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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
wig's avatar
wig
1,270 posts
 
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
emcdade OP
95 posts
 
Thanks guys, I'll continue the burn in for a couple of days then give it a clean slate to evaluate it.  


tonediary
21 posts
 
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..
kregghill's avatar
kregghill
11 posts
 
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 $$$. 
whoopycat
169 posts
 
Your amp has 50k input impedance so that shouldn't be a problem.  I'd run it in a little more and then contact Gary Dews if you're not satisfied.  The good news is I saw one sell here yesterday in about 20 minutes.
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