LAIV Harmony

Hans Beekhuyzen Review:

https://youtu.be/5Gg9HQvg-u8?si=s7gSqqvLMz04Pi4M

Thanks @lanx0003 

I currently have a Gustard R26 and i'm looking to upgrade to either the Laiv or a Denafrips Terminator Plus 12th Anniv. 

Does anyone have any comparisons with the Laiv to R26 or Laiv to Terminator? 

Thanks @jackd. This is exactly the review I’ve been wanting to read. 

Ok, after watching and reading every review, going through this thread and all 72 pages on Head Fi, I pulled the trigger last night and ordered the Harmony.

Any Aussies here can tell me the how long it takes to be delivered? 

Keen as mustard. 

Just received the Harmony. Wow! Fresh out of the box it's certainly better than my Gustard R26. Bass goes deeper with more impact. The midrange is glorious.
Can't wait to see where this thing goes.

@lanx0003 right now with just 10 hours on it, I’d say the Harmony has the same width as the R26. The depth is still a little flat, but it is showing signs of opening up. 
 

The unit still sounds new and constrained. The top end still needs to open up. Dynamics are also a little flat. 
 

It’s showing some signs of being amazing. The bass is deep and impactful. The midrange is sweet and beautiful, much sweeter than a fully run in R26. Acoustic instruments sound spot on, very natural. 
 

I’ll report back once it’s has 100-200 hours on it. 
 

These are my first impressions 10 hours in. Early days yet. 

@wig , good to know. Thanks heaps!

@soix while the Harmony and the May share a beautiful natural timbre, the May is more micro and macro dynamic. The soundstage is much wider and the sound is more robust. 

@lanx0003 I have it running 24/7. Either streaming or a CD on repeat. Will report back in a few days with a 100 hour report. 

Hi @lanx0003 , 

unfortunately for the group - no. But for me yes.  
 

I  had the opportunity to buy a Holo May 3 KTE and I jumped at it. And if I can be completely honest, it’s an amazing DAC. I have since sold the Harmony. 
 

I sold the Harmony with only 40 odd hours on it. I know will be not looked upon favourably for that, with people saying I still haven’t heard the Laiv at its best. They may be right. But I can tell you, the May is many steps ahead of the Harmony. That’s me being polite. 
 

I’m not saying the Harmony was bad. I think for the price it’s great. It was much better than my R26. But it falls short compared to what the May offers in my system. 

@kereru I’m feeding the DACs with an Auralic Aries S1 with external PSU, and a Shanling ET-3 CD transport.