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A DAC that crushes price vs. performance ratio

I felt strongly that I wanted to inform the Gon members about a new DAC that ranks with the very best on the market regarding performance, but costs around $2,000.00.  The Lab12 DAC1 SE was compared to three reference level DACS that retail for over $12.000.00 in my review for hometheaterreview.com and was at least on the same level sonicly, if not better.  This DAC from Greece is not just "good for the money" but competes with virtually anything on the market regardless of price!

For all the details about the Lab12 DAC1 SE performance and what other DACS it was compared to take a look at the review.  If you are shopping/looking for a new digital front end to drive your system, you owe it to yourself to check this DAC out, unless you like to spend tons of more $ without getting better performance.
teajay
teajay OP
1,702 posts
 
I had received last week an Email from a GON member regarding his experience with the LAB 12 DAC.  

His experience of it was, " I've tried 4 DACS in the past 2 months and the LAB 12 is definitely my favorite." I asked him if he would be willing to share more information about what DACs he had auditioned compared to the LAB 12 and share on this thread.  He said he would when he gets back from traveling this week.  Hope, he does, I'm glad he likes the Lab 12, but am very interested what other types of DACs he compared it to.
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
@nonoise  Yes, I too believe Lewis will win the driver’s championship again in Austin.
However, my true colors are red so it pains me to say that. Lol.
lordcloud
155 posts
 
So how does this DAC compare to the Terminator?
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
@ lordcloud

I am also curious about it.

My impression from the reviews is that Terminator has better scale and dynamics and Lab12 has more nuance like vinyl.

I placed an order for Lab12 two days ago but it is on 8 weeks wait.

It must be pretty popular or they can not manufacture enough or both.


Thomas
solo8008
3 posts
 
Let me add Lite Audio DAC-83 in this list , Fully discrete 1704UK Burr Brown R2R build like tank with massive external power supply , I have Denafrips Pontus and L.K.S. Audio MH-DA004 Dual ES9038PRO , DAC-83 run Circles around these DACS in every aspect , more open, imaging , well balance top to bottom with hefty dynamic Bass. if you lucky may find one used under $1K .
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