Everybody is going to have different opinions and there is also the issue of preference as well. That being said I have posted elsewhere in the forums that I compared the DA10 to the DAC1 in a mastering studio as I was fortunate to find a retailer that sold both units. For me there is no comparison and second I heard the DA10 after the DAC1 I knew which one I would get. The sound stage was bigger, the mids and highs were just more liquid with better detail and less analytical. I pretty much came to the same conclusion as this site http://studioforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/694106689/m/6611090261
I am operating the unit without a preamp but many would argue that a preamp is needed to get the best sound. The way I looked at it was if I had $1000 do I want an old and potentially average DAC and and average preamp or do I want a really good DAC? The choice was simple and as I only run digital sources a DAC such as the Lavry with volume control was exactly what I was looking for. If I bought a preamp it would simply be an overpriced volume knob.
As far as the Blue my understanding is the DA10 has many of the characteristics of the Blue which is more of a studio piece. Either way I can say I'm very happy with my DA10.
I am operating the unit without a preamp but many would argue that a preamp is needed to get the best sound. The way I looked at it was if I had $1000 do I want an old and potentially average DAC and and average preamp or do I want a really good DAC? The choice was simple and as I only run digital sources a DAC such as the Lavry with volume control was exactly what I was looking for. If I bought a preamp it would simply be an overpriced volume knob.
As far as the Blue my understanding is the DA10 has many of the characteristics of the Blue which is more of a studio piece. Either way I can say I'm very happy with my DA10.