Musetec (LKS) MH-DA005 DAC

Continuing estimations of 005 flavor. Coming to end of burn in of Psvane Acme 300B,  Linlai Elite 101D in Statement pre. And I've long heard Shunguang Black Treasure 300B, Psvane WE and Linlai Mesh plate 101 in pre, and finally my Coincident 845 and modded Prima Luna Dialogue Four. All these amps and configurations of tubes with 005.

And now, experimenting with Takman carbon film resistors and Audio Note Seiryu coupling caps vs. carbon comps and metal films in Statement pre. Also added Texas Component TX2575 resistors and Duelund Silver Bypass in 300B, and same in modded Klipschorn crossovers previously.

So, through all these changes, 005 clearly exposed each and every change, resolving capabilities not in question. Flavor of each and every change has also been exposed, I've been in near analytical territory to what at this very moment may be slightly skewed to warmth side of scale. With 005 it appears I can flavor my system without touching the 005. What this points to is 005 can be considered reference piece, a truly neutral component. Up until latest changes with the Takman carbon resistors I'd never heard the 005 move toward warm side, considered it inherently neutral to analytical voiced. 

One thing that never changes with 005 in my system is this highly involving sense of live performers in room. Amazing thing is never having sense of annoyance during burn in of all of these various components, I suffered listening fatigue a few times, but only after minimum four hours in.

After a little over a year with this dac, and being very attentive to other's impressions, still waiting to hear a single criticism.  I wonder how long this can remain the case?

@sns -"After a little over a year with this dac, and being very attentive to other's impressions, still waiting to hear a single criticism.  I wonder how long this can remain the case?"

My Polish grandmother often said, "Don't call the wolf to the door." LOL

With that said, it's very hard to find fault with the 005. If there is a criticism, down the road, perhaps it's build quality, with parts failing or falling off. Though that is hard to imagine.

Of course, this being A'gon, someone will complain that while it sounds like a DAC 3 or 4x its price, it doesn't sound like a DAC 5 or 6x its price.

One more thing-you appear handy with upgrades and mods-impressive.

David

In this $3k price range, seems like folks are very happy with the Musetec, the Sonnet Morpheus (i2s) and the latest edition of the Holo Spring (which is v3 I believe). I’ve only heard the Sonnet. Based on listener impressions, seems like the Musetec is on the clean/resolute/detailed end, the Holo is on the organic end, and the Sonnet splits the difference.

When I first read about Musetec, I was keen to try it out of curiosity but I was pretty certain I’d send it back. So ultimately didn’t see the point (I really love my current DAC and I’ve compared it to many other things). This is a great time to be in the DAC market. Lots of wonderful choices out there. At one point I wanted to try everything, but the saner thing might be to find something you like at whatever price point makes sense to you, and then simply enjoy the music.

Anyone know why the sampling rate is 96k when I run optical out from a CD player?  Is this a default value, can it be changed?  Just wondering why it's not 44k. It sounds incredible already.  Female vocals to die for.  And I only have about 4 hours on this thing!

That 005 wouldn't compare favorably with dac at whatever price is what I'm waiting to see. I'd honestly like to understand what it's deficiency or deficiencies may be, I'd likely be interested in purchasing dac that outperforms it.

Having said that, I believe this dac not best for everyone. Per metaldetektor, there are dacs with flavoring others may prefer. Still, I'm really having a really hard time describing this dac as lacking warmth, it just may more easily found with inherently more forgiving, intentionally warmer dacs. I'd suggest that would be dac with less resolving capabilities.  Or could be one with equally high resolving capability, but rounder, more prominent bass or rolled off highs.