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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
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
168 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.
ghasley
2,487 posts
 
Also, dont forget to ensure the settings on your computer and roon are optimized. The Border Patrol is an exceptional dac, I have one in my office system (audio research in my main system). Cycle it on and off a couple of times a day, also do the same with the tube rectifier.
emcdade OP
95 posts
 
It's been burning in in my office system all week.  I'm going to warm it up in my main system tonight and have another listen.  I may even get out my Umik-1 and take a few measurements to see if they confirm what I'm hearing.
bitman's avatar
bitman
2 posts
 
I got the BP yesterday. Had the itch to try it out. 
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