Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

The synergy of digital set ups with other components in the chain has a such huge impact on the end product.  For example, I can say the Dave fed by Lumin U1, going direct to Soulution 511 monos pushing Magico M3s (my digital system) certainly does not lack layers, note decay or coherence.  The sound is unbelievable and I would say the Dave excels in all these areas and will crush DACs much more expensive in sound quality.  But what cstooner may hear in his system or Matt in his, with their components etc, it can be very different.  

That can happen in all digital systems.  I have heard the DAVE in my own as well as two others and have heard the same thing.  No coherency.  I asked another very well known and respected DAC designer about the DAVE and he said that it does a few things really good, but overall sounds the way that Matt has posted.  


Again, we all hear differently.  

Uhh ok.  I guess all the others across the world are wrong about the Dave and you are right.  It basically does a couple of good things and otherwise sucks.  Lol.  IMO this is why a few anecdotal statements on a message board in isolation are basically useless.  Look at the body of reviews and experiences, and make your own mind up.

+1 wardl

Wardl- I don’t speak in absolutes nor make blanket statements. System matching is everything. I have said over and over again that these are my ears, my room and my system. I try to report what I hear. It’s not what everyone will hear. I don’t like the PS Audio DAc while others LOVE it and defend it vehemently.

I knew I was opening Pandora’s box when I posted my audition findings about the DAVE. But they are not right or wrong, just what I heard. The DAVE has a huge following and I’m sure it floats many many boats. To be fair, I need to let it burn in for several hundred more hours to make a final evaluation. But I said that. Maybe it sounded "immature" because, well, it is. Lol.

If you ask 10 audiophiles what qualities in a system gets their juices flowing, and gets them "Lost In The Music," your will get 20 different answers. None of us are right or wrong. D

No one should feel attacked if their favorite kit gets a bad review somewhere, or has something else chosen over it. If we all liked the same thing, we’d all have identical systems and every other company could just close up shop.

Vive’le’differanz!!!!

That all said, I don’t trust reviews. They are mostly subsidized advertising. And everyone who reads an audio magazine or watches an on-line audio web-zine needs to know that. Unless there is no money for goods or services being exchanged, their will be a bias and an alternate motive. I have no motivation but to get the best sound I can.