Borderpatrol Dac SE


I've been seeing this DAC mentioned a lot everywhere lately, hearing that it performs way above its price class, etc.

I took the leap and bought one.  Mind you I've only broken it in for 48 hours but I'm at this point I'm not sure it will ever open up.

So far it has really soft and closed in treble with no air or decay.  Mids are okay, bass is a little soft without great definition or extension.  Imaging is ok but feels a little confused.

To be honest it's getting smoked by my current Fostex HP-A8.  The Fostex is the design antithesis of what's gaining traction:  a delta sigma AKM chip.

Owners:  does this thing ever open up, or has the Sopra unmasked another pretender?  If this is "analog" sound, I think I'll pass the next time I hear that descriptor.

System:  

roon
Sotm Sms-200
Perla Audio Sig 50
Focal Sopra 2
emcdade
I wonder if the SMS-200 with the Border Patrol is the problem? I think I read several reviews that described the SMS-200 is warmer and rounded, and with the same DAC characteristics...... too much of a good thing perhaps?? Take it out of the loop and test it without if possible. Just thinking out loud.
More hours for sure on the unit but you should start to hear more definition as the tubes start to burn-in around 75 hours and will continue to improve as well as the circuits. A Mullard Square Getter and a fuse change will also improve things quite a bit...

Also, try turning the unit off for 15 mins and back on for the next couple of days.

Wig
Thanks guys, I'll continue the burn in for a couple of days then give it a clean slate to evaluate it.  


I am extremely interested to read your final thoughts in couple of days @emcdade. I am trying to decide between BP Dac Se  , Holo Spring L3 and Gumby and have the same speakers as you..
I have had the BP SE in my system for 6 months and it is one of the most analog sounding DAC’s I have ever heard. I actually have a friend with a Lampi Atlantic and the BP gets awfully close. Superb DAC for the $$$.