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Has Anyone Auditioned an LKS MH-DA004 DAC?

Seems like a lot of DAC for the money.  ($1450-$1600)
melm
melm OP
1,086 posts
 
Just a few brief points.  I've had a good deal of very positive interaction with Jinbo, the designer and (I think) head of LKS.  He has been very helpful and will provide whatever support his customers need.  I wish him well with the 005.  As for pricing on the 005, he'll figure it out. 

As a refinement of the 004, which itself is a VERY conservative design though well executed, its hard to see the justification of a 120% increase in price.  If, as you suggest, the price of the 004 may no longer be competitive as it was upon launch, then the 005, remaining with its conservative design but better executed, is priced at considerably more than 120% of the 004's worth.  The digital world moves very swiftly.  

I said I had read all the printed material, including what's on the new thread at Head-Fi and some of the 005 comments on the 004 thread.


sns
4,104 posts
 
He should understand high profile reviews will be needed to sell in numbers. As it is, I can only state how 005 compares to a couple of $1500 dacs, well worth the extra money for me. My present plans are to get a Holo May in fall, definitely want to compare a ladder dac to what I consider top Sabre dac. Holo May competes with Mola Mola Tambaqui and Totaldac, give me a better idea where 005 stands in dac hierarchy.
For sure, dac world moving fast at the moment!
melm OP
1,086 posts
 
sns,

Stereophile had to violate one of its cardinal rules to review the Okto, to wit no US distribution=no review. I wouldn’t be surprised if they hear from their advertisers. It’s tough enough for US manufacturers to compete with importers. So it’s not all that clear that they are prepared to do that again. Besides, some small operators (though larger than LKS) have written that they prefer not to have a high profile review. A good review could result in more orders than they can deliver dragging down customer relations. A bad review can put them out of business. LKS might just prefer to have you and others continue to post here and elsewhere.

AIUI LKS is a very small operation.  Interesting that their 004 price has held steady.  They make so few units that they can sell what they make.

In any event it looks like you’ll have a lot to say comparing DACs on a very good system. I’ll be looking forward to good reading. You might just want to start a new thread here or elsewhere comparing them.
sns
4,104 posts
 
melm, Jinbo shouldn't be fearful of high profile 005 review if he has any confidence in his product. Based on my experience, 005 would excel.

I've thought about starting thread for 005 here. My issue is I only want to provide review after comparison to another high end value dac such as Holo May KTE. As it stands I"m only comparing to $1500 dacs (Vega was $3300 many years ago), not a great feat for $3300 dac to beat $1500 dac.
And you may be correct, perhaps LKS already at full manufacturing capacity. Also, there has been problems with lack of manufacturing capacity for semiconductor chips for autos, perhaps this is impacting audio as well.
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