LAIV Harmony


New company with a new product.  There are several "professional" reviews out there, but not much consumer input here or elsewhere.  Those that have been using now for over a month, what are your thoughts?  What were you using previously and how does it compare?

audiostick

@donavabdear  If anyone’s audio setup can demonstrate the good and the bad of the Laiv Harmony, your’s certainly will.  What $9K DAC in your listening room is moving to the garage?

I moved out my PS Audio direct stream DAC MK 2 and for that matter I moved out all my BHK PS Audo equipment. I really just didn’t like the noise, the PS A BHK equipment sounded wonderful and extra tube like and buttery but it’s just noisy. The Harmony DAC is very quiet for me it’s a breath of fresh air even though the music is a bit more edgy, perhaps in a few days it will smooth out just a bit. Amazing how a 3k DAC can even compete with another DAC 3 times the price.

@smweber2 

Thanks for the kind words. I. moved out my PS Audio direct stream DAC MK 2 and for that matter I moved out all my BHK PS Audio equipment. I really just didn’t like the noise, the PS A BHK equipment sounded wonderful and extra tube like and buttery but it’s just noisy. The Harmony DAC is very quiet for me it’s a breath of fresh air even though the music is a bit more edgy, perhaps in a few days it will smooth out just a bit. Amazing how a 3k DAC can even compete with another DAC 3 times the price.

My now 4+ yo Audio Alchemy DDP-1 (DAC/Pre) + AA PS 5 optional outboard power supply upgrade still serves me well, allowing me to easily discern changes to my set up, as it has over the last few days after adding VeraFi Black Hole isolation devices. IMHO, I think they would get a lot more buyers if they incorporated a highly pe-amp in it

@tweak1 
I believe they have a preamp on the way. The design is compartmentalized better for internal RF interference like separates in one box. If their preamp is as good as the DAC this company could really be interesting, I could spend a lot less on components that are beyond the threshold of hearing and a lot more on speakers. We may be getting to the point like retna displays that have more resolution than your eye does for your ears.