mola Tambaqui and the Grimm MU-2. To my ears, the MU-2 was not only the better of the two, it was spectacular. The only DAC I have found sonically competitive to it was the Bricasti M21 (which I recently purchased). In my case, price was a factor. I was able to get a good price for the M21, whereas the MU-2 is significantly back-ordered, making your obtaining a discounted price for one unlikely. 

More to discover